The switch to Globaleye “a sore throat for the US”

TT

Published 09.43

 

Saab's surveillance aircraft Globaleye. Press photo. Photo: Saab Via TT

NATO's switch to Globaleye in Europe means a significant loss for the US, which has so far been responsible for most of the military surveillance systems in our part of the world. This is the opinion of Johan Huovinen, lieutenant colonel and military expert at the Stockholm National Defense University.

– It will be a little sore throat for the Americans, he says.

The current airborne radar and combat control system, Awacs (Airborne Warning and Control System), has been used since the late 1970s in specially built Boeing aircraft.

It became familiar to a wider public during the Kuwait War when the plane cruised back and forth over Iraq and monitored the airspace – but now it is ripe for a more modern replacement.

– It is an old system. The newer systems see more and better, says Huovinen.

Best in war?

Those that have been assessed as being able to replace the old Awacs are either Globaleye or its American competitor Wedgetail. The question is which system is best. According to the experts, Wedgetail is more powerful. The aircraft used, a modified Boeing, can accommodate a larger crew with more operators, which is considered an advantage in a critical situation. In other words, Wedgetail gives you higher combat control capabilities.

Globaleye, which will be placed in Bombardier aircraft, is said to be “more efficient” and have a longer range, as well as being more flexible when it comes to different targets to be detected.

– Globaleye is used operationally by several countries. The different countries have probably already made an assessment of which system is qualitatively best. And cost is of course an important factor, says Huovinen.

Lack of aircraft

Another factor that plays a role is how compatible the system is with the countries' air forces, since the radar system will be combined with fighter aircraft that will be directed at different targets.

– Compatibility with aircraft is important. Right now, there are basically only two really modern fighter aircraft out there - the Americans' F-35 and our own Gripen. The British have none, and neither do France or Germany. This matters when choosing a system, he says.

It is likely that new satellite systems will in the near future partially replace airborne radar. The US is investing a lot of energy in this.

– But we are not quite there yet. For example, a certain density of satellites is required, says Huovinen.