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NATO plans Saab GlobalEye jets to replace AWACS, sources say - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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NATO plans Saab GlobalEye jets to replace AWACS, sources say

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on July 2, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: July 2, 2026

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NATO to Announce Saab GlobalEye Jets as AWACS Replacements Next Week

NATO's Upcoming Announcement on AWACS Replacement

Details of the Planned Replacement

BERLIN/PARIS, July 2 (Reuters) - NATO will announce plans at next week's Ankara summit to replace its ageing fleet of AWACS aircraft with GlobalEye surveillance planes from Sweden's Saab, four sources familiar with the matter said.

Summit Details and Stakeholder Responses

NATO, whose members are due to meet in the Turkish capital on July 7 and 8, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Saab declined to comment.

Reporting and Editorial Credits

(Reporting by Sabine Siebold and Tim Hepher, Additional reporting by Simon Johnson; editing by Barbara Lewis)

Key Takeaways

  • GlobalEye offers multi‑domain sensing (air, sea, land), AESA radar, longer range and lower operating costs compared to legacy E‑3 platforms.
  • The procurement would end Boeing’s nearly four‑decade hold on NATO’s AWACS supply; up to 12 GlobalEye aircraft could be ordered at ~€550 million each, totaling over €5 billion.
  • While several media reports and alliance sources confirm the plan, Saab has noted that no contract has yet been signed or officially finalized.

Frequently Asked Questions

What aircraft will NATO choose to replace its AWACS fleet?
NATO will replace its AWACS fleet with GlobalEye surveillance planes from Sweden's Saab, according to sources.
When will NATO announce the AWACS replacement?
NATO is expected to announce the replacement at the Ankara summit on July 7 and 8.
Which company is providing the new surveillance planes to NATO?
Sweden's Saab will supply the GlobalEye surveillance planes.
Where will the NATO summit regarding the AWACS replacement be held?
The NATO summit will be held in Ankara, Turkey.
Did NATO or Saab comment on the reports of the AWACS replacement?
Neither NATO nor Saab provided an immediate comment on the reports.

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