Canada To Buy Early Warning Planes From Swedish Saab, Not American Boeing

Last Updated:May 27, 2026, 19:57 IST

Canada selects Saab GlobalEye early warning planes over Boeing, boosting Royal Canadian Air Force capabilities and supporting Canadian aerospace jobs.

Canada, who is working to reduce reliance on US defense firms, on Wednesday announced plans to buy a fleet of early warning planes from Sweden’s Saab rather than from Boeing.

Reuters quoted Prime ​Minister Mark Carney saying that ​Canada would opt for Saab’s GlobalEye, which ⁠is based on Bombardier’s Global 6500 jet. ​Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail plane – which has suffered ​from delays and cost overruns – had also been in contention.

According to an official statement, “Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), announced that the Government of Canada is entering into discussions with Saab of Sweden as the preferred supplier for the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) capability."

It further said that the project aims to provide the Royal Canadian Air Force with advanced airborne command, control, and surveillance capabilities to detect, track, and respond to threats at long range, including in the Arctic.

“(This move) builds Canadian strategic autonomy, creates Canadian jobs, ​and reinforces Canada’s position as a ​global leader. And it is the product of choice ‌for ⁠many of Canada’s partners, including France, Sweden, and the UAE," Carney said.

The government said that Saab’s proposed GlobalEye solution is built on the Canadian-manufactured Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft and “is expected to support domestic production, highly skilled jobs, technology transfer, and partnerships with Canadian industry".

“Engaging with Saab allows us to explore a proven solution that supports the Royal Canadian Air Force, builds on Canadian aerospace strengths, supports highly skilled jobs, and creates opportunities for Canadian companies to participate in advanced manufacturing, mission integration, and future exports. This approach helps strengthen both Canada’s security and our defence industrial base," said Fuhr.

News world Canada To Buy Early Warning Planes From Swedish Saab, Not American Boeing

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