Canada will procure early warning radar aircraft manufactured by Sweden’s Saab and Bombardier, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday. This decision comes as the Canadian government opts for these aircraft over two American alternatives.
Carney confirmed that negotiations have commenced for Saab’s Airborne Early Warning & Control Aircraft, which is based on the Bombardier Global 6500 platform. This choice aims to bolster domestic production while ensuring that the aircraft contains 20% U.S. content.
Prime Minister Carney emphasized the government’s strategy to diversify military spending, reducing reliance on U.S. defense contracts. He stated that Canada is seeking to acquire six radar aircraft to enhance its national security capabilities.
The Saab aircraft are equipped with advanced radar systems that provide extensive situational awareness regarding aircraft and missile movements. These planes can detect threats from both air and naval sources, enabling them to direct fighter jets effectively.
“Saab’s GlobalEye will be a key resource for the Canadian Armed Forces to detect and deter threats across the Arctic,” Carney remarked.
The Canadian government evaluated other options, including the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail and L3Harris’s Aeris X. However, the decision to proceed with Saab aligns with Carney’s commitment to increasing domestic military production.
NATO has also expressed interest in the Saab aircraft, further validating its capabilities against American options.
Carney has previously indicated that over 70% of Canada’s military capital spending would not be allocated to U.S. suppliers, a stance influenced by U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies and comments about Canada’s sovereignty.
Furthermore, the Canadian government is reviewing its plans to purchase U.S. F-35 fighter jets, with a focus on increasing local production. Saab has proposed that assembly and maintenance of its Gripen fighter jet could occur in Canada.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson remarked that Canada’s decision to acquire the early warning radar planes strengthens the bilateral ties between the two nations. He noted, “As the GlobalEye is based on the Canadian Bombardier Global 6500 platform, GlobalEye is already creating jobs in Canada, and working with the Canadian supply chain.”