We don’t need to look to the U.S. for an AWACS replacement
The US withdrew from the NATO AWACS aircraft radar replacement program. A reliable European alternative exists.
Published on November 13, 2025
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Merien co-founded E52 in 2015 and envisioned AI in journalism, leading to Laio. He writes bold columns on hydrogen and mobility—often with a sharp edge.
The United States has decided not to participate in the NATO AWACS aircraft replacement program. As a result, European countries like the Netherlands are forced to seek alternatives to the aging Boeing E-3 Sentry. This creates a dilemma: while the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail was initially the plan, the U.S. withdrawal is expected to drive up the price of the new radar aircraft. However, especially in the current political context, it may be wise not to rely on the U.S. Instead, a strong alternative exists in Europe—specifically in Sweden, NATO’s newest ally: the SAAB GlobalEye.
AWACS: The eyes and ears in the sky
An Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) serves as the eyes and ears in the sky for military operations. These "flying radar stations" are equipped with powerful radars and sensors that provide a comprehensive overview of airspace, as well as maritime and land areas. AWACS aircraft are crucial for early detection of enemy aircraft, coordinating air defense, and supporting ground troops by providing real-time information. For example, an AWACS aircraft helped detect and shoot down Russian drones over Poland in September. They are an indispensable link in modern warfare, offering strategic and tactical advantages by providing a complete, up-to-date picture of the battlefield.
Boeing E-3 Sentry: A legacy of vigilance
The Boeing E-3 Sentry, commonly known as AWACS, is an American airborne early warning and control aircraft developed by Boeing. Derived from the Boeing 707, it has been used by NATO since 1982 and operates from Geilenkirchen Air Base near the German border. The E-3 features a rotating radar dome (rotodome) that provides continuous 360-degree coverage. Production of the E-3 Sentry ended in 1992 after 68 units were built. While the E-3 has been modernized over the years, its age is beginning to show. The aircraft are noisy, fuel-inefficient, and nearing the end of their technical lifespan. NATO has been seeking a replacement to ensure the continued capability of airborne early warning and control.
U.S. opts out of the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail
The Boeing E-7 Wedgetail had long been considered the natural successor to the E-3 Sentry. The E-7, a military version of the Boeing 737, offers advanced radar and communication systems. However, the United States has decided to withdraw from the replacement program, citing high costs and a preference for the smaller E-2D Hawkeye and space-based surveillance. This decision complicates the plans of the Netherlands and other NATO countries. The U.S. withdrawal is expected to increase the price of the E-7, making it less attractive for European nations. Additionally, the U.S. decision underscores the importance of investing in the European defense industry, according to outgoing State Secretary Gijs Tuinman.
SAAB GlobalEye: An European alternative
With the E-7 Wedgetail becoming less attractive, it’s time to explore alternatives. An excellent option is the SAAB GlobalEye, a Swedish advanced airborne early warning and control system. The GlobalEye features the Erieye ER (Extended Range) radar mounted on a Bombardier Global 6000 business jet. Unlike the E-3 Sentry, which uses a mechanically rotating radar, the GlobalEye employs an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar. This means the radar beam is electronically steered, without moving parts, resulting in faster and more accurate target detection. France has already chosen the GlobalEye to replace its aging Boeing E-3F AWACS aircraft. The French defense procurement agency announced on June 18 that France will acquire two GlobalEye aircraft, with an option for two more.
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Advantages of the GlobalEye
The SAAB GlobalEye offers several advantages over other AWACS systems. The Erieye ER radar has a range of over 650 kilometers, which can be extended by focusing the radar’s energy. The GlobalEye has an endurance of more than 13 hours and a top speed of 450 knots. Another advantage is its multi-role capability: the GlobalEye can be deployed for air, maritime, and land surveillance, making it a flexible and valuable asset for any military. Additionally, the GlobalEye is a European product, aligning with outgoing State Secretary Tuinman's desire to invest more in the European defense industry.
Visibility and tactical deployment
While the GlobalEye is an excellent system, it’s important to consider the specific characteristics of its radar. The GlobalEye has a fixed, elongated radar on top of the aircraft that primarily scans to the side. This results in a highly detailed field of view on both sides of the aircraft, but leaves blind spots in front of and behind it. However, this can be mitigated by flying the aircraft in a specific pattern, such as an oval loop parallel to the monitored area. Another option is to deploy two GlobalEye aircraft flying at right angles to each other, creating a complete picture.
The U.S. withdrawal from the E-7 program forces the Netherlands and other NATO partners to seek alternatives to the aging E-3 Sentry. The GlobalEye is currently the only European product available. With the 2035 deadline, it is not realistic to develop a new platform within Europe.