Canada to Open Negotiations with Saab for Six GlobalEye Early Warning Aircraft (opex360.com)

• Canada selects Saab GlobalEye for AEW&C capability
• Decision driven by geopolitical tensions with U.S.
• Saab offers technology transfer and use of Canadian Bombardier platform

"Canada has announced it will open negotiations with Swedish defense firm Saab to procure six GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. The decision follows a C$5.5 billion program launched after a 2024 strategic defense review. Initially favoring the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, Canada shifted due to deteriorating U.S. relations and a desire for strategic autonomy under Prime Minister Mark Carney. Saab's GlobalEye uses the Canadian-built Bombardier Global 6000/6500 airframe, and the company agreed to share intellectual property and transfer technology to Canada. The competing L3Harris Aeris X, using Israeli radar, was likely disadvantaged by Canada's 2024 suspension of arms export licenses to Israel."