NATO to replace ageing AWACS fleet with GlobalEye surveillance aircraft

NATO has announced a project to replace its fleet of Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, which were introduced more than 50 years ago, with up to 10 Saab GlobalEye surveillance aircraft.

Speaking at the NATO Defence Industry Forum on the sidelines of the alliance's summit in Ankara, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the Boeing E-3A AWACS aircraft had served NATO extremely well but were approaching the end of their operational life.

"Several allies are officially announcing the forthcoming delivery of additional Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft," Rutte said, adding that the project would enhance NATO's strategic airlift and aerial refuelling capabilities.

Rutte noted that the aircraft are capable of detecting a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, ballistic missiles, low-flying drones, and cruise missiles. A presentation showcasing the system’s detection capabilities was shown before the contract announcement.

The AWACS aircraft are based on the American-made Boeing E-3A airframe, while the GlobalEye is built on the Canadian-made Bombardier Global 6000 platform. Both aircraft are designed to detect targets at ranges of hundreds of kilometres and provide targeting information.

Visually, the GlobalEye is distinguished by a slanted rectangular radar antenna mounted above the fuselage, while the AWACS aircraft carries a distinctive disc-shaped radar dome above its fuselage.

By Jeyhun Aghazada