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The United Arab Emirates has officially received its fifth and final GlobalEye long-range detection aircraft from Saab, a renowned Swedish defense and security company. Carl-Johan Bergholm, the head of Saab’s Surveillance business area, highlighted that this milestone further cements Saab’s leadership in airborne early warning and control systems.
The journey began in 2015 when the UAE signed its initial contract with Saab for three GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control [AEW&C] aircraft, with an option for two more. Fast forward to 2021, the UAE exercised this option, increasing its fleet to a total of five aircraft.
Valued at over $1 billion, this acquisition encompassed not only the aircraft but also the integration of cutting-edge multi-domain surveillance systems aimed at enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities. Deliveries kicked off in 2020 and concluded in 2024 with the final aircraft handover.
The addition of these five GlobalEye aircraft significantly boosts the UAE’s situational awareness. These aircraft come equipped with a powerful array of sensors that monitor air, land, and sea, allowing for long-range threat detection and real-time information sharing with the UAE’s defense forces. This fleet ensures continuous surveillance by having one aircraft always airborne or multiple aircraft operating in shorter shifts, thereby bolstering national security and improving the response to potential threats.
Besides the UAE, Sweden is currently the only other operator of the Saab GlobalEye AEW&C system. Initially, Sweden ordered two GlobalEye aircraft in 2022, with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 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 GlobalEye aircraft are integral to Sweden’s future air defense strategy, enhancing its capabilities to monitor air, sea, and land domains with advanced long-range detection features.
Saab is also looking into opportunities with other nations such as Canada, France, Poland, and South Korea, although no confirmed orders have been placed yet. Additionally, Saab has been promoting a potential joint Nordic AEW&C capability involving Denmark, Finland, and Norway, highlighting the system’s growing global appeal.
The GlobalEye AEW&C [Airborne Early Warning & Control] system, crafted by Saab, is based on the Bombardier Global 6000 business jet. This advanced system merges cutting-edge radar technology with a suite of multi-domain sensors. Central to its capabilities is the Erieye Extended Range [ER] radar, an AESA [Active Electronically Scanned Array] radar. This radar can detect and track air, sea, and land targets up to 650 kilometers away. Positioned on the aircraft’s dorsal side, it offers 360-degree coverage, enabling the detection of low-flying and stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, and even small maritime targets.
Beyond the Erieye radar, GlobalEye employs a collection of passive and active sensors, including infrared and electro-optical systems, facilitating real-time data fusion. This system can monitor multiple domains simultaneously and relay data to defense forces instantly, enhancing situational awareness and response capabilities. With a flight endurance of up to 11 hours, GlobalEye is ideal for long-range surveillance and control missions, supporting both peacetime operations and active conflict scenarios.
Additionally, the UAE has utilized other AEW&C systems such as the E-2C Hawkeye. Acquired in the 1980s, the E-2C Hawkeye is known for its unique radar dome mounted above the fuselage. This aircraft has played a vital role in providing early detection of airborne threats and command-and-control functions over extensive ranges.
Over the years, the Hawkeye fleet has been integral to numerous military exercises and operations, playing a crucial role in joint missions and regional surveillance. However, as more advanced systems like the GlobalEye have emerged, the UAE is now focused on upgrading its airborne early warning and control capabilities, aiming to integrate more sophisticated technology that aligns with its evolving defense requirements.
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