Ottawa takes next step in negotiations on possible GlobalEye purchase from Saab

OTTAWA — The Liberal government has taken another step forward in talks with the Swedish defence company Saab as it considers acquiring its advanced radar planes for the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Ottawa says it agreed on a non-binding term sheet with Saab that will support more detailed negotiations on a fleet of GlobalEye aircraft.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced at a defence expo this spring that Canada had selected Saab as a preferred supplier for airborne early warning and control planes, though that does not commit Ottawa to purchasing the platform.

The federal Conservatives have written to the auditor general and parliamentary budget officer calling on them to investigate whether the government followed all the proper processes in selecting the platform.