Saab reports growing interest in GlobalEye and LoyalEye AEW package

Saab has begun marketing its GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft alongside a new uncrewed option built with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, according to the company.

The uncrewed system pairs Saab's LoyalEye S-band radar and other sensors with General Atomics' MQ-9B unmanned air vehicle. It first flew in May at General Atomics' Desert Horizon test site in southern California. Saab says flight testing has continued at pace since then.

David Moden, Saab's senior sales director for GlobalEye, said the company is in active discussions with potential customers for the LoyalEye-equipped MQ-9B. He described it as suited to countries lacking the budget or experience to operate a manned airborne early warning aircraft. It could also let existing GlobalEye operators extend their coverage. Moden said Saab views LoyalEye as complementary to GlobalEye, not a replacement for it.

According to Moden, some nations have expressed interest in acquiring both platforms together as a linked system, and Saab is discussing with those countries how such a combination might fit their defence needs.

Separately, Saab said GlobalEye has continued to attract orders this year. These include a two-aircraft purchase by an unnamed Middle Eastern customer. The aircraft has also been provisionally selected by NATO for ten units and by Canada for up to six, Saab said.