Saab GlobalEye for Denmark?
April 16, 2025
In its Vårändringsbudget för 2025 (the Spring amending budget for 2025) Bill, published on 15 April, the Swedish Ministry of Finance proposed a number of changes relating to central government expenditure for the 2025 budget year. These included a Government proposal to sell up to four Saab S106 GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft to Denmark.
Sweden has enjoyed a long-term defence co-operation with Denmark, which has a requirement to expand its capabilities in airborne radar surveillance. In order to satisfy Denmark’s demand for a government-to-government deal, it is proposed that the Riksdag should authorize the Government to enter into an agreement with Denmark for the sale of up to four S106 GlobalEye aircraft and associated support equipment.
This would mean that the Swedish state would undertake to order and deliver the S106 GlobalEye aircraft and other support equipment, with the revenue from the sale covering the state’s costs.
Like a US DSCA notification to Congress, this does not mean that a sale has been agreed, it merely ‘pre-authorises’ and lays the groundwork for an eventual contract.
The sale of four GlobalEyes to Denmark would represent a major boost to the programme, with just five aircraft delivered to the UAE, and three on order for Sweden.
In 2024 Finland revealed that it was considering seconding staff to the Swedish GlobalEye unit with a view to a future purchase if and when funding becomes available, and in January 2025 Pål Jonson the Swedish Minister for Defence said that discussions were underway for a potential joint purchase of the GlobalEye for both Denmark and Finland.
With growing concern as to the reliability of the US as a strategic partner and arms supplier (especially among European NATO nations), a window of opportunity may be opening for the GlobalEye among nations that might once have seemed likely to buy the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail.
