The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially taken delivery of its fifth and final GlobalEye long-range detection aircraft from Saab, a prominent Swedish defense firm. This delivery marks a significant achievement for Saab, reinforcing its position as a leader in airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems.
The partnership commenced in 2015 when the UAE contracted Saab for three GlobalEye aircraft, with the option for two additional units. In 2021, the UAE opted to exercise this option, culminating in a fleet of five aircraft.
This acquisition, valued at over $1 billion, includes the aircraft as well as the integration of advanced multi-domain surveillance systems to enhance the UAE’s defense capabilities. Deliveries commenced in 2020 and concluded in 2024.
The integration of these five GlobalEye aircraft markedly improves the UAE’s situational awareness. Equipped with an extensive suite of sensors for monitoring air, land, and maritime environments, these aircraft enable long-range threat detection and facilitate real-time information sharing with UAE defense forces. The operational strategy ensures continuous surveillance, with at least one aircraft always in the air, thereby strengthening national security and enhancing threat response.
Besides the UAE, Sweden is the only other operator of the GlobalEye AEW&C system. Sweden initially ordered two aircraft in 2022, with deliveries scheduled from 2027 to 2029. In June 2024, Sweden expanded its order to include a third aircraft, replacing aging Saab 340 AEW&C units that are being donated to Ukraine. These acquisitions are vital for Sweden’s air defense strategy, bolstering its capabilities in monitoring various domains.
Saab is exploring opportunities with additional countries, including Canada, France, Poland, and South Korea, although no confirmed orders have yet been finalized. Furthermore, Saab is promoting a potential collaborative Nordic AEW&C capability involving Denmark, Finland, and Norway, illustrating the system’s expanding international appeal.
The GlobalEye AEW&C system is based on the Bombardier Global 6000 business jet, integrating state-of-the-art radar technology with a suite of multi-domain sensors. Central to its functionality is the Erieye Extended Range (ER) radar, an AESA radar capable of detecting and tracking targets across air, sea, and land up to 650 kilometers away. Positioned on the aircraft’s dorsal side, it provides comprehensive 360-degree coverage, enabling the detection of low-flying and stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, and small maritime targets.
In addition to the Erieye radar, the GlobalEye employs a range of passive and active sensors, including infrared and electro-optical systems, which allow for real-time data fusion. This capability enables simultaneous monitoring across multiple domains, ensuring instant data relay to defense forces, thus enhancing situational awareness and responsiveness. With a flight endurance of up to 11 hours, GlobalEye is well-suited for long-range surveillance and control missions, supporting both peacetime and active conflict scenarios.
The UAE has previously utilized other AEW&C systems, such as the E-2C Hawkeye, acquired in the 1980s. Known for its distinctive radar dome, the Hawkeye has played a critical role in early airborne threat detection and command-and-control functions. However, with the advent of more advanced systems like the GlobalEye, the UAE is now focused on modernizing its airborne early warning capabilities to incorporate more sophisticated technology that aligns with its evolving defense needs.
