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    1. Haunting_Switch3463 on

      Germany is moving closer to a decision on how to fill the looming airborne early warning gap, with Saab’s GlobalEye surveillance aircraft now seen as the frontrunner. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said this week that while no final choice has been made, the Swedish-built platform is “in pole position.”

      The debate comes as NATO prepares to retire its fleet of Boeing E-3A AWACS aircraft, long based in Geilenkirchen. These planes have provided the alliance with strategic airborne surveillance for decades, but their age and rising maintenance costs have forced NATO to plan for decommissioning. Without a replacement, Germany would lack a national airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) capability and be entirely dependent on allies.

      Saab’s GlobalEye, based on the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 business jet and equipped with the advanced Erieye ER radar, offers wide-area air surveillance, maritime patrol, and ground target detection. The system is already in service with Sweden and the United Arab Emirates, and has been ordered by additional customers. For Germany, it is attractive as a mature, readily available solution to close the capability gap.

      “*Yes, that is also an option for Germany,*” Pistorius said in Berlin today. “*We are working on it. We haven’t made a decision yet, but I would say it is in pole position, to put it cautiously.*”

      The discussion coincided with a meeting of the defense ministers in which Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson emphasized the need for solidarity and practical measures to strengthen the alliance’s eastern flank. For Berlin, fielding its own AEW&C platform would not only contribute to NATO readiness but also signal a stronger national commitment to collective defense.

      Whether Germany ultimately opts for the GlobalEye will depend on budgetary priorities and potential coordination with Swedish partners. Still, the public acknowledgment by Pistorius marks the clearest indication yet that Saab’s bid has the upper hand.

    2. If Germany realizes all the current procurement projects, the Luftwaffe will become one of Europes first air forces with the full spectrum of capabilities.

    3. bukowsky01 on

      Well, it’s a no brainer Europe should standardise on Saab s AWACS instead of the Wedgetail.

    4. nariofthewind on

      How much of that plane is american or UK made, though?

    5. realityking89 on

      I wish Germany would sponsor a project integrating the GlobalEye Radar into an A321XLR. That should give it parity with the E7 in terms of endurance and AAR capabilities. A militarized A321XLR would make future projects like MAWS easier too.

      Though probably too expensive without other customers.

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