Bombardier has secured a contract from the government of Canada for six Global 6500 multi-role aircraft for $400 million to support aeromedical evacuations, disaster relief, humanitarian aid and national security missions.
What Is Covered in Canada’s Global 6500 Contract?
The Royal Canadian Air Force will operate the aircraft, Bombardier said Friday. Deliveries will begin in summer 2027.
“The Global 6500 aircraft is a world-class, made-in-Canada product with the versatility to perform multiple missions, making it the go-to solution for governments around the world,” Eric Martel, president and CEO of Bombardier, stated. “Today, the more than 12,000 Canadians who work at Bombardier can take great pride in knowing that this aircraft will now serve their country.”
The contract includes military modifications of the aircraft. The Global 6500 will replace the RCAF’s fleet of CC-144 Challenger.
How Canada’s DIA Accelerates Procurement?
The contract marks the first procurement of the Defence Investment Agency, which was recently established to modernize the government’s procurement process.
Stephen Fuhr, Canada’s secretary of state for defense procurement, shared that the DIA removed red tapes and streamlined processes, allowing rapid capability delivery in support of the RCAF.
DIA is also managing Canada’s purchase of submarines, early warning-and-control surveillance aircraft and Arctic over-the-horizon radars.