Less than two weeks after local reports indicated that the German Air Force might be interested in acquiring additional Pegasus signals intelligence aircraft, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the acquisition of new Saab GlobalEye aircraft is also being evaluated, which would strengthen Germany’s early warning capabilities. The German official’s comments came during a meeting with his Swedish counterpart, Pål Jonson, in which they also addressed recent Russian activities over Estonian and Polish airspace.
Regarding Pistorius’ brief remarks on the potential selection of the GlobalEye for the German Air Force, he said: “Yes, that is also an option for Germany. We are working on it. We haven’t made a decision yet, but I would say it is in the top position, to put it cautiously.” It is worth noting that Berlin is planning to replace the NATO E-3 Sentry aircraft operating from its bases, which are approaching retirement, leaving the country with a significant capability gap.
In this context, the German defense minister highlighted the role of Sweden as a manufacturer of such platforms, as well as the close defense relationship between the two countries, including cooperation in system procurement and joint operations to monitor and intercept potential Russian threats. Following this logic, he emphasized that both countries are also negotiating the joint purchase of new IRIS-T SLM missiles under the European Sky Shield initiative, in addition to a future acquisition of snow vehicles manufactured by the Swedish industry.
Referring to the aforementioned Russian incursions over European allies’ airspace, Pistorius stated: “So far, no perceptible aggression has been observed in these incidents. But that is a prerequisite for a physical and kinetic intervention (…) we have to make it very clear: we will not be provoked, but we are there and we will intercept them. We will closely monitor what happens and escort them out. We will be tolerant and patient, but making it clear that we are present and can do more at any moment.”
Finally, regarding recent speculation about a potential German withdrawal from the FCAS program for sixth-generation fighter jets due to a lack of progress and the possibility of exploring a shift toward the GCAP program with Sweden, the German defense minister denied that such discussions had taken place. He added that he expects to meet with his Spanish and French counterparts in October to chart the path forward. This is by no means a minor issue, considering that the joint program is valued at over €100 billion and represents the future of fighter aviation for three major European nations.
Photos used for illustrative purposes
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