Military Private Jets:

August 16, 2026 · 15 min read

How Private Jets Are Modified for Military Purposes

Private jets are normally associated with executive travel, corporate aviation and luxury transportation. However, the same characteristics that make business jets attractive to private passengers—speed, altitude, range, efficiency and access to smaller airports—also make them suitable for military and government missions.

Aircraft such as the Gulfstream G550, Bombardier Global 6000, Dassault Falcon 8X and Embraer Phenom 100 can be transformed into airborne radar stations, intelligence-gathering platforms, communications relays, maritime surveillance aircraft or military trainers.

These are rarely ordinary passenger aircraft with equipment simply placed inside the cabin. The conversion can involve major structural changes, new electrical and cooling systems, external antennas, radar fairings, mission-computer stations, secure communications and defensive equipment.

This guide examines the most important military private jets, their modifications, estimated costs, missions and countries operating them.

A purpose-built military surveillance aircraft can take many years and billions of dollars to develop. Starting with a certified business jet offers several advantages.

Long range and endurance

Aircraft such as the Gulfstream G550, Bombardier Global 6000 and Falcon 8X can remain airborne for extended missions without requiring a much larger airliner-sized platform.

High operating altitude

Many large business jets can operate at up to 51,000 feet. Higher altitude increases the detection horizon of radar and surveillance sensors while allowing the aircraft to remain above most commercial traffic and severe weather.

Lower operating costs

A business jet generally consumes less fuel and requires fewer personnel than an aircraft based on a commercial airliner. This can reduce the cost of routine intelligence, communications and patrol missions.

Existing global support

Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault and Embraer already maintain international service networks. Governments can use established maintenance facilities, spare-parts systems and civilian-trained technicians.

Faster development

Military contractors can purchase a “green” aircraft—an unfinished jet without a completed passenger interior—and install mission equipment before delivery. This is faster than designing a completely new military aircraft.

1. The passenger cabin is removed

Seats, tables, entertainment systems and luxury furnishings are replaced with mission consoles, equipment racks, communications stations and crew-rest areas.

Some modified aircraft retain a small number of passenger seats, a galley and a lavatory because missions can last ten hours or longer.

2. The fuselage is reinforced

Large radar arrays, antennas and sensor fairings change the aircraft’s weight and aerodynamics. Engineers reinforce parts of the fuselage, wings and tail to support this equipment.

3. External sensors are installed

Depending on the mission, a converted jet may receive:

• Side-mounted radar arrays
• A radar structure above the fuselage
• Electro-optical and infrared cameras
• Satellite-communications antennas
• Signals-intelligence receivers
• Maritime-search radar
• Missile-test telemetry equipment
• Electronic countermeasure antennas

4. Electrical capacity is increased

Civilian avionics and cabin systems require far less electrical power than military radar and intelligence equipment. Special-mission aircraft therefore need upgraded generators, power distribution and backup systems.

5. Additional cooling is installed

Radar processors, computers and electronic-warfare systems produce significant heat. A military conversion may require new environmental-control systems, air intakes and cooling equipment.

6. Secure communications are added

Military aircraft require encrypted radios, satellite communications and tactical data links. These systems allow collected information to be transmitted to ships, ground forces, command centers and other aircraft.

7. Flight testing begins

External structures can affect drag, stability and fuel consumption. The modified aircraft must complete aerodynamic, structural, electromagnetic-interference and mission-system testing before entering service.

The Gulfstream G550 Conformal Airborne Early Warning aircraft is one of the most successful military conversions of a private jet.

The passenger version of the Gulfstream G550 is a large-cabin, long-range business aircraft. Israel Aerospace Industries and its ELTA division convert the platform into the G550 CAEW, also known as the Eitam in Israeli service.

Principal modifications

The aircraft receives large conformal radar structures along both sides of the fuselage. Additional radar arrays and sensors provide surveillance coverage without the conventional rotating radar dome found on older AWACS aircraft.

Its equipment can include:

• Dual-band AESA radar
• Identification-friend-or-foe equipment
• Electronic-intelligence sensors
• Communications-intelligence systems
• Mission-operator consoles
• Secure satellite communications
• Electronic self-protection systems

The aircraft detects and tracks airplanes, missiles and other airborne objects while providing information to commanders and fighter aircraft. IAI describes the G550 CAEW as a 360-degree surveillance and command-and-control platform. IAI G550 CAEW information.

Countries operating the G550 CAEW

• Israel
• Italy
• Singapore

The exact configurations differ because each country integrates its own communications, security and mission requirements.

Estimated cost

A standard G550 previously cost approximately $60 million when new. A complete CAEW conversion can increase the cost to roughly $200–400 million per aircraft, depending on radar configuration, ground stations, training and support.

