GlobalEye system selected as new AWACS at NATO Summit in Ankara

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described NATO's selection of the Saab-developed GlobalEye system as the new AWACS as a significant event. Officials emphasized that the system stands out with its advanced threat detection capability.

Scraper SystemJuly 07, 2026, 08:08 PM

GlobalEye system selected as new AWACS at NATO Summit in Ankara

Speaking at the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government in Ankara, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the Alliance's selection of the Saab-developed GlobalEye airborne early warning and control system as the new AWACS was a significant event for both his country and NATO.

Kristersson noted that with Sweden's accession to NATO, the country's knowledge and technological potential in the defense industry has also become part of the Alliance, and that hundreds of Swedish defense companies will make significant contributions to NATO's capabilities. He stressed that exports of Swedish defense products, including combat vehicles, submarines and fighter jets, will create thousands of new jobs both in Sweden and in allied countries. 'Since 2023, the Swedish defense industry has grown by more than 50 percent, defense exports have increased, and as a result, tens of thousands of permanent, skilled jobs have been created,' he said.

Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson stated that NATO's GlobalEye decision is important for the Alliance, Sweden and the transatlantic defence industrial base. He said the decision means Sweden will contribute even more to NATO's deterrence and defence capabilities. 'For over 40 years, the AWACS fleet has been the Alliance's eye in the sky, and this mission remains extremely critical. But threats have evolved and are constantly changing,' Jonson said. He explained that the GlobalEye system was developed taking into account the new and more complex security environment and modern warfare conditions, that it can conduct surveillance over long distances in different environments, and that it provides information to the command level for timely decision-making. He stressed that Swedish technology will contribute to protecting allied airspace.

Saab CEO Micael Johansson said NATO's decision is a significant milestone for both the company and Sweden. He noted that GlobalEye can simultaneously track air, land and sea targets thanks to its high-altitude flight, long range and advanced active/passive sensor systems. He added that using artificial intelligence technologies, it can process information quickly and detect and track threats such as drones, ballistic and cruise missiles in real time. Johansson stated that Saab is ready to move to the next phase of negotiations with NATO and that once the GlobalEye aircraft are delivered, the Alliance will be able to respond to evolving threats more quickly and effectively.

The NATO Summit in Ankara is taking place on July 7-8, hosted by Türkiye. In addition to the 32 NATO member countries, leaders from some partner countries in the Asia-Pacific region and various guests, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are attending the summit. On the first day, the largest-ever NATO Defence Industry Forum was held, while the second day will address the summit's main agenda items.

GlobalEye system selected as new AWACS at NATO Summit in Ankara