The Netherlands has signed a letter of intent with Sweden to acquire one Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft. The agreement opens the way for Dutch crews to begin training on Swedish GlobalEye aircraft from 2028, with delivery of the Dutch aircraft expected in 2031.
The deal will add the Dutch aircraft to a shared pool with three Swedish GlobalEye aircraft, giving both countries access to the fleet. Saab has confirmed the arrangement but has not yet received a formal order from the Netherlands, and the parties have still to conclude a contract.
GlobalEye is Saab’s multi-domain AEW&C system, built around long-range detection and identification sensors for airborne surveillance and command. The Dutch Ministry of Defence plans to use the aircraft to improve the detection of threats including drones, cruise missiles and radar sites, while strengthening national and NATO defence capabilities.
The purchase fills a capability gap for the Netherlands, which currently lacks its own airborne surveillance and command aircraft and has relied on NATO cooperation. The move also deepens operational links between Sweden and the Netherlands in a capability area now central to European air defence.