Canada’s Air Force to Acquire GlobalEye Aircraft
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced the purchase of Swedish Saab GlobalEye surveillance planes for the Royal Canadian Air Force. This move aligns with Canada’s strategy to reduce military spending tied to the United States. Ottawa has now met NATO’s minimum defense spending threshold of 2% of GDP, and according to December documents from the Department of National Defence, the project is budgeted at over 5 billion Canadian dollars (approximately 3.6 billion USD).
Under this contract, the GlobalEye program is expected to create jobs for roughly 3,000 Canadian workers, with one-third of the aircraft fleet to be built directly in Canada. The GlobalEye is an upgraded version of the Global 6500 business jet, developed by Quebec-based Canadian firm Bombardier. Notably, Canada turned down proposals from two American surveillance aircraft manufacturers, including one from Boeing.
Canada’s Broader Military Procurement Plans
Canada has already secured an initial batch of 16 U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets, and discussions are underway about acquiring up to 88 more F-35s or switching to Sweden’s Saab Gripen. Sweden has pledged to set up Gripen assembly lines in Canada, which would also enable future exports.
'The era when Canadian forces gave 70 cents of every dollar spent to the United States is over.' Mark Carney
Additionally, according to U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby, Washington has frozen the work of the Permanent Joint Board on Defense due to Ottawa’s lack of significant progress on commitments. The board has not met since 2024, though Carney noted that military cooperation between the two countries remains very close in many other areas.
It is worth recalling that Carney became the first non-European head of government invited to the European Political Community summit in Yerevan. He has also pledged to raise Canada’s defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035.
This decision to acquire GlobalEye aircraft underscores Canada’s drive to bolster its defense capabilities and reduce reliance on U.S. military supplies. Given the current geopolitical climate, such steps could enhance national security and support domestic industry growth. The new aircraft purchase may also serve as a key factor in strengthening collaboration with allies, especially amid rising global security challenges.
This strategic acquisition of Swedish surveillance aircraft reflects Canada's broader military procurement efforts, which include a potential shift towards Nordic partnerships. For a deeper understanding of how Canada's military coordination with Nordic countries is evolving, especially in light of recent geopolitical tensions, explore more about Canada's military collaboration with Nordic nations.