Saab Global Eye Early Warning Aircraft Destroyed in Iranian Attack on U.A.E Air Base: Reports

Reports circulating online indicate that a Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft may have been destroyed during an Iranian missile and drone attack on Al Dhafra Air Base in the U.A.E., though officials have not confirmed the loss.

Commercial satellite imagery shared on social media over the weekend appears to show structural damage and burn marks on several aircraft shelters at the large air base, which hosts aircraft from the U.A.E. Air Force as well as forces from the U.S. and France.

The strike is believed to have taken place several days earlier, but the potential scale of the damage became visible after new satellite images were released.

Open-source analysts say several of the damaged shelters could accommodate Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft operated by the U.A.E. Satellite images appear to show damage to at least three hangars capable of housing aircraft of that size.

However, there has been no official confirmation from the U.A.E. government, Saab, or military authorities that any GlobalEye aircraft were destroyed or damaged. Analysts note that satellite imagery alone cannot confirm whether aircraft were inside the structures at the time of the strike.

Separate imagery circulating online has also been interpreted by some observers as showing damage to shelters that could house U.S. surveillance drones, including the MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance drone and the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft. There is no confirmation that any drones were present when the shelters were hit.

If confirmed, the loss of even one GlobalEye would affect the U.A.E.’s airborne surveillance capability. The U.A.E. purchased five GlobalEye aircraft under contracts with Saab valued at around $2.3 billion, implying a unit cost of roughly $450–500 million per aircraft.

The aircraft is based on the Bombardier Global 6000 long-range business jet, selected for its endurance and ability to remain airborne for more than 11 hours at altitudes above 40,000 feet.

GlobalEye is equipped with the Erieye ER active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, mounted above the fuselage. Analysts say the system can detect some targets at distances of roughly 550–650 kilometres.

The aircraft also carries a maritime surveillance radar beneath the fuselage to track ships across wide sea areas, including shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf. Additional signals and electronic intelligence sensors allow crews to detect radar emissions and communications signals.

Inside the aircraft, mission consoles allow operators to analyze sensor data and coordinate operations with fighter aircraft, naval forces and ground-based air defense systems.