This project will deliver a Canadian Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) capability in order to further contribute to the NORAD Aerospace Warning and Control (AWAC) missions, achieve greater strategic effects in a rapidly evolving security environment, and reinforce Canada’s support to peace and stabilization operations.
As part of Canada’s Defence Policy Update ‘Our North, Strong and Free’ DND has allocated $307 million over 20 years for an (AEW&C) that will vastly improve Canada’s ability to detect, track and prioritize airborne threats.
Saab and CAE announced the signing of a global cooperation agreement to collaborate on advanced training specifically tailored to Saab’s Airborne Early Warning (AEW) platforms, including the GlobalEye Airborne Surveillance Platform.
READ: Saab and CAE Advance GlobalEye Worldwide with New Global Cooperation Agreement
GlobalEye is a leading Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) solution that combines the best of Swedish and Canadian expertise and quality to match the requirements of Canada’s acquisition program.
At the heart of the GlobalEye system is the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 aircraft, a Canadian-built platform that delivers long range, high endurance, and superior performance at all altitudes. Saab’s proposal leverages this proven platform with a suite of cutting-edge sensors and mission systems, offering the Canadian Armed Forces a highly capable, cost-effective, and sovereign solution.
READ: Saab ready to offer GlobalEye for Canada’s Airborne Early Warning and Control program
In partnership with Saab, a leading company in AEW&C systems, GA-ASI is pairing Saab’s AEW sensors with the world’s longest-range, highest-endurance RPA, the MQ-9B. At sea or over land, adding AEW capabilities on MQ-9B enables persistent air surveillance and enables AEW in areas of the world where it doesn’t currently exist or is unaffordable, such as for navy aircraft carriers at sea.
READ: GA-ASI and Saab to Demonstrate AEW&C on MQ-9B in 2026
READ: Cover Story on CQ-9B Guardian
AEW&C planes are the most valuable airborne air defence systems, capable of strengthening Canada’s ability to enforce its sovereignty against regular incursions by Russian long-range aviation into its Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). These aerial assets, using their powerful radars to pinpoint and single out hostile strategic bombers and fighter jets, can guide and control RCAF fighter aircraft, directing them to intercept targets, engage in combat, or deliver support to other operations. They can also detect and provide early warning of incoming Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), hypersonic weapons, stealthy low-flying cruise missiles, and to a lesser extent, hypersonic glide vehicles, and directly transmit this information to the NWS radar network by plugging into the system of systems, generating increased domain awareness. Last but not least, such high-endurance platforms are essential given the sheer size of Canada’s airspace and the fact that it is impossible for stationary ground-based radars to singlehandedly monitor all of it. To counter this challenge and constitute another line of defence, AEW&C planes could be leveraged to help the RCAF provide additional aerial surveillance nodes to ensure that there are as few “gaps” as possible in NORAD’s multi-layered integrated air defence network.
READ MORE: AEW&C aircraft options available for Canada
It is typically understood to be a sophisticated airborne system capable of detecting and tracking airborne and surface targets such as aircraft, missiles, drones, ground vehicles, and maritime vessels. However, AEW&C is more than just this function alone as it also incorporates advanced communication, navigation, and electronic warfare capabilities, making it an essential asset for all military operations. With their ability to operate at 30,000 feet or higher if needed, these fixed-wing early warning platforms can detect air and surface tracks at extremely long distances without the limitations of line-of-sight restrictions inherent in ground-based systems, enabling them to contribute to a robust common operating picture and provide comprehensive situational awareness. They also play a crucial role in gathering and processing vast amounts of information about enemy aircraft for long-range over-the-horizon missile engagements along with surveillance, reconnaissance, and C3 operations.
AEW&C aircraft, in other words, are not only aerial surveillance nodes and the ‘eyes and ears’ of the Joint Force, but also strategically important battle management command and control platforms that are far less vulnerable to enemy attack than stationary land-based C4ISR nodes. They manage entire air battles, identify friendly aircraft from hostile ones in real-time, coordinate and optimize the use of all available air combat assets, and provide ground-based air defence systems with precise target data and intelligence to ensure that those missile batteries can operate effectively within a larger air battle context.
AEW&C Requirements
The project will include the procurement and sustainment of an AEWC aircraft fleet to provide an airborne C4ISR capability with integral systems that include: multi-role radar capable of air and sea surveillance, and fighter control; passive sensors capable of detecting air and surface contacts; and full mission crew compartment in order to conduct autonomous joint command and control, battle management, and wide area surveillance missions. Based on the operational requirements, expected serviceability rates, and life-cycle-management activities, it is estimated that a fleet size of 6 aircraft is required. As a new capability to the CAF, the AEWC project includes significant investments in infrastructure for operations from a single MOB. This infrastructure will likely include: Aircraft hangars; a squadron facility; a mission support centre; security infrastructure to meet level 3 processing; training and simulation facilities; logistic support facilities; fuel storage; and base housing facilities for additional personnel.
AEW&C Funding Range
Greater than $5 billion
Anticipated Timeline (Fiscal Year)
- Start Options Analysis 2025/2026
- Start Definition 2028/2029
- Start Implementation 2032/2033
- Initial Delivery 2037/2038
- Final Delivery 2040/2041