The EA-37B Compass Call, previously designated EC-37B, is an electronic-attack aircraft based on the Gulfstream G550.

It replaces the much larger EC-130H Compass Call operated by the United States Air Force.

Purpose of the modification

The EA-37B is designed to disrupt or degrade hostile:

• Military communications
• Radar networks
• Command-and-control systems
• Navigation signals
• Information networks

The aircraft does not normally attack targets using conventional bombs or missiles. Its principal weapon is electromagnetic energy.

Major modifications

The EA-37B receives:

• Large external antenna structures
• Electronic-attack transmitters
• Advanced signal-processing equipment
• Mission-operator workstations
• Additional power-generation capacity
• Expanded equipment cooling
• Secure military communications
• Defensive warning and protection systems

The U.S. Air Force officially describes the EA-37B as a heavily modified G550 used for wide-area airborne electromagnetic attack. U.S. Air Force EA-37B information.

Country operating it

• United States

Estimated cost

Public U.S. budget documents have shown approximately $110–160 million in aircraft procurement funding per airframe during certain years. The complete cost is higher when research, mission equipment, software, support and transferred Compass Call systems are included.

Australia’s MC-55A Peregrine is another highly modified Gulfstream G550. It is designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare.

Australia received its first aircraft in January 2026. Four aircraft are planned. Australian Department of Defence describes it as a long-range platform capable of collecting multiple forms of intelligence.

Principal modifications

The Peregrine has extensive external and internal changes, including:

• Signals-intelligence antennas
• Communications-intelligence equipment
• Electronic-intelligence sensors
• Additional satellite communications
• Mission-planning and analysis consoles
• Increased electrical generation
• Additional equipment cooling
• Modified engines and aircraft systems
• External fairings that alter the original fuselage shape

Its mission is to gather and distribute information supporting Australian air, maritime and joint operations.

Country operating it

• Australia

Cost

Australia’s AIR 555 project has an approved budget of approximately A$2.4 billion for four aircraft, or around A$600 million per aircraft when the entire program is divided evenly.

This is not simply the price of four G550s. The budget also covers development, sensor integration, testing, training, support equipment and program infrastructure. Australian National Audit Office.

The United States Navy operates the NC-37B, another special-mission version of the Gulfstream G550.

Unlike the EA-37B, its primary purpose is not electronic attack. The aircraft supports naval weapons testing and military ranges.

Modification and purpose

The NC-37B is fitted with specialized telemetry and data-collection equipment. It can monitor missile, rocket and aircraft testing over large ocean ranges.

Modifications include:

• Specialized telemetry antennas
• Data-recording equipment
• Mission workstations
• Structural changes for external sensors
• Secure communications

The U.S. Navy confirms that the NC-37B includes structural modifications for equipment unique to the Navy’s range-support mission. U.S. Navy C-37 and NC-37B fact file.

Country operating it

• United States

Cost

A separate aircraft-only cost has not been publicly identified. The total includes the G550 platform, structural conversion and highly specialized telemetry equipment.

The Saab GlobalEye is built on the Bombardier Global 6000 and Global 6500 business-jet family.

The civilian Bombardier Global 6000 is designed for long-range executive travel. Saab transforms it into an airborne early-warning and multi-domain surveillance aircraft.

Principal modifications

The most visible modification is the Erieye Extended Range radar mounted above the fuselage.

Additional equipment includes:

• Long-range Erieye ER radar
• Maritime-surveillance radar
• Electro-optical sensors
• Electronic-intelligence equipment
• Identification systems
• Mission-operator workstations
• Tactical communications
• Command-and-control equipment

GlobalEye can monitor aircraft, ships and certain ground targets simultaneously. Saab describes it as a multi-domain AEW&C platform providing real-time surveillance of air, sea and land. Saab GlobalEye specifications.

Countries operating or ordering GlobalEye

• United Arab Emirates: five aircraft delivered
• Sweden: three aircraft ordered, designated S 106
• France: two aircraft ordered, with options for two more
• Undisclosed Middle Eastern country: two ordered in 2026
• Canada: GlobalEye selected as preferred solution, but no final order had been signed as of August 2026

Canada should therefore be described as a prospective customer rather than an operator. Saab’s Canada announcement.

Cost

GlobalEye contracts vary considerably:

• Sweden’s original two-aircraft order was approximately SEK 7.3 billion
• Sweden’s third aircraft was approximately SEK 2.6 billion
• France’s two-aircraft order was approximately SEK 12.3 billion
• The 2026 Middle Eastern order for two aircraft was approximately SEK 10.1 billion

These figures indicate a broadly estimated program cost of $250–670 million per aircraft, depending on included sensors, support, infrastructure and training.

