Federal Conservatives have urged the auditor general and the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) to review the process followed by the Liberal government in their plan to purchase airborne early warning aircraft from Swedish company Saab. According to sources, the chosen aircraft, GlobalEye, only partially met the military’s needs and will require significant modifications.
The Defence Investment Agency (DIA) acknowledged that none of the three aircraft under consideration met the air force’s requirements, with GlobalEye being deemed the most suitable option. However, it remains unclear how this decision was reached as the competitors were not informed of the air force’s needs before Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the selection at CANSEC, the country’s largest arms expo.
In response to these concerns, the Conservatives emphasized the importance of ensuring that the DIA conducted thorough research before proceeding with the acquisition. Conservative defence critic James Bezan stated that Canadians deserve transparency regarding any potential prioritization of political decisions over national security and operational readiness.
The auditor general is tasked with investigating adherence to protocols and controls, while the PBO will assess the financial aspects and risks of the GlobalEye deal once finalized. CBC News sources revealed the military’s reservations about the aircraft’s radar coverage, prompting Saab to propose modifications to address these limitations.
Furthermore, there are worries about the plane’s crew stations, connectivity equipment for NORAD integration, and the absence of mid-flight refuelling capabilities for Arctic operations. Saab has expressed willingness to meet the military’s requirements and is actively addressing engineering challenges.
A DIA spokesperson clarified that discussions have centered on additional capabilities beyond Saab’s baseline, technical and financial risks, and operational considerations. These negotiations aim to finalize a term sheet outlining the proposed deal’s terms and conditions. The spokesperson affirmed that the GlobalEye aligns with the government’s requirements, despite ongoing deliberations on further enhancements.