In February 2016, Swedish defence company Saab announced the launch of a programme to integrate a variant of their Erieye radar system upon the CanadianBombardier Global 6000, a long range business jet, to produce a specialised airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) aircraft. This platform is commonly referred to as GlobalEye.[4] Saab stated that the launch was in response to expressions of interest from potential customers.[5]
Prior to the development of the GlobalEye, Saab had fitted the Erieye onto several separate AEW platforms, including the SwedishSaab 340 AEW&C and the BrazilianEmbraer R-99.[6] To facilitate the programme, Saab secured a supplemental type certificate, authorising the modification of the existing Global 6000 to the GlobalEye configuration.[7]
The manufacturing process involves the delivery of completed Global 6000s to Saab's facility in Linköping, where they undergo an extensive conversion process.[7] Modifications include the strengthening of both the airframe and wing, enabling the carriage of the Erieye radar, along with other sensors and wingtip-mounted equipment for electronic warfare purposes. Aerodynamic changes include the adoption of an extended tailfin, along with several ventral strakes located beneath the rear fuselage.[7] Additional power and cooling equipment is fitted. To improve survivability, a self-protection suite comprising laser and radar warning receivers, as well as countermeasures dispensers, is installed.[7] In early 2018, Saab observed that it could produce up to three GlobalEyes per year, and could begin deliveries within three years of receiving a contract.[7]
On 23 February 2018, Saab unveiled the first GlobalEye surveillance aircraft.[8] Days later, it began ground testing in advance of the type's first flight.[7] On 14 March 2018, the first GlobalEye conducted its maiden flight from Linköping. Flown by Saab experimental test pilot Magnus Fredriksson, this first flight lasted for 1 hour and 46 minutes.[9][10] By July 2018, the flight test programme was focused on expanding the aircraft's flight envelope. According to Saab's vice-president of airborne surveillance systems Lars Tossman, the first aircraft was being flown "more or less every day", and that no surprises had been uncovered during these flights.[11] In January 2019, the second aircraft performed its first flight.[12] In May 2019, it neared the end of the flight testing phase relating to certification.[13]
Design
The primary sensor of the GlobalEye is its Erieye ER airborne early warning (AEW) radar. Weighing approximately 1 tonne, it is mounted atop the twinjet's fuselage.[7] Saab has cited up to 450 km (216 nm) range for the AEW radar system when flown at an operating altitude of 30,000 ft,[14] and 550 km at 35,000 ft.[15] In comparison with earlier versions of the Erieye radar, Saab claims it has achieved a 70% increase in detection range, achieved via the use of new technology, such as gallium nitride transmit/receive modules.[7] According to Saab Group, the GlobalEye is capable of detecting and tracking a combination of airborne and surface targets, the latter on both land and sea, while mission times of up to eleven hours in duration are possible.[16]
The GlobalEye can be operated without any onboard operators, streaming its surveillance output to ground-based stations instead. GlobalEye can simultaneously perform airborne, maritime and ground surveillance duties.[18][7][19][20] It has been offered with three layers of capability: the baseline AESA and C2 system for air, land and sea surveillance, along with some electronic intelligence functions; a version with additional infrared and sea-search functionality; and one with a dedicated signals intelligence (SIGINT) system.[4]
Operational history
In November 2015, the United Arab Emirates ordered the system, which it refers to as the Swing Role Surveillance System (SRSS), as part of a US$1.27 billion deal.[21][22] In February 2017, the UAE exercised an option to procure an additional third GlobalEye in a deal worth US$238 million.[23][24] According to UAE air force chief Ibrahim Naser Al Alawi, the GlobalEye should be a "strong force multiplier...an early warning radar which is capable also of detecting ballistic missiles, and to cover the whole domain as an air power".[7]
By May 2019, lead elements, including ground control stations, had been delivered to the UAE.[13] The UAE took delivery of its first GlobalEye per schedule in April 2020[25][26] the second delivery in September 2020,[27] and the third delivery in February 2021.[28] In January 2021, Saab announced that it had received a follow on contract from the UAE for the supply of two more GlobalEye systems, valued at US$1.018 billion and scheduled for delivery by 2025.[29]
The United Arab Emirates Air Force operates 4 GlobalEye aircraft, with an additional 1 on order, scheduled for delivery in 2025, at a total cost of 23 billion SEK.[30][31] In November 2023, SAAB announced the maiden flight of the fifth and final GlobalEye for the UAE air force, which was delivered in September 2024.[32][33]
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) signed a contract with SAAB for the acquisition of 2 GlobalEye aircraft in June 2022 for a value of 7.3 billion SEK (US$710 million). The contract includes the option to procure up to 2 additional GlobalEye aircraft.[34][35]
In June 2024 FMV exercised the option for a third GlobalEye aircraft to help replace the two Saab 340 AEW&C donated to Ukraine.[36][37]
The aircraft will be delivered from 2027, and will be designated S 106 in the Swedish Air Force.
Potential order of an AEW&C aircraft considered by Canada, a budget of USD 3.65 billion is mentioned. The E-7 Wedgetail is one of the other competitor considered.[38][39]
Finland in 2024 revealed it was considering seconding staff to the Swedish GlobalEye unit with a view to a future purchase if funding becomes available. [40]
Presented by SAAB to the French Air Force as a replacement for its existing Boeing E-3 Sentry fleet. In January 2024 Sweden and France signed a renewed strategic innovation partnership, which among other things emphasized the willingness of both countries to increase cooperation in the field of air surveillance.[41][42]
Saab and KAI (Korea Aerospace Industries) signed a memorandum of understanding in October 2024 for industrial cooperation and transfer of technology regarding the AEW&C II programme for the South Korean Air Force.[45]
In 2020, Saab was offering two GlobalEye aircraft in addition to 64 Gripen E/F as part of its bid for the Finnish HX Fighter Program.[46] From 30 January to 6 February 2020 GlobalEye participated in HX Challenge flight evaluations, flying to Finland from Linköping in Sweden, with a Finnish Air Force delegation on board.[47]
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