At the Paris Air Show, Saab and France’s defence procurement agency (DGA) signed a joint declaration of intent regarding France’s planned acquisition of the GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. The agreement outlines DGA’s intention to purchase two GlobalEye aircraft, with an option for two more, alongside related ground systems, training, and long-term support.
While the declaration represents a major step forward, no final contract has yet been signed, and Saab has not officially received an order. A formal notification and procurement process is expected to be completed in the coming months.
Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, welcomed the announcement, saying:
“This marks a significant move to strengthen France’s situational awareness and threat detection across air, land, and sea. GlobalEye will ensure France maintains sovereign control over its airborne early warning and control capabilities.”
GlobalEye is a multi-domain AEW&C platform that integrates active and passive sensors to deliver long-range detection and identification across varied terrains and environments. It provides real-time intelligence to air, land, and naval forces, allowing for early threat detection and enhanced operational awareness.
This procurement would bolster France’s strategic surveillance capabilities, providing greater autonomy and interoperability in future NATO or EU missions.
