BRUSSELS — NATO allies have jointly decided to acquire Saab GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft. The alliance announced a joint procurement of up to 10 of these aircraft to replace its aging E-3 Sentry surveillance planes under the initial Allied Future Surveillance and Control project.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated, "Today we are announcing the joint procurement of up to 10 Saab GlobalEyes." Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said, "By 2027, we will see these GlobalEyes operating from Swedish bases."

Saab CEO Micael Johansson said, "Saab could meet NATO's planned operational target of 2031 for the E-3 successor." Johansson added, "Saab is investing to deliver more GlobalEye aircrafts per year from the Swedish hub in Gothenburg." He also noted, "There is an option for another two in that contract that we're discussing."

A group of NATO allies had previously withdrawn from a planned purchase of Boeing E-7A Wedgetail aircraft five months before this announcement. NATO had initially committed to buying six Boeing E-7A Wedgetail aircraft under the former Allied Future Surveillance and Control plan. The GlobalEye aircraft is designed to offer airborne, maritime, and ground surveillance from a single platform, and it integrates an Erieye ER radar capable of operating in severe clutter and jamming environments.

Saab GlobalEye aircraft have previously secured orders from France, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates. Canada opened talks with Saab in May to negotiate a planned GlobalEye acquisition. Paris finalized a deal in December to buy two GlobalEye aircraft valued at 12.3 billion Swedish Kroner. Germany and Poland have also shown interest in the GlobalEye aircraft.