From the Defence Investment Agency news release:

Today, the government announced that Canada and Saab entered into a non-binding term sheet agreement that establishes the scope and foundation for detailed negotiations toward the potential acquisition of Saab’s GlobalEye platform.

On May 27, 2026, the Prime Minister announced that Saab was identified as the preferred supplier for an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) capability. Once procured, this capability will defend Canadians and enhance Canada’s security by detecting and deterring threats across the Arctic and beyond. Through resilient and reliable partnerships with our European allies, Canada will ensure that the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is equipped to defend Canadian sovereignty by meeting evolving threats, while creating good jobs and delivering value for Canadians.

While the agreement does not constitute a contract or commitment to procure aircraft, it represents concrete progress toward the acquisition of the GlobalEye platform. It establishes the foundation for detailed negotiations on a Canadian configuration and development program designed to meet Canada’s requirements, including industrial participation and schedule, reflecting months of collaboration and negotiations among Saab, the Defence Investment Agency, and the Royal Canadian Air Force. The agreement also advances the objectives of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) by balancing defence capability, economic benefits, and industrial development.

With these negotiations, Canada intends to acquire six GlobalEye aircraft with associated systems and training. The  platform would provide the RCAF with an advanced airborne surveillance, command and control capability that can detect, track and prioritize threats at long range, including aircraft, missiles and drones. Operating as an airborne command and control centre, the capability would significantly enhance situational awareness, strengthen Canada’s contributions to NORAD modernization and continental defence, and improve operational reach in the Arctic and other remote regions.

More from Daniel Leblanc at CBC News |

Previously from Murray Brewster at CBC: Federal Conservatives want the auditor general and parliamentary budget officer to investigate Ottawa’s planned GlobalEye purchase