NATO intends to replace the AWACS aircraft with GlobalEye from Saab. This decision could strain relations with the USA.

NATO plans to replace its AWACS aircraft fleet, used for surveillance since 1982, with GlobalEye surveillance aircraft produced by the Swedish company Saab, according to sources cited by Reuters. This measure could provoke additional tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has urged allies to purchase American weapons and threatened to withdraw from NATO.

The official announcement of the replacement plan could take place during the NATO summit in Ankara, scheduled for July 7 and 8. The AWACS fleet, stationed at the Geilenkirchen airbase in Germany, has been essential for surveillance missions, especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. According to the plan, the base could become the largest GlobalEye fleet in the world. These aircraft, based on Bombardier's Global 6500 model, compete with Boeing's E-7 Wedgetail, and NATO had previously abandoned the acquisition of it due to changes in the Pentagon's strategy.