France’s radar jet upgrade dims Ukraine’s hopes for Western early warning aircraft

Defense Express reported the information.

In a move that underscores Europe’s growing focus on homegrown defense technology, France has announced plans to modernize its airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) fleet by purchasing Swedish Saab GlobalEye aircraft. This decision, revealed at the 2025 Paris Air Show, marks a significant pivot away from American-made Boeing E-3F Sentry jets, which have served the French Air and Space Force since the 1990s.

The agreement, signed between Saab and France’s defense procurement agency, includes two GlobalEye aircraft, with an option for two more, as well as ground equipment, technical support, and personnel training. While the deal is not yet a finalized contract, officials expect to complete negotiations in the coming months. The new Swedish planes are set to fully replace France’s four aging E-3Fs, which have undergone several upgrades but are nearing the end of their operational life.

France’s choice of the GlobalEye over the American E-7 Wedgetail—already in service with the U.S., South Korea, Australia, Turkey, and the UK—reflects a broader European trend toward defense independence amid shifting geopolitical realities. The GlobalEye is currently operated only by the United Arab Emirates, with orders placed by Sweden and interest from Canada, Denmark, and Finland.

For Ukraine, which is seeking to bolster its own air defense capabilities, France’s fleet upgrade raises the question: could the older E-3F Sentry jets be transferred to Kyiv? The answer is - unlikely. Delivery timelines for new AEW&C aircraft are long—Sweden, for example, expects its first GlobalEye deliveries no earlier than 2027, five years after signing its contract. France is not expected to retire its E-3Fs until the early 2030s, making any near-term transfer improbable.

Moreover, any transfer of U.S.-made military equipment would require American approval, a hurdle that has become increasingly difficult amid shifting U.S. policy on military aid. For now, the prospect of Ukraine receiving France’s outgoing E-3F aircraft remains remote, as Paris prioritizes its own defense needs and European industry.