Ottawa enters negotiations with Saab for airborne surveillance fleet, Carney says

Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government is entering contract negotiations with Swedish defence company Saab to acquire a new fleet of airborne surveillance aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The federal government has previously said it plans to procure six radar-equipped aircraft intended to strengthen Canada’s aerospace surveillance capabilities and support continental defence operations. According to Carney, the aircraft are needed to address emerging threats, including hypersonic missile technology.

Saab manufactures the GlobalEye surveillance aircraft in partnership with Montreal-based Bombardier, using the Global 6500 business jet platform. Competing firms Boeing and L3Harris also manufacture airborne early warning and surveillance systems.

Carney announced the planned procurement during the Cansec defence and security trade show in Ottawa. It marked the first time a sitting prime minister has attended the annual defence industry event.

In prepared remarks, Carney also signalled a broader expansion in military spending, saying Ottawa now aims to spend the equivalent of four per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product on defence by 2030.

The proposed aircraft purchase comes as Canada faces increasing pressure from NATO allies to modernize defence infrastructure and increase military readiness. Procurement timelines and contract values were not immediately released.