France announces intention to procure GlobalEye from Saab
In June, Saab and the French defence procurement agency, Direction générale de l'armement (DGA), signed a joint declaration of intent regarding the sale of Saab’s GlobalEye Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to France, including ground equipment, training and support.
The joint declaration of intent, which was signed today at the Paris Air Show, includes DGA’s intention to procure two GlobalEye aircraft from Saab. The joint declaration of intent also includes an option for DGA to purchase two additional aircraft.
GlobalEye is an advanced multi-domain AEW&C solution with an array of active and passive sensors that provide long-range detection and identification of objects in the air, at sea and over land. By providing real-time information to air forces, armies and navies, GlobalEye enables enhanced situational awareness of the surrounding areas and early detection of threats.
A strategic national asset
As a command centre, the true strength of GlobalEye becomes evident when all multi-domain-produced information is uploaded, combined and fused. The massive amount of data managed by GlobalEye needs to be processed quickly and efficiently to enable instant identification of patterns and deviations that may affect the course of events. AI-functionality and machine learning allow for powerful real-time data analysis and constitute a strong complement to the intelligence that is built into the command-and-control system.
The connectivity of GlobalEye across all the domains creates unique tactical, operational and strategic benefits, providing commanders with powerful decision support and enabling them to establish and share a trusted, consistent and real-time recognised situational picture. At an operational altitude of more than 35,000 feet, the airborne multi-domain solution can detect, identify and track very large amounts of different objects and signals at distances of up 650 km. As an airborne ultra-long range sensor system, GlobalEye can warn and command other sensors in the network and, through this, extend the time for planning and implementation of countermeasures.
Collaboration is key
GlobalEye is adapted to the specific needs of every customer, with individual requirements considered during the design and project planning phases. Saab’s engineers and technicians work closely with each customer’s team to provide full transparency at all stages of the manufacturing process. This collaborative approach helps reduce any potential future issues with GlobalEye, as service teams on both sides are familiar with the inner workings of the product, reducing any downtime.
GlobalEye AEW&C
The collaboration between Saab and its customers ensures all agreed features are implemented in accordance with the customer’s confidentiality requirements. The customer is able to check and sign off work at all stages, decreasing the need for re-work at a later stage. This helps speed up the production process, allowing GlobalEye to be completed, delivered and in the air within a very attractive timeframe.