GlobalEye. GlobalEye is a multi-role airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) platform from Swedish defence and security company Saab. GlobalEye consists of a suite of sensors using Saab's Erieye ER (Extended Range) radar and mission system, installed in the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 long-range business jet.

Development 

In February 2016, Swedish defence company Saab announced the launch of a programme to integrate a variant of their Erieye radar system upon the Canadian Bombardier Global 6000, a long range business jet, to produce a specialised airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) aircraft. This platform is commonly referred to as GlobalEye. Saab stated that the launch was in response to expressions of interest from potential customers. 

Prior to the development of the GlobalEye, Saab had fitted the Erieye onto several separate AEW platforms, including the Swedish Saab 340 AEW&C and the Brazilian Embraer R-99. To facilitate the programme, Saab secured a supplemental type certificate, authorising the modification of the existing Global 6000 to the GlobalEye configuration.

The manufacturing process involves the delivery of completed Global 6000s to Saab's facility in Linköping, where they undergo an extensive conversion process. Modifications include the strengthening of both the airframe and wing, enabling the carriage of the Erieye radar, along with other sensors and wingtip-mounted equipment for electronic warfare purposes. Aerodynamic changes include the adoption of an extended tailfin, along with several ventral strakes located beneath the rear fuselage. Additional power and cooling equipment is fitted. To improve survivability, a self-protection suite comprising laser and radar warning receivers, as well as countermeasures dispensers, is installed. In early 2018, Saab observed that it could produce up to three GlobalEyes per year, and could begin deliveries within three years of receiving a contract.

On 23 February 2018, Saab unveiled the first GlobalEye surveillance aircraft. Days later, it began ground testing in advance of the type's first flight. On 14 March 2018, the first GlobalEye conducted its maiden flight from Linköping. Flown by Saab experimental test pilot Magnus Fredriksson, this first flight lasted for 1 hour and 46 minutes. By July 2018, the flight test programme was focused on expanding the aircraft's flight envelope. According to Saab's vice-president of airborne surveillance systems Lars Tossman, the first aircraft was being flown "more or less every day", and that no surprises had been uncovered during these flights. In January 2019, the second aircraft performed its first flight. In May 2019, it neared the end of the flight testing phase relating to certification.

Design 

The primary sensor of the GlobalEye is its Erieye ER airborne early warning (AEW) radar. Weighing approximately 1 tonne, it is mounted atop the twinjet's fuselage. Saab has cited up to 450 km (216 nm) range for the AEW radar system when flown at an operating altitude of 30,000 ft, and 550 km at 35,000 ft. In comparison with earlier versions of the Erieye radar, Saab claims it has achieved a 70% increase in detection range, achieved via the use of new technology, such as gallium nitride transmit/receive modules. According to Saab Group, the GlobalEye is capable of detecting and tracking a combination of airborne and surface targets, the latter on both land and sea, while mission times of up to eleven hours in duration are possible.

In addition to the AEW radar, the GlobalEye is equipped with additional sensors. These include the Seaspray 7500E maritime surveillance radar, provided by Italian defence conglomerate Leonardo. The Seaspray radar features synthetic-aperture radar and ground-oriented moving target indication modes. The GlobalEye also has an electro-optical/infrared sensor, which is situated underneath the forward fuselage. Other mission equipment includes data links, voice and satellite communications and a command and control suite, the latter comprising five onboard operator stations. 

The GlobalEye can be operated without any onboard operators, streaming its surveillance output to ground-based stations instead. GlobalEye can simultaneously perform airborne, maritime and ground surveillance duties. It has been offered with three layers of capability: the baseline AESA and C2 system for air, land and sea surveillance, along with some electronic intelligence functions; a version with additional infrared and sea-search functionality; and one with a dedicated signals intelligence (SIGINT) system.

Operational history 

In November 2015, the United Arab Emirates ordered the system, which it refers to as the Swing Role Surveillance System (SRSS), as part of a US$1.27 billion deal. In February 2017, the UAE exercised an option to procure an additional third GlobalEye in a deal worth US$238 million. According to UAE air force chief Ibrahim Naser Al Alawi, the GlobalEye should be a "strong force multiplier...an early warning radar which is capable also of detecting ballistic missiles, and to cover the whole domain as an air power". 

By May 2019, lead elements, including ground control stations, had been delivered to the UAE. The UAE took delivery of its first GlobalEye per schedule in April 2020 the second delivery in September 2020, and the third delivery in February 2021. In January 2021, Saab announced that it had received a follow on contract from the UAE for the supply of two more GlobalEye systems,  valued at US$1.018 billion. In September 2024 Saab announced that the fifth and final GlobalEye had been delivered to the UAE Air Force.

Operators

Current operators

  (5 in service)
 The United Arab Emirates Air Force operates 5 GlobalEye aircraft which were delivered between 2020-2024 at a total cost of 23 billion SEK.

Future operators

  (3 on order)
 The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) signed a contract with SAAB for the acquisition of 2 GlobalEye aircraft in June 2022 for a value of 7.3 billion SEK (US$710 million). The contract includes the option to procure up to 2 additional GlobalEye aircraft. 
 In June 2024 FMV exercised the option for a third GlobalEye aircraft to help replace the two Saab 340 AEW&C donated to Ukraine.
 The aircraft will be delivered from 2027, and will be designated S 106 in the Swedish Air Force.

Potential operators

 
 Potential order of an AEW&C aircraft considered by Canada, a budget of USD 3.65 billion is mentioned. The E-7 Wedgetail is one of the other competitors considered.

 and 
 Finland in 2024 revealed it was considering seconding staff to the Swedish GlobalEye unit with a view to a future purchase if funding becomes available.
 In January 2025 Swedish Minister for Defence Pål Jonson stated that discussions were ongoing for a potential joint purchase of GlobalEye with both Denmark and Finland.

 
 Presented by SAAB to the French Air Force as a replacement for its existing Boeing E-3 Sentry fleet. In January 2024 Sweden and France signed a renewed strategic innovation partnership which, among other things, emphasized the willingness of both countries to increase cooperation in the field of air surveillance.

 
 Presented by SAAB to the Hellenic Air Force as a replacement for its existing Erieye fleet.

 Saab and KAI (Korea Aerospace Industries) signed a memorandum of understanding in October 2024 for industrial cooperation and transfer of technology regarding the AEW&C II programme for the South Korean Air Force.

Failed bids 

 
 In 2020, Saab was offering two GlobalEye aircraft in addition to 64 Gripen E/F as part of its bid for the Finnish HX Fighter Program. From 30 January to 6 February 2020 GlobalEye participated in HX Challenge flight evaluations, flying to Finland from Linköping in Sweden, with a Finnish Air Force delegation on board.

 
 In February 2023, SAAB announced that it had responded to a request for information from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, regarding the replacement of its current fleet of E-3 Sentry aircraft. In November 2023, NATO decided to procure the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail.

References

Aircraft radars
Military radars of Sweden
Saab
AWACS aircraft