NATO has announced a $4.5 billion plan to acquire up to 10 GlobalEye aircraft from Saab

On Tuesday, NATO announced a plan of approximately 4.5 billion dollars, in which Romania is involved, for the acquisition of up to 10 GlobalEye surveillance aircraft from the Swedish company Saab. These aircraft will replace outdated AWACS systems, allowing for more efficient surveillance capabilities against modern threats, such as drones.

NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, emphasized the importance of this system, which will provide a credible early warning capability for the future. Although U.S. President Donald Trump has pressured for the purchase of American equipment, Rutte highlighted the international nature of the GlobalEye program, which is made with contributions from European, Canadian, and American industries.

Deliveries could begin in 2030, and the estimated price per aircraft will be between 400 and 450 million dollars. Although the GlobalEye aircraft will initially not have in-flight refueling capability, this could be added later.