GlobalEye in ‘pole position' for German AEW&C requirement

Having not previously fielded its own organic AEW&C capability, the Luftwaffe is now closely considering the GlobalEye for the requirement. (Saab)

The Saab GlobalEye is the leading contender to be selected for Germany's airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) requirement, the country's defence minister said in late September.

Speaking to Swedish media, Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius said that the GlobalEye is “in pole position” for the requirement that will see the Luftwaffe stand up its own organic AEW&C capability for the first time.

Prior to the minister's comment, it was not known that Germany was pursuing its own national capability, with its present and future AEW&C requirements being fulfilled by the pooled NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control (NAEW&C) Force located at Geilenkirchen in the country.

Responding to a request for further details, a spokesperson for the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) branch of the Bundeswehr told Janes, “The identification of requirements is carried out by the armed forces themselves; the planning office then examines whether the reported requirement actually exists and how it can be met. Therefore, we are unfortunately unable to provide more detailed information on the subject at this time.”