Lithuania joins NATO allies in purchasing new surveillance aircraft

Lithuania, alongside ten NATO allies, has joined a key alliance project to modernise surveillance and early warning capabilities by acquiring up to ten Saab GlobalEye intelligence aircraft, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence announced.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said the move would directly enhance security in the Baltic region and NATO’s eastern flank. “Last year, around 20% of AWACS operations were dedicated to monitoring the Baltic region. Strengthening NATO’s intelligence, surveillance, and command capabilities will improve our regional security and early threat detection,” he said.

The project, valued at approximately €5 billion, is expected to deliver the first aircraft between 2030 and 2031. They will eventually replace the alliance’s current E-3A AWACS early warning and control system aircraft.

The GlobalEye system can detect, track, and identify complex threats, including drone swarms, ballistic, and cruise missiles. The aircraft can monitor air, maritime, and land domains from high altitudes, serve as communications relays, and function as air control centres.

Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Sweden, Canada, and Latvia have also committed to the joint purchase, with other European allies considering participation.