Dutch deal links crews to Sweden's Saab GlobalEye fleet

The Netherlands and Sweden have signed a letter of intent that would bring a Dutch Saab GlobalEye into a shared four-aircraft pool, while leaving a crucial commercial step unresolved.

The Dutch defence ministry says the surveillance aircraft can track activity in the air, at sea and on land. Its planned aircraft would join three Swedish GlobalEyes, with crews from both countries able to use available planes.

Dutch personnel are due to gain access to Sweden's aircraft in 2028, three years before the Dutch plane is expected to arrive. The two countries also plan to work together on further development of the system.

The arrangement would give the Netherlands its own platform as NATO replaces older AWACS aircraft. GlobalEye combines radar, sensors and communications to build a shared operational picture.

The agreement is not yet a purchase contract. Saab says it has not received a Dutch order, while the ministry describes delivery in 2031 as an expectation. The 2028 access plan is the immediate commitment; the aircraft purchase still needs to move through the next procurement steps.

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