Netherlands moves to buy Saab’s GlobalEye surveillance aircraft

The Netherlands has signed a Letter of Intent with Sweden to acquire a Saab GlobalEye aircraft, but no contract has been signed and Saab has yet to receive an order

By Jesper Lesager

September 10, 2026 8:26 AM

The Netherlands has signed a Letter of Intent with Sweden to acquire a Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft, according to a press release.

The announcement is not yet a contract, and Saab has not received an order from the Netherlands.

The Swedish defence company said it is awaiting the next steps in the procurement process.

Saab said that the system would provide the Netherlands with improved situational awareness and early-warning capabilities while strengthening NATO’s ability to operate in a more complex security environment.

GlobalEye is a multi-domain airborne early warning and control system equipped with active and passive sensors. It is designed to detect and identify objects at long range in the air, at sea and over land.

The system provides real-time information to air forces, armies and navies, allowing them to detect threats earlier and respond faster, Saab said.

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