The U.S. Air Force’s E-11A is based on the Bombardier Global 6000.

Its primary system is the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node, or BACN.

Purpose of the modification

Different military units frequently use incompatible radios or operate beyond each other’s line of sight. The E-11A functions as an airborne communications gateway, allowing separate networks to exchange information.

It is sometimes described as “Wi-Fi in the sky,” although its communications and networking functions are considerably more sophisticated.

Principal modifications

• High-altitude communications relay
• Tactical data-link gateways
• Satellite communications
• Secure voice and data systems
• Networking equipment
• Mission computers
• Additional electrical and cooling capacity

The U.S. Air Force states that the E-11A extends communications channels and improves connectivity between military units. U.S. Air Force E-11A information.

Country operating it

• United States

Cost

Recent procurement documents have indicated approximately $65–125 million per aircraft, depending on the year and whether the budget line includes only the airframe or portions of its BACN installation.

Germany’s PEGASUS, or Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System, uses three modified Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft.

Purpose

PEGASUS is designed for signals intelligence. It detects, identifies and analyzes radar and communications emissions.

Its missions can include:

• Monitoring radar activity
• Detecting communications signals
• Locating electronic emitters
• Building an electronic intelligence picture
• Supporting German and NATO forces

Modifications

The aircraft are fitted with the Hensoldt Kalaetron Integral signals-intelligence suite, specialized antennas, mission consoles and secure data-processing systems.

The conversion also requires structural modifications, additional power, cooling equipment and ground-based data-analysis infrastructure. Hensoldt PEGASUS program.

Country acquiring it

• Germany

Cost

The overall PEGASUS program has been reported at approximately €1.54 billion for three aircraft, including mission systems, ground facilities, training and support.

That represents a program-average cost of more than €500 million per aircraft, but it should not be interpreted as the aircraft’s standalone purchase price.

The U.S. Army’s HADES, or High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System, is being developed around the Bombardier Global 6500.

The program is intended to replace slower turboprop intelligence aircraft with a platform that can fly higher, farther and faster.

Purpose

HADES is intended to collect information across large distances for:

• Signals intelligence
• Electronic intelligence
• Wide-area surveillance
• Detection of military activity
• Long-range targeting support
• Communications and radar analysis

Principal modifications

Final configurations may vary, but the conversion includes:

• Mission-computer stations
• Signals-intelligence sensors
• External antennas and fairings
• Secure satellite communications
• Enhanced electrical systems
• Additional cooling
• Military data links
• Equipment for rapid intelligence distribution

Country developing it

• United States

Cost

The U.S. Army’s FY2027 budget identified:

• $62.465 million for a Global 6500 base aircraft
• $16.601 million for Supplemental Type Certificate modifications

That produces a base-plus-structural-conversion cost of approximately $79.1 million before the principal intelligence sensors and mission systems are included. U.S. Army aircraft procurement budget.

France is converting the Dassault Falcon 8X into the Archange strategic intelligence aircraft.

Archange stands for Avion de Renseignement à Charge utile de Nouvelle Génération, or New-Generation Intelligence Payload Aircraft.

Purpose

Archange replaces France’s retired Transall C-160G Gabriel signals-intelligence aircraft.

Its mission is to detect and analyze:

• Radar emissions
• Military communications
• Electronic signals
• The location and characteristics of emitters

Principal modifications

The Falcon 8X receives the Thales CUGE electronic-intelligence system, including:

• Multi-polarization antennas
• High-sensitivity signal receivers
• Artificial-intelligence-assisted signal processing
• Satellite communications
• Tactical data links
• Intelligence-operator workstations
• External antenna fairings
• Modified windows and cabin structures

France has ordered three Archange aircraft. Dassault reports that work is progressing on all three. Dassault special-mission Falcon information.

Country acquiring it

• France

Cost

The complete contract value has not been publicly disclosed. A civilian Falcon 8X typically costs approximately $55–65 million when new, but the finished Archange aircraft could cost well above $100 million each after structural conversion and installation of the CUGE intelligence system.

The Falcon 2000 Albatros is a maritime-surveillance version of the Dassault Falcon 2000.

France has ordered 12 aircraft for its AVSIMAR maritime-surveillance and intervention program.

