Netherlands Opts for Its Inaugural AEW&C Aircraft

The Netherlands plans to acquire its inaugural sovereign Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, complementing participation in the renewal of NATO’s fleet capability. The single Bombardier Global 6500-based Saab GlobalEye will be delivered to the Netherlands in 2031 and, according to the Dutch Ministry of Defence, “added to a joint pool” with Sweden’s three examples.

Announcing the move on September 10, the Dutch government acknowledged it is reliant on, “among other things, the outdated NATO [Boeing E-3A Sentry] AWACS aircraft” for surveillance and command capabilities. However, it said, acquiring its own aircraft will “enable it to determine more independently where and when the aircraft is deployed.”

Crucially, the Dutch government confirmed that a joint pooling system will ensure both Swedish and Dutch crews “have access to the available aircraft.” The Swedish Ministry of Defence added that this operational model will provide “close co-operation on the systems, which means that the GlobalEye can be jointly utilized and the capability can be better utilized where and when the need arises.” Sweden suggested that this arrangement will strengthen both countries’ capabilities “in the immediate area,” something which is “closely linked to NATO’s capabilities.”

Swedish defense minister Pål Jonson noted, “It is gratifying the Netherlands sees the value of this state-of-the-art platform.” Saab president and CEO Micael Johansson believes that “GlobalEye will enable the Netherlands to detect threats earlier, respond faster, and strengthen both national and collective defense.” Dutch crews will be able to train on the system from 2028.

The collaborative utilization model echoes a suggestion made earlier this year by relative NATO newcomer Finland, which joined the organization three years ago. In June, a paper published by Finland’s parliamentary working group on defense suggested that “possible ways of improving low-altitude detection capabilities, such as airborne early warning and control aircraft, are being considered together with Allies, with Nordic cooperation as one option.” 

Sweden has ordered three GlobalEyes via a contract with the country’s defense procurement agency, with an initial 2022 order for two followed by a third unit in 2024. Although the initial modified aircraft is due to be delivered in 2027, the air force has acknowledged efforts to expedite service entry. Meanwhile, a consortium of 11 NATO partners—including the Netherlands and Sweden—also selected the GlobalEye in July.