NATO may further distance from using American defense industry products. Already in early July 2026, NATO may announce choosing Swedish Saab GlobalEye as AEW&C aircraft for joint fleet, replacing previously canceled E-7 Wedgetail from U.S.
CBC reports possible Alliance choice citing own industry sources. Same source reports Canada choosing mixed fleet of 140 F-35 and Gripen fighters.
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Defense Express notes that making such decision effectively means NATO abandoning American AEW&C aircraft. This is not only serious historical change but also possible source for future political disputes. Therefore announcement may not occur within stated timelines.
To replace its old American E-3 Sentry aircraft, Alliance planned to order new E-7 Wedgetail from U.S. However, this decision was abandoned in 2025 due to instability around aircraft development program, which is alternately closed and revived.
Even then it was named that expected choice would be Swedish GlobalEye, which appeared as practically only available alternative already chosen by France and considered by Germany. However, over time discussions appeared about other potential candidates.
American L3Harris proposed its AWACS aircraft they want to promote in European region. This development surpassed Swedish analog in South Korea, but such victory was partially justified by local requirements compliance, while Saab proposal was cheaper.
Given Swedes now are NATO members and their GlobalEye is already serial development, this is quite optimal Alliance variant. Plus, recently Canada made analogous choice, so member country unification also makes sense.
However, announcement will be difficult, as it may be poorly received in U.S., which advocates primarily for American-manufactured weapons procurement. Therefore probability exists of another NATO internal relations deterioration, causing attempts to select better moment for decision announcement.
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