NATO looks to Saab to build up to 10 surveillance planes using Canadian jets

ANKARA — NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte says the alliance is looking to work with Swedish manufacturer Saab on up to 10 radar jets largely built in Canada.

Rutte told an audience at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, that its current fleet is to be replaced by the GlobalEye system, as it is nearing the end of its lifespan.

The GlobalEye system combines Saab technology with Bombardier’s Global 6500 business jet.

Micael Johansson, president and CEO of Saab, says the company is confident that GlobalEye is the right choice for the alliance.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced in May that Ottawa also was looking to buy six surveillance aircraft from Saab.

Johansson has said the company would establish a Canadian hub to build planes in Canada.

“(GlobalEye) is a proven system with a demonstrated ability to detect, track and identify complex threats,” Rutte told an audience Tuesday.

“(It) is a real success story made in NATO.”

Bombardier, in a statement Tuesday, congratulated Saab on being chosen by NATO and said it too is proud to play a “key role” as governments look to “modernize their airborne defence capabilities.”

“This aircraft is proven, versatile and more economical to operate than legacy commercial platforms,” the statement said.

“Bombardier stands ready to support with proven aircraft and world-renowned engineering capabilities.”

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Tuesday called the announcement “a moment of great pride.”

He added that the twin-engine aircraft would be “made within the alliance for all the alliance.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 7, 2026.

— By Aaron Sousa in Edmonton

The Canadian Press