France has taken a major step toward modernising its airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) capabilities by signing a contract with Swedish defence company Saab for the GlobalEye surveillance aircraft. Announced on 30 December, the agreement was signed by the French defence procurement agency **Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA) and covers two GlobalEye aircraft, with options for two additional platforms. The contract is valued at approximately SEK 12.3 billion (USD 1.34 billion).

This deal formalises France’s selection of the GlobalEye system, which was first revealed during the Paris Air Show in June. Deliveries are scheduled between 2029 and 2032 and include not only the aircraft themselves, but also ground support equipment, training packages, and long-term logistical support. The agreement paves the way for the retirement of France’s four Boeing E-3F AWACS aircraft, which have been in service since 1991.

The GlobalEye platform is built around Saab’s advanced Erieye Extended Range (ER) radar, mounted in a distinctive dorsal “plank” structure above the fuselage. This radar uses active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology and benefits from gallium nitride components, significantly improving power efficiency compared to earlier Erieye variants. Saab states that the Erieye ER radar offers a detection range exceeding 650 kilometres, which can be further extended by concentrating radar energy in specific sectors.

In terms of performance, the GlobalEye provides an endurance of more than 13 hours and a maximum speed of 450 knots. These capabilities will significantly enhance the situational awareness, command-and-control, and airspace surveillance capacity of the French Air and Space Force, ensuring France remains equipped to address evolving air and missile threats well into the future.