Canada Plans to Acquire Swedish Early Warning Aircraft Fleet Instead of American Option

On Wednesday, Canada revealed plans to procure a fleet of early warning aircraft from the Swedish company Saab, opting against a competing offer from Boeing as part of its effort to lessen dependence on American defense contractors, according to The Guardian.

Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada will select the Saab GlobalEye, which is based on the Bombardier Global 6500 platform. The Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, which has experienced delays and cost overruns, was also among the options considered.

Speaking at a defense conference in Ottawa, Carney said, "With a suite of advanced sensors and mission systems, the Saab GlobalEye will serve as a critical asset for the Canadian Armed Forces, monitoring and deterring threats across the Arctic."

As Canada seeks to reduce its reliance on the United States, Carney is working to strengthen alliances among what he terms "middle powers" in a world where Washington is seen as a less reliable partner.

Although Carney did not disclose the fleet size or contract cost, military officials had previously indicated an intention to acquire six early warning aircraft.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson commented on social media, "Saab GlobalEye already contributes to job creation in Canada and collaborates with the Canadian supply chain. This decision strengthens the ties between our two countries."

Saab stated in a press release that it "intends to invest in research and development activities in Canada as part of any potential deal."

Canada holds an agreement to purchase 88 F-35 aircraft from Lockheed Martin. However, last year, after the United States imposed tariffs on major Canadian imports, Carney requested the military to explore reducing the order and acquiring some aircraft from a different manufacturer.

In March, Carney pledged that Canada would fully assume responsibility for protecting its vast Arctic territory after decades of relying on a partnership with the United States to monitor its landmass exceeding 4.4 million square kilometers (1.7 million square miles), an area larger than India.

Previously, Canada expressed its desire to deepen defense and other cooperation with Northern European countries amid a global environment where the United States is viewed as a "less reliable partner."

The United States suspended its participation in a joint defense council with Canada dating back to World War II amid escalating tensions over defense spending and relations between Trump and Carney.

Philip Lagassé, assistant director for international affairs at Carleton University in Ottawa, described Canada's decision to acquire Saab GlobalEye aircraft as "a significant test of Carney’s government's policy to move away from American military capabilities."

He added in a statement that the move "reinforces the strong relationship between Canada and Sweden, a new NATO ally that has also been keen to enhance its ties with the Canadian military."

Canada initiated Operation Nanook, a large-scale military exercise in the harsh Arctic region that lasted until March 9, 2025. Conducted with allies from the United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Sweden, and Finland, the operation aims to "demonstrate strength" in the Arctic and maintain that presence despite the freezing conditions.