GlobalEye deal cuts procurement time for surveillance aircraft
Canada will acquire Saab's early-warning planes through fast-tracked negotiations, bypassing years of analysis. PM Carney announced the $5B+ deal in May.
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Canada's purchase of the GlobalEye early warning and surveillance aircraft will allow the military to significantly cut down the time needed to acquire the new fleet.
The Royal Canadian Air Force had originally set aside five years to analyze and define options for the project, according to military planning documents. But the Liberal government bypassed much of that timeline by announcing direct negotiations with Sweden's Saab for the GlobalEye aircraft.
"The use of a preferred supplier approach is expected to significantly accelerate the progression of the project," said Lindsey Ehman, a spokesperson for the Defence Investment Agency.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the deal on May 27 at the CANSEC defence trade show in Ottawa. The GlobalEye is built on a Bombardier executive jet manufactured in Toronto, and Saab is expected to build a certain number of aircraft orders for allied nations in Canada. The Liberal government expects around 40 GlobalEye aircraft will be built in Canada.
The Royal Canadian Air Force had previously briefed industry that it hoped to have aircraft arriving between 2031 and 2032, with initial operational capability set for 2035. Ehman noted that Canada still must assess its requirements and industrial benefits before determining next steps.
