The Canadian government has awarded Bombardier a $546 million contract to deliver six Global 6500 aircraft to the Royal Canadian Air Force, marking one of the first major procurements under the newly established Defence Investment Agency.
Graphic: Canadian government
The contract, announced Dec. 12 by Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr, calls for delivery of the first aircraft by summer 2027, with initial operational capability expected by the end of that year. The Global 6500s will replace the RCAF’s aging CC-144 Challenger fleet under the Airlift Capability Project – Multi-role Flight Service.
The aircraft will perform worldwide utility flights including aeromedical evacuations, disaster relief, humanitarian aid and national security operations. They will also provide administrative flight services for senior government officials. Full operational capability is projected for 2032, with the total project cost estimated at $1.49 billion including infrastructure, training and contingency funds.
The Global 6500 offers a range exceeding 6,000 nautical miles and can carry 15 passengers with a three-person crew. The aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 0.9 and an expected service life of 20 years. Each aircraft measures 30 meters in length with a 29-meter wingspan.
The procurement represents a test case for the Defence Investment Agency, which the government established to streamline military equipment acquisitions. Officials said the centralized approach accelerated the procurement timeline compared to traditional defence purchasing processes.
Under the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, Bombardier has committed to business activities and investments equal to the contract value. The Montreal-based aerospace manufacturer said the work will support more than 60 Canadian suppliers and generate over 900 direct and indirect jobs associated with aircraft manufacturing activities. Production will take place at Bombardier facilities in Quebec and Ontario.
“By choosing a Canadian-built fleet, we’re putting our industry, our workers, and our incredible aerospace talent front and centre,” said Minister of Public Works and Procurement Joël Lightbound. “This investment supports good jobs here at home while giving the Royal Canadian Air Force modern, versatile aircraft they can rely on.”
Defence Minister David McGuinty described the acquisition as an important investment in operational effectiveness. “These modern aircraft will enhance operational flexibility and readiness and support Canada’s strategic air mobility in Canada and abroad,” he said.
Bombardier President and CEO Éric Martel said the Global 6500 is a world-class product with versatility for multiple missions. “The more than 12,000 Canadians who work at Bombardier can take great pride in knowing that this aircraft will now serve their country,” he said.
The contract includes training for aircrew and maintenance personnel as well as military modifications to the commercial aircraft platform. The project received approval for both its definition and implementation phases on Dec. 4, with a request for proposal released to Bombardier on Sept. 19.
The acquisition forms part of the Canadian government’s broader effort to modernize the Canadian Armed Forces. Officials positioned the procurement as an example of buying Canadian equipment when possible while meeting operational requirements. Project closeout is tentatively scheduled for 2033.
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