Canada has announced plans to buy a fleet of early warning planes from Sweden's Saab, opting for the GlobalEye aircraft over a competing option from Boeing. Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement on Wednesday, signalling a move to reduce reliance on US defence firms.
The GlobalEye, based on Bombardier's Global 6500 jet, will be used to patrol Canada's vast Arctic territory. Boeing's E-7 Wedgetail, which has faced delays and cost overruns, was also in contention. Carney stated that the aircraft will be a key resource for detecting and deterring threats across the Arctic.
Carney pledged in March that Canada would take full responsibility for protecting its Arctic territory, which spans over 4.4 million square kilometres, after decades of partnership with the US. Saab said it plans to invest in research and development in Canada as part of any deal. Although the fleet size and cost were not disclosed, military officials had earlier indicated a need for six early warning aircraft.
Philippe Lagasse, associate director of international affairs at Carleton University, called the decision an important test case for the Carney government's policy of pivoting away from American military capability. He noted that it strengthens ties with Sweden, a new Nato ally. Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson highlighted that the GlobalEye is already creating jobs in Canada.
Saab is also competing to sell Canada some of its Gripen fighters. Canada has a deal to buy 88 F-35 jets from Lockheed-Martin, but Carney asked the military to investigate reducing that order after US tariffs on Canadian imports.
