Canada and Saab set terms for talks on six GlobalEye aircraft

Canada has moved a step closer to acquiring six Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft, but has yet to place an order.

Saab said on 25 September that it had signed a non-binding term sheet with Canada’s Defence Investment Agency. The document sets the scope for detailed negotiations covering the aircraft’s configuration, training and support, industrial participation and delivery of the programme. It does not commit Canada to buying the aircraft.

Saab GlobalEye for Canada’s Arctic surveillance

The agreement follows Canada’s selection of Saab as its preferred supplier in May. Ottawa wants an aircraft able to detect and track threats at long range, particularly across the Arctic and other remote approaches, and to strengthen its contribution to NORAD.

GlobalEye combines Saab’s Erieye Extended Range radar and other sensors with a command and control system aboard a Bombardier Global 6500 business jet.

The Canadian-built airframe is also important for the industrial discussions: Canada has identified opportunities for domestic aircraft conversion, mission-system integration and skilled aerospace work.

The term sheet gives those negotiations a framework, but the aircraft’s final configuration, the extent of Canadian work and any purchase contract remain to be settled.