Today, the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), announced that the Government of Canada is entering into discussions with Saab of Sweden as the preferred supplier for the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) capability.
Led by the Defence Investment Agency (DIA), the AEWC project would provide the Royal Canadian Air Force with advanced airborne command, control, and surveillance capabilities to detect, track, and respond to threats at long range, including in the Arctic. The capability would strengthen Canada's contributions to the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) and improve operational reach in remote regions.
Engagement with Saab as the preferred supplier will allow Canada to further assess the proposed solution and does not constitute a procurement commitment.
The initiative supports Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy and BUILD-PARTNER-BUY approach by combining advanced defence capabilities with economic benefits for Canadians. Saab's proposed GlobalEye solution is built on the Canadian-manufactured Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft and is expected to support domestic production, highly skilled jobs, technology transfer, and partnerships with Canadian industry.
The project could generate long-term economic opportunities through Canada-based missionization work, technology integration, workforce development, and potential participation in global defence supply chains. Saab is expected to work with Bombardier and other Canadian companies, helping strengthen Canada's aerospace and defence industrial base while reinforcing economic and technological sovereignty.
Canada's Defence Investment Agency will lead further engagement with Saab in the coming weeks to explore commercial, technical, and economic considerations.
