Brussels (Lord Media): NATO has chosen Swedish defense company Saab’s GlobalEye aircraft to modernize its air surveillance, opting against American company Boeing. This decision is seen as a significant diplomatic and defense setback for U.S. President Donald Trump, who had urged allied nations to purchase American defense equipment.
On Tuesday, NATO announced a 4.5 billion U.S. dollars plan to acquire 10 GlobalEye airborne surveillance and early warning aircraft. These aircraft will replace the Cold War-era AWACS planes.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the new aircraft will be equipped with advanced systems capable of effectively countering new threats such as drones. He emphasized that this project will strengthen NATO’s air surveillance and warning capabilities.
Rutte also clarified that the project with Sweden’s Saab includes participation from European, Canadian, and American industries, marking it as a joint success for NATO.
This decision comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump was pressuring European allies to increase defense spending. Trump had previously threatened to withdraw from NATO.
The GlobalEye aircraft was in competition with American Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail, but NATO favored the Swedish system. Following the announcement, Saab’s shares rose by 4%.
Saab’s CEO Micael Johansson stated that if the agreement is finalized soon, the company could begin delivering the aircraft by 2030. Each aircraft is expected to cost between 400 million and 450 million U.S. dollars.
