FILE PHOTO: A visitor walks past a Saab Technologies pavilion at Farnborough International Airshow in Farnborough, Britain, July 17, 2018. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - The United Arab Emirates intends to buy two additional GlobalEye aircraft for surveillance from Saab SAABb.ST, the Swedish defense firm said on Tuesday, lifting its shares by 3%.

Stockholm-based Saab, maker of the Gripen fighter jet, said the order’s potential value was $1.018 billion although final negotiations had yet to take place and a contract amendment needed to be signed.

The UAE previously bought three GlobalEye aircraft, which provide simultaneous air, maritime and ground surveillance. It bought two in 2015 and another in 2017.

Saab said the Gulf state announced its intention at the Dubai Airshow on Tuesday to amend the contract.

The Swedish company raised 6 billion crowns ($624 million) last year to boost its balance sheet and meet a growing order backlog.

Saab’s shares were up 2.7% by 1122 GMT.