Canada, Saab to enter full negotiations for six GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft
Development follows May announcement of Saab as preferred supplier for new surveillance capability.
Canada intends to acquire six Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, with Ottawa set to advance into full negotiations to purchase the type.
Announcing the latest development on 25 September, Saab says it has signed a ‘term-sheet agreement’ with Canada’s Defence Investment Agency, “establishing the scope and foundation for detailed negotiations”.
The Canadian government in May 2026 announced the GlobalEye as its preferred choice for establishing the nation’s first airborne early warning capability. It did not indicate at that time how many of the heavily adapted Bombardier Global 6500 business jets it wanted to field.
“Under the proposed programme, Canada intends to acquire six GlobalEye aircraft, including associated systems, training and support,” Saab says. The company has previously signed a cooperation agreement with Canada’s CAE covering activities such as pilot and mission training in support of a future purchase.
“The discussions will focus on a system configuration reflecting Canada’s operational requirements, as well as industrial participation, capability development and programme evolution,” Saab adds.
“The term-sheet agreement reflects the strong collaboration between Saab and Canada and establishes a clear framework for the next phase of our engagement,” says Saab chief executive Micael Johansson.
“With a well-defined scope in place, we are well positioned to continue discussions and demonstrate how Saab’s proven and highly capable AEW&C solution can meet Canada’s requirements,” he adds.
The Royal Canadian Air Force will introduce its first of six Global 6500 transports in mid-2027. Source: Bombardier
Notably, the Royal Canadian Air Force already has an existing order for six Global 6500s, with those assets to be employed for VIP and other transport duties, including aeromedical evacuation and disaster relief.
Deliveries of the multi-mission jets are due to commence in the middle of next year, under a December 2025 contract worth around $400 million.
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