Saab announced on September 30 that it had delivered its second GlobalEye Swing Role Surveillance System to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The UAE is the launch customer of the GlobalEye, signing an initial contract for three examples in late 2015. This handover follows the delivery of the first aircraft to the UAE Air Force (UAEAF), which took place on April 29, 2020. At the Dubai Airshow in November 2019, the nation announced its intention to acquire two more GlobalEyes for an estimated cost of US$1.08bn, but an official order has yet to be placed.
![GlobalEye [Saab]](/sites/keyaero/files/inline-images/Saab%20GlobalEye%20%5BSaab%5D%20%231_0.jpg)
Micael Johansson, president and CEO of Saab, said: “Completing the second GlobalEye delivery in five months is a testament to Saab’s in-house expertise as [an] aircraft manufacturer, sensor provider and large system integrator. I am proud to contribute to the [UAE’s] airborne surveillance capability with GlobalEye, which is the most advanced solution of its kind.”
Saab’s GlobalEye is an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform, but also features maritime and ground surveillance capabilities. It combines a number of advanced sensors with the company’s new Erieye Extended Range active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar on board a Bombardier Global 6000 ultra-long range business jet. The Swedish-based manufacturer has also included the GlobalEye alongside the JAS 39 Gripen E/F as part of its offer in Finland’s HX Fighter procurement programme.
