France is reportedly in the final phases of acquiring Saab’s GlobalEye surveillance aircraft in a significant move to modernize its airborne early warning and control capabilities. This acquisition, which is estimated to cost a minimum of 230 million euros, is expected to complement and gradually replace the older fleet of the E-3F Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System that is currently in operation by the French Air and Space Force.
The E3-F has been in service since 1991 and is currently stationed at Avord Air Base 702. The E-3F Sentry is a critical asset that is capable of detection, control, deterrence, protection, intervention, and command. It has a detection range of 400 kilometers and can remain airborne for up to 12 hours.
According to Intelligence Online, the agreement would mark a significant shift in France’s aerial surveillance strategy. The GlobalEye is built from a modified Bombardier Global 6000 business jet and is equipped with the Erieye active electronically scanned array radar and state-of-the-art sensors. This radar, with its capability to detect and track targets over 550 kilometers away across air, sea, and land domains, demonstrates a leap in technological superiority over the older E-3Fs.
This procurement is in line with France’s overarching defense modernization initiatives. A multi-year upgrade initiative is currently underway for the current E-3F AWACS fleet, which is expected to remain operational until at least 2035. Boeing was awarded a $38 million contract in 2017 to improve the electronic warfare capabilities, improve communications, and implement new open architecture mission systems on these aircraft.
The GlobalEye is not merely a replacement but a significant step forward. It is anticipated that it will serve as a bridge between the current E-3F fleet and future surveillance requirements, with an anticipated arrival in the next five to six years. This acquisition also represents a heightened level of Franco-Swedish defense cooperation, which is indicative of a more general trend toward European strategic autonomy in defense matters.
The agreement is anticipated to serve as a focal point during the French President’s forthcoming state visit to Sweden. Discussions are also anticipated to extend beyond this procurement, potentially examining Swedish involvement in France’s Future Air Combat System (SCAF) program.
The move underlines France’s determination to the preservation of comprehensive airborne early warning and control capabilities in the future as geopolitical tensions continue to develop. The integration of the GlobalEye with the modernized E-3F fleet will considerably improve France’s capacity to conduct surveillance and control operations across multiple domains, thereby solidifying its status as a critical player in European defense.
Saab’s GlobalEye was also a contender for NATO’s AWACS fleet replacement; however, the alliance ultimately selected the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail as its next-generation command and control aircraft on November 15, 2023.
