Tel Aviv: Egypt is currently in negotiations with Sweden’s Saab for the procurement of GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, but the country’s financial status has so far blocked a deal.
The Houthis attack on commercial ships have brought the traffic in the Suez canal to almost zero. The canal is one of the Egypt’s main money sources.
The discussions focus on acquiring GlobalEye as part of Egypt’s effort to modernise its air surveillance capabilities and enhance its ability to monitor both airspace and maritime domains. The negotiation process reportedly involves various military and government entities in Egypt, and there are hurdles still facing the final agreement, such as financing, technology transfer, and regional security considerations.
Egyptian defence authorities are engaging with Saab and relevant Swedish government agencies to work out the possible terms of procurement.
Main obstacles reported include budget availability, ensuring sufficient training/support packages, and managing sensitive technology transfer under Swedish export regulations.
GlobalEye is a multi-role airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform from Swedish defence and security company Saab. In service since April 2020, GlobalEye consists of a suite of sensors using Saab’s Erieye ER (Extended Range) radar and mission system, installed in the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 long-range business jet.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
