NATO to Replace Aging AWACS Fleet with Non-US Aircraft in Multi-Billion Euro Deal

BRUSSELS, April 23, 2026

NATO plans to replace its aging AWACS surveillance fleet with up to 12 new aircraft from non-US manufacturers, marking a strategic shift away from reliance on American-made planes.

The alliance is finalizing an order for Global 6000 or Global 6500 aircraft, worth several billion euros, through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The decision comes after the US government withdrew from the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail program, prompting NATO to explore alternatives.

Strategic Shift Away from US Dependence

The move signals a notable departure from NATO’s long-standing reliance on US defense technology. The current AWACS fleet, comprising 14 Boeing 707 planes, has been in service for roughly 40 years and played critical roles in major operations, including counterterrorism missions and the Kosovo War. With these aircraft nearing retirement, NATO sought modern replacements but faced setbacks when the US abandoned the Wedgetail program.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius hinted at alternatives last September, mentioning the potential use of Saab’s GlobalEye system. While the final decision leans toward Bombardier’s Global 6000 or 6500 models, the shift underscores Europe’s growing emphasis on diversifying its defense procurement sources.

Operational and Financial Implications

The procurement process, managed by the NSPA, is expected to be one of NATO’s most significant investments in airborne surveillance capabilities. The new fleet will enhance the alliance’s ability to conduct long-range reconnaissance and electronic warfare missions, filling a critical gap left by the retiring AWACS planes.