Netherlands turns to Saab GlobalEye to boost aerial reconnaissance

The Netherlands plans to acquire a specialised surveillance aircraft from Sweden to strengthen its ability to detect espionage, sabotage and drone threats more quickly, the Dutch Ministry of Defence said.

To this end, the Netherlands and Sweden have signed a letter of intent for the acquisition, Caliber.Az reports, citing the ministry.

The Saab GlobalEye can monitor activity in the air, at sea and on land over long distances from high altitude. The Netherlands currently does not have its own aircraft of this type and relies on cooperation with other countries.

Within NATO, the Netherlands works with other countries using AWACS aircraft, but these are considered outdated. Together with nine other countries, the Netherlands is investing in GlobalEye aircraft to replace the existing fleet.

Having its own aircraft would allow the Netherlands to independently determine where and when it should be deployed. The aircraft could also serve as a flying command centre.

By Jeyhun Aghazada