Swedish defence contractor Saab is actively pursuing a significant contract with Canada for its Global Eye surveillance aircraft, a project being developed in collaboration with Canadian aerospace manufacturer Bombardier. As the federal government evaluates options for a new fleet of surveillance planes, it is expected to invest over $5 billion in six new aircraft, with Saab’s offering positioned as a leading contender.
Saab recently announced a partnership with Cohere, a Toronto-based artificial intelligence firm, to explore the integration of AI technology into the Global Eye aircraft. This agreement, as detailed by Saab, aims to leverage large language models for information processing and is directly associated with Saab’s bid for the Canadian contract, although it could also support international operations of the Global Eye.
“Right now, we’re looking at pilot projects we would invest in to see how their large language models can be used in information-digestion connected to the Global Eye, of course first, but also in other areas,” said Micael Johansson, CEO of Saab, during an event in Ottawa. The partnership underscores a broader trend of incorporating advanced technology into defence systems as nations seek to enhance their surveillance capabilities.
The Canadian government’s procurement process for the new surveillance aircraft is competitive, with Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail, based on the Boeing 737 airframe, also vying for the contract. Notably, Saab’s Global Eye uses Bombardier’s Global 6500 airframes, which are manufactured in Mississauga, Ontario. Thus, the procurement is expected to have significant implications for the Canadian aerospace industry.
In addition to the Global Eye, Cohere has positioned itself as a strategic partner for other defence initiatives, having recently collaborated with TKMS, a German submarine manufacturer, and South Korean firm Hanwha Oceans. Both partnerships are focused on bidding for a multi-billion-dollar contract to supply the Royal Canadian Navy with up to 12 new submarines. This growing nexus of Canadian and international defence collaborations highlights the strategic importance of AI in modern military applications.
The Liberal government’s commitment to purchasing “Canadian-made airborne early warning and control aircraft” aligns with its platform to bolster domestic aerospace capabilities. Saab’s history in Canada includes previous efforts to promote its Gripen fighter jet, which was a finalist in the country’s fighter procurement competition and has the potential for local assembly. Meanwhile, the government continues to deliberate over its planned acquisition of 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, a decision intertwined with ongoing political considerations.
As Saab intensifies its efforts to market the Global Eye, the focus on its partnership with Cohere illustrates a strategic move to enhance the aircraft’s capabilities through cutting-edge technology. The integration of AI tools could offer significant advantages in information processing and situational awareness, further strengthening Saab’s competitive position in the Canadian defence market.
Looking ahead, the outcome of this procurement process will not only dictate the future of Canada’s surveillance capabilities but also reinforce the role of domestic companies in major defence contracts. The interplay between advanced technology and traditional aerospace manufacturing is poised to shape the future landscape of Canadian defence procurement.
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