A consortium of eight NATO countries, including the United States and the Netherlands, decided in November 2023 to replace the Boeing E-3A radar and signals intelligence aircraft with the newer E-7 model from the same manufacturer.
But since the US withdrew from cooperation, the purchase has been put on hold, as "both the strategic and financial basis" disappeared with the withdrawal, according to the Dutch Ministry of Defense.
"Members are now exploring options to replace the fleet and are seeking new partners," a press release says.
Gijs Tuinman, State Secretary in the Ministry, says in the text:
“The US withdrawal also shows how important it is to invest as much as possible in European industry.”
Saab's press manager Mattias Rådström tells Di that the company has "noted information in the media connected to NATO's air surveillance program", and that Saab is "of course open to discussions about how our technology can support the needs of potential customers".
Saab's stock has risen slightly on Thursday since the halted purchase became known.
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