Egypt’s Potential GlobalEye Deal: A Game-Changer for Red Sea Security

Egypt’s ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces have entered a new chapter. According to multiple defence sources, Cairo is exploring a possible deal with Swedish aerospace giant Saab to acquire the GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. This reported negotiation, which emerged from discussions at the Paris Air Show 2025, could dramatically enhance Egypt’s strategic surveillance capabilities.

The potential acquisition underscores Egypt’s desire to strengthen its control over the Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and national airspace. With regional instability growing — from the Houthi drone threat in Yemen to Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions — the GlobalEye system could play a critical role in protecting Egypt’s national interests.

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What Is GlobalEye?

The Erieye Radar Core

At the heart of the GlobalEye system lies the advanced Erieye AESA radar. Originally developed by Ericsson Microwave Systems before Saab’s acquisition in 2006, the Erieye radar provides multi-domain coverage, detecting aerial, maritime, and ground threats simultaneously at ranges exceeding 450 km.

Business Jet Conversion

GlobalEye is mounted on a modified Bombardier Global 6000/6500 jet, turning a civilian business jet into a long-endurance surveillance aircraft. With a flight endurance of more than 11 hours and an operational ceiling above 60,000 ft, it offers continuous 360° surveillance.

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Why Is Egypt Interested?

Outdated E-2C Hawkeye Fleet

Egypt currently operates the E-2C Hawkeye aircraft, acquired from the U.S. during the 1980s and 1990s. While these were upgraded in 2003, they are reaching the end of their operational lifespan. With the production line closed, Egypt urgently requires a modern replacement.

Learning from the UAE’s Experience

The United Arab Emirates became the first operator of the GlobalEye, with five aircraft delivered between 2020 and 2024. Egypt reportedly studied the system’s performance in UAE service, where it demonstrated unmatched efficiency in monitoring the Gulf and Arabian Sea regions.

Growing Red Sea Challenges

The Red Sea has become a hotspot of tension. Egypt faces multiple challenges:

• Drone and missile attacks launched by the Houthis in Yemen.
• Ethiopian naval ambitions, including possible bases on the Red Sea coast.
• Piracy and asymmetric threats targeting vital shipping lanes.

GlobalEye would provide a decisive advantage in early detection and response to such threats, enhancing Egypt’s maritime dominance.

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Inside the Paris Air Show 2025 Talks

According to Tactical Report, the Egyptian delegation at the Paris Air Show 2025 showed strong interest in the GlobalEye. Discussions reportedly included:

• Acquiring two to three aircraft.
• Requests for staggered payment options due to economic pressures.
• Establishing domestic maintenance and support facilities in Egypt.
• Integration with Egypt’s existing air defence systems.

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Technical Highlights of GlobalEye

Radar and Sensors

• Erieye AESA radar: detects aerial targets up to 450 km away.
• Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI): tracks land vehicles.
• Maritime radar: identifies even small vessels, such as speedboats or jet skis.

Integration Capabilities

GlobalEye is designed to feed real-time data into air defence systems, allowing surface-to-air missile units to engage hostile targets based on airborne detection.

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Challenges Egypt Faces

System Integration

Egypt operates a highly diverse defence network, including Patriot, Avenger, S-300, HQ-9, and IRIS-T. Integrating a Swedish system into this mix poses technical hurdles.

Financial Concerns

The deal would cost billions. Egypt reportedly requested flexible payment terms, highlighting the country’s current financial pressures.

Maintenance and Training

Egypt seeks to establish local support infrastructure to avoid long-term dependency on Saab engineers. This would require significant technology transfer.

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Regional Context: Beyond U.S. Dependence

Egypt’s shift towards European defence systems mirrors a wider regional trend:

• Qatar is exploring European air defence systems.
• Saudi Arabia is diversifying suppliers after the 2019 oil facility attacks.
• UAE already operates GlobalEye as the cornerstone of its surveillance network.

This diversification reflects a broader Middle Eastern strategy to reduce reliance on U.S. military hardware.

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Why GlobalEye Matters for Egypt’s Future

Strategic Autonomy

Owning GlobalEye allows Egypt to operate without being overly dependent on U.S. systems, enhancing its independence in foreign policy and defence decisions.

Maritime Superiority

Egypt would gain the ability to dominate surveillance of the Red Sea, ensuring the safety of energy routes and commercial shipping passing through the Suez Canal.

Prestige and Influence

Egypt’s acquisition could encourage other African and Arab nations to consider GlobalEye, boosting its role as a regional defence trendsetter.

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Unanswered Questions

• Will Saab agree to Egypt’s demands for local maintenance?
• Can Egypt successfully integrate GlobalEye with its mixed defence systems?
• How will the U.S. react to Egypt replacing its E-2C Hawkeyes with a European system?
• Does Egypt have the financial capacity to sustain such a multi-billion-dollar purchase?

If the reports are accurate, Egypt’s pursuit of the Saab GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft could redefine its military posture in the Middle East. By gaining one of the world’s most advanced surveillance systems, Cairo would strengthen its ability to safeguard the Red Sea, monitor threats, and assert regional influence. Yet, the challenges of cost, integration, and geopolitics remain formidable. The next few months will reveal whether Egypt’s GlobalEye dream becomes a reality.