Saab / Bombardier GlobalEye
Summary
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇸🇪 Sweden |
| Manufacturer | Saab / Bombardier |
| First flight | 14 March 2018 |
| Year introduced | 2020 |
| Number produced | 5 units |
| Average unit price | $350 million |
Technical specifications
| Version: Bombardier Global 6000 | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 2 |
| Operational range | 11,000 km (6,835 mi) |
| Endurance | 11 hours |
| Maximum speed | 1110 km/h (690 mph) |
| Wing area | 94.9 m² (1021.5 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 29 m (95.1 ft) |
| Height | 7.8 m (25.5 ft) |
| Length | 30.3 m (99.4 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 16,000 m (52,493 ft) |
| Empty weight | 23,690 kg (52,227 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 45,100 kg (99,428 lbs) |
| Takeoff distance | 2,000 m (6,562 ft) |
| Powerplant | 2 x BR700-710D5-21 delivering 6690 kgf each |
Current operating countries
All operators
Description
The SAAB GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) program was officially launched in February 2016. The system builds on Saab's experience with its Erieye radar, which had previously been integrated onto other airframes. For the GlobalEye, SAAB partners with Bombardier, utilizing the Global 6000/6500 long-range business jet as the base platform. Aircraft are delivered to Saab's facility in Linköping, Sweden, for extensive modification. This process includes strengthening the airframe and wing to accommodate the dorsal radar, adding an extended tailfin and ventral strakes to maintain aerodynamic stability, and installing additional power and cooling systems. The first GlobalEye was unveiled in February 2018 and achieved its maiden flight on March 14, 2018, commencing a successful flight test program.
The GlobalEye is a multi-role surveillance platform defined by its advanced sensor suite. Its primary sensor is the SAAB Erieye ER (Extended Range) radar, a one-tonne AESA radar mounted atop the fuselage, capable of detecting targets up to 550 km away at an altitude of 35,000 feet. This enhanced performance is attributed to the use of gallium nitride transmit/receive modules. The aircraft is also equipped with a Leonardo Seaspray 7500E maritime surveillance radar and an electro-optical/infrared sensor housed beneath the forward fuselage. Onboard, a command and control suite features five operator stations, but the aircraft can also stream sensor data to ground-based personnel. It can simultaneously conduct air, sea, and land surveillance missions with an endurance of up to eleven hours. For survivability, the platform is fitted with a self-protection suite comprising laser and radar warning receivers and countermeasures dispensers.
The first operational user of the GlobalEye is the United Arab Emirates Air Force, which placed its initial order in November 2015 for what it designates the Swing Role Surveillance System (SRSS). The first aircraft was delivered in April 2020, with subsequent deliveries completing its five-aircraft fleet by September 2024. The UAE views the aircraft as a significant force multiplier, capable of tasks including the detection of ballistic missiles. The Swedish Air Force is also a future operator, having placed an order for three aircraft in 2022 and 2024 to be designated S 106, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. France also announced in June 2025 the order of 2 aircrafts, with an option for 2 additional.