In a strategic move to strengthen its airborne surveillance capability and deepen European industrial collaboration, Saab has signed a long-term framework agreement with French aerospace services provider Sabena technics to perform complex modification work on the GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft.
By Jarryd Sinovich
The agreement establishes a foundation for future joint business and technical collaboration, enabling Sabena technics to support the transformation of Bombardier Global 6000/6500 business jets into Saab’s highly specialised, multi-domain GlobalEye platform. This partnership enhances Saab’s capacity to meet growing global demand for the AEW&C system.
“This reinforces Saab’s commitment to collaborate with French industry while expanding our modification capacity,” said Lars Tossman, Head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area. “Sabena technics brings the necessary expertise and proven experience to support this work.”
Technically Demanding Conversions
The transformation of a standard business jet into a GlobalEye AEW&C platform is engineering-intensive and requires highly skilled personnel. The modification process involves the integration of Saab’s advanced radar, command and control, and multi-domain sensor systems, creating a surveillance solution that operates seamlessly across air, sea, and land.
This technically complex process highlights Saab’s emphasis on precision engineering and mission-critical capability delivery, with Sabena technics now contributing directly to this specialised domain.
Strengthening European Industrial Partnerships
The partnership underscores Saab’s strategic focus on international industrial participation, particularly in the European defence landscape. By selecting Sabena technics as a key collaborator, Saab is not only expanding its modification and maintenance ecosystem, but also reinforcing its commitment to leveraging local expertise and building sovereign capability partnerships.
With demand for AEW&C systems rising in an era of growing geopolitical tension and ISR prioritisation, the Saab–Sabena collaboration enhances readiness and scalability for future export programmes.
About GlobalEye:
Saab’s GlobalEye is a state-of-the-art multi-domain AEW&C platform that combines long-range radar, SIGINT, and battle management tools on a high-endurance business jet airframe. Designed for persistent surveillance, early warning, and real-time situational awareness, it is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after strategic assets for modern defence forces.