Principal modifications

The Albatros includes:

• Multifunction maritime radar beneath the fuselage
• Electro-optical and infrared camera turret
• Large observation windows
• Search-and-rescue equipment
• Openings for dropping rescue kits
• Dedicated maritime communications
• Mission-operator workstations

Purpose

The aircraft will conduct:

• Maritime-border surveillance
• Search and rescue
• Fisheries protection
• Pollution monitoring
• Anti-trafficking operations
• Intelligence collection
• Monitoring of exclusive economic zones

Dassault confirms that the Albatros is based on the Falcon 2000LXS and includes radar, an optronic turret, observation windows and a search-and-rescue kit-release system. Dassault Falcon 2000 Albatros.

Country acquiring it

• France

Cost

France and Dassault have not published an individual aircraft price. Depending on the mission suite and support package, a reasonable broad estimate is $70–120 million per aircraft.

The Japan Coast Guard operates six Falcon 2000 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft.

Although the Japan Coast Guard is a civilian law-enforcement organization rather than a military service, its Falcon 2000s perform missions similar to military maritime-surveillance aircraft.

Modifications and purpose

The aircraft are equipped for:

• Maritime surveillance
• Search and rescue
• Fisheries patrol
• Anti-piracy operations
• Drug interdiction
• Law enforcement
• Intelligence and reconnaissance

Modifications include surveillance radar, optical sensors, communication systems, observation positions and mission consoles. Dassault Falcon 2000 MSA information.

Country operating it

• Japan

Cost

The precise contract value has not been publicly separated into aircraft, mission systems and support. A modified Falcon 2000 MSA would normally cost significantly more than the civilian aircraft on which it is based.

Not every military private jet is a surveillance or intelligence platform. The Royal Air Force uses the Embraer Phenom 100 as the Phenom T1 military trainer.

Purpose

The Phenom T1 is used to train:

• Multi-engine pilots
• Mission aircrew
• Weapons-system officers
• Airborne specialists
• Personnel progressing to transport and surveillance aircraft

Modifications

Compared with electronic-warfare aircraft, modifications are relatively limited:

• Military-compatible communications
• Training equipment
• Specialized cockpit configurations
• Instructor positions
• Recording and debriefing systems
• Military operating and maintenance documentation

The Royal Air Force confirms that the Phenom T1 trains pilots, mission aircrew and airborne specialists. Royal Air Force Phenom T1.

Countries operating military Phenom variants

• United Kingdom: five Phenom T1 trainers
• Brazil: Phenom 100EV aircraft designated U-100
• Pakistan: Phenom aircraft used primarily for government and VIP transport

Cost

A standard Phenom 100 typically costs approximately $5 million, depending on age and configuration. A training aircraft with support, simulators and long-term maintenance can represent a substantially larger program cost.

Many countries also operate business jets without extensive intelligence modifications. These aircraft are mainly used to transport presidents, prime ministers, senior military commanders and government delegations.

Common examples include:

• Gulfstream V and G550, designated C-37A and C-37B in the United States
• Gulfstream G650 and G650ER government transports
• Bombardier Global 5000, 6000 and 6500
• Dassault Falcon 7X and Falcon 8X
• Falcon 900
• Embraer Legacy 600 and Legacy 650
• Embraer Lineage 1000
• Cessna Citation aircraft
• Pilatus PC-24

Executive-transport modifications can include secure communications, missile-warning systems, encrypted satellite links, military navigation equipment and protected meeting areas. However, they generally retain most of their passenger cabin.

A civilian business jet may cost between approximately $5 million and $80 million. A military special-mission version can cost several times more.

Most military business jets are not directly armed.

Their principal roles involve:

• Detecting threats
• Collecting intelligence
• Disrupting communications
• Relaying tactical information
• Monitoring maritime activity
• Training military personnel
• Transporting officials
• Supporting weapons tests

Some concepts have proposed carrying missiles or other weapons on modified business jets, but operational special-mission fleets generally function as intelligence and command platforms rather than attack aircraft.

Which Countries Operate Military Private Jets?

Countries with important military or government business-jet programs include:

• Australia
• Brazil
• France
• Germany
• Israel
• Italy
• Japan
• Pakistan
• Singapore
• Sweden
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States

Other governments operate private jets for executive transportation, medical evacuation, border protection, aircraft calibration and research.

The transformation of a passenger business jet into a military platform demonstrates the flexibility of modern private-aircraft design.

A Gulfstream G550 can become an airborne radar station, an electronic-attack aircraft or a missile-test platform. A Bombardier Global can serve as a communications relay, an early-warning aircraft or a signals-intelligence system. Dassault Falcons patrol oceans and collect electronic intelligence, while smaller Embraer aircraft train the next generation of military pilots.

Civilian travelers can explore the original passenger versions through the JetFinder private jet fleet, compare estimated private jet charter costs or calculate journey duration with the JetFinder flight-time calculator.