NATO Plans to Replace Aging AWACS Fleet with Saab GlobalEye Aircraft

Post by : Saif

NATO is preparing to replace its aging fleet of U.S.-built Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft with Saab's GlobalEye surveillance jets, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

The decision is expected to be officially announced during the NATO Summit in Ankara on July 7–8, marking one of the alliance's most significant modernization projects in decades.

The move could also draw attention in Washington, as U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged NATO allies to purchase more American-made defense equipment.

Saab GlobalEye Chosen Over Boeing Rival

According to the sources, NATO has selected Saab's GlobalEye aircraft over Boeing's E-7 Wedgetail to replace its current fleet.

A NATO spokesperson confirmed that a decision regarding the AWACS replacement would be announced at the Ankara summit but declined to reveal additional details.

Saab also declined to comment on the reports.

AWACS Fleet Has Served NATO Since 1982

NATO's current fleet consists of 14 AWACS aircraft, which entered service in 1982.

The aircraft are easily recognized by their large radar domes mounted above the fuselage and have played a critical role in airborne surveillance and command operations for more than four decades.

Based at Geilenkirchen Air Base in Germany, the fleet has supported missions across:

• Eastern Europe
• Afghanistan
• Iraq
• The Balkans
• Major international security operations

The aircraft have also played an important role in monitoring NATO's eastern flank following Russia's war in Ukraine.

GlobalEye Offers Multi-Domain Surveillance

Saab's GlobalEye entered operational service in 2018.

Built on the Bombardier Global 6500 business jet platform, the aircraft is designed to detect and track threats across:

• Air
• Land
• Sea

The system combines advanced radar, surveillance and command capabilities into a single platform.

If finalized, Geilenkirchen Air Base could become home to the world's largest fleet of GlobalEye aircraft.

Boeing E-7 Program Lost Momentum

GlobalEye competed against Boeing's E-7 Wedgetail, another airborne early warning and command aircraft.

NATO reportedly dropped plans to acquire the E-7 after the U.S. Pentagon reduced its own planned purchase of the aircraft in 2025 and shifted greater focus toward satellite-based surveillance capabilities.

Although the U.S. Defense Department later sought to restore funding for the program, NATO sources say the alliance has now chosen the Swedish alternative.

Purchase Could Be NATO's Largest GlobalEye Order

The exact number of aircraft NATO plans to purchase has not yet been disclosed.

However, officials indicated the order is expected to exceed Canada's recent purchase of six GlobalEye aircraft, currently the largest order for the platform.

The final fleet size may depend on whether NATO selects versions equipped with air-to-air refueling capability, allowing aircraft to remain on surveillance missions for extended periods.

Strategic Importance for NATO

Unlike equipment owned by individual member states, NATO's AWACS aircraft are directly owned and operated by the alliance.

The fleet is crewed by personnel from 21 of NATO's 32 member countries.

These aircraft provide:

• Long-range radar surveillance.
• Airspace monitoring.
• Command and control for allied operations.
• Coordination of fighter aircraft and naval assets.
• Early warning of potential threats.

Replacing the aging fleet is expected to strengthen NATO's surveillance and operational capabilities for years to come.

The official announcement is anticipated during the NATO Summit in Ankara, where alliance leaders are also expected to discuss defense spending, military modernization and regional security challenges.

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