France has signed an agreement with Saab to purchase two GlobalEye reconnaissance aircraft for approximately 12.3 billion kronor. The deal includes ground equipment, training, and support, with deliveries scheduled for 2029–2032. Defense Minister Pål Jonson welcomes the order as a success for the Swedish defense industry.
On Tuesday, France signed an agreement with the Swedish defense company Saab to purchase two GlobalEye reconnaissance and command aircraft. The order, valued at approximately 12.3 billion kronor, was made with the French agency Direction générale de l'Armement (DGA). The deal includes ground equipment, training, and support in addition to the aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled for 2029–2032, with an option for France to buy two more aircraft.
Saab CEO Micael Johansson emphasizes the strong partnership in a press release: “Today’s agreement underscores the strong partnership between Saab and France. By choosing GlobalEye, France is investing in a very modern and capable airborne solution for intelligence and command capabilities. The choice strengthens France’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and enhances NATO’s overall protection, with both Sweden and France operating GlobalEye.”
Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M) calls the deal a major success. “It is a great success for the Swedish defense industry. We are expanding our defense industrial footprint and showing that Sweden is an important partner in making Europe safer,” he tells SVT. On X, Jonson writes that the purchase will deepen defense cooperation between Sweden and France and strengthen collaboration between defense companies in the two countries. “Advanced early warning and situational awareness are crucial in today’s threat environment. The Swedish defense industry is now strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities and security.”
Saab press chief Mattias Rådström describes it as a breakthrough: “It is a breakthrough that France, as the first country in Europe outside Sweden, is investing in a capability that best suits them to strengthen their sovereignty and contribute to the protection of Europe and NATO. Moreover, the order contributes to high-quality jobs in both Sweden and France.”
The GlobalEye aircraft are used for reconnaissance and battle management. An intent declaration was signed in June at the Paris Air Show. Sweden has ordered three units that have not yet been delivered, while the United Arab Emirates operates five. Interest in GlobalEye has grown after a US-European collaboration on Boeing aircraft was paused in November. Saab's stock rose 2.7 percent on the Stockholm Stock Exchange following the news.
