TORONTO — Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on May 27, 2026, that his government has entered negotiations to procure Saab’s Airborne Early Warning & Control Aircraft. The aircraft, known as the GlobalEye, is built on the Canadian-manufactured Bombardier Global 6500 platform.

Canada will acquire the radar-equipped planes from Sweden’s Saab and Canada’s Bombardier, selecting them over two American alternatives: Boeing’s E-7A Wedgetail and the Aeris X by L3Harris. The federal government has previously indicated it intends to purchase six such aircraft for the Canadian Armed Forces.

“Saab’s GlobalEye will be a key resource for the Canadian Armed Forces to detect and deter threats across the Arctic.” Carney said. The aircraft are equipped with powerful radar systems capable of monitoring aircraft and missile movements over hundreds of miles, and can detect hostile activity from both air and sea while directing fighter jets to their targets.

Carney has emphasized diversifying Canadian military procurement away from the United States. He has previously stated that no more than 70 cents of every dollar in Canadian military capital spending should go to the U.S. “As the GlobalEye is based on the Canadian Bombardier Global 6500 platform, GlobalEye is already creating jobs in Canada and working with the Canadian supply chain.” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said.

The GlobalEye contains approximately 20% U.S. content. Carney has also cited increased domestic production as a factor in defense decisions, noting the potential for more assembly and maintenance work to occur in Canada. A Saab proposal for its Gripen fighter jet included plans for Canadian-based assembly and maintenance.

The Canadian government is also reviewing its planned acquisition of U.S. F-35 fighter jets to consider other options. Canada joined a major European Union defense fund in 2025. NATO is separately evaluating the Saab GlobalEye as a potential asset, also considering it over American surveillance aircraft.