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GlobalEye

GlobalEye is a Swedish airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft system developed by Saab.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

GlobalEye is a Swedish airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft system developed by Saab. It combines Saab’s Erieye ER radar and other sensors on a Bombardier Global 6000/6500 business jet platform to provide long-range surveillance in air, sea and land domains. The first flight of the GlobalEye took place on 14 March 2018, and it entered service in April 2020.

Development

Saab developed GlobalEye as an AEW&C solution based on a modified Bombardier Global 6000/6500 aircraft. The first flight took place on 14 March 2018, and the system entered service in April 2020.

Design and capability

GlobalEye combines the Erieye ER radar with other sensors and a command-and-control system. Saab describes it as a multi-domain surveillance platform intended to detect, identify and track targets across air, sea and land.

Operators

GlobalEye is operated by a small number of customers, with the United Arab Emirates listed in sources as an operator and additional orders from Sweden reported in 2024.

Canadian connection

The aircraft is built on the Bombardier Global business jet family, which is manufactured by Canadian aerospace company Bombardier. This makes the platform directly relevant to Canadian aviation and defence manufacturing.

Key facts

  • GlobalEye is a multi-role airborne surveillance system developed by Saab.
  • It is based on the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 long-range business jet platform.
  • The system uses Saab’s Erieye ER radar and additional sensors for wide-area monitoring.
  • GlobalEye entered service in April 2020.
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Canadian context

GlobalEye is built on the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 aircraft family, linking the system to Canadian aerospace manufacturing through Bombardier.

Frequently asked questions

What is GlobalEye?
GlobalEye is Saab’s airborne early warning and control aircraft system for long-range surveillance and command-and-control tasks.
What aircraft is GlobalEye based on?
It is based on the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 business jet platform.
When did GlobalEye enter service?
GlobalEye entered service in April 2020.
What radar does GlobalEye use?
It uses Saab’s Erieye ER (Extended Range) radar as part of its sensor suite.
What can GlobalEye monitor?
Saab describes it as providing real-time surveillance of air, sea and land domains from a single platform.
Why is GlobalEye relevant to Canada?
Because it is built on Bombardier’s Global aircraft family, a Canadian-designed business jet platform.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GlobalEye
    Supports: Basic description of GlobalEye, platform, sensors, and in-service date.
  2. Saab — https://www.saab.com/products/globaleye
    Supports: Official description of GlobalEye capabilities, sensor suite, and platform family.
  3. Saab — https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2018/saab-reveals-first-globaleye-aewc-aircraft
    Supports: First rollout and development details, including Global 6000 base aircraft and mission roles.
  4. Global Military — https://www.globalmilitary.net/aircraft/globaleye/
    Supports: First flight date, production figures, and general specifications.
  5. Bombardier — https://bombardier.com/en/media/news/bombardier-defense-delivers-seventh-global-aircraft-saabs-globaleye-airborne
    Supports: Bombardier Global aircraft deliveries for GlobalEye conversion.