The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has granted Montreal-based aerospace company Bombardier a lucrative contract to provide six new multi-purpose aircraft. This significant move, part of Ottawa’s defense spending push, is set to modernise the CAF’s aging fleet and bolster its operational capabilities. In a deal valued at approximately $753-million, Bombardier will replace the existing CC-144 Challenger fleet with six of their advanced Global 6500 jets.
Bombardier’s Global 6500 Jets: A New Era for the CAF
The new fleet of eight-seaters will be utilized for a variety of missions, including aeromedical evacuations, disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and national security operations. These aircraft, built at Bombardier’s Pearson Airport facility, will be crafted using contributions from more than 60 Canadian suppliers in line with the country’s Industrial and Technological Benefits policy.
Investing in Canada’s Aerospace Industry
“On the global stage, this fleet reflects our enduring commitment to supporting Canada’s aerospace industry and maintaining our national identity,” Defence Minister David McGuinty expressed in a statement. The contract is a testament to Bombardier’s expertise and the Canadian government’s trust in the firm’s ability to deliver top-notch aircraft.
Defence Investment Agency: Boosting Communication Capabilities
This is the second significant contract awarded by the federal government’s Defence Investment Agency this week. The agency earlier announced a $3-million contract for Ottawa-based Telesat and MDA Space Ltd. of Brampton, Ont., aimed at enhancing communications for troops stationed in the North.
Delivery Schedule and Training
The first of the new aircraft is slated for delivery in summer 2027, with all planes expected to be operational by the end of that year. The contract also encompasses funds for training, maintenance personnel, and military modifications to the aircraft.
Replacing Outdated Aircraft
In June 2020, Bombardier was awarded a $105-million contract by the federal government to replace two of its four Challenger jets, which had become inoperable in certain countries due to outdated technology. The current contract will replace all four of these jets, significantly modernizing the CAF’s fleet.
Future Fleet Consistency
The decision to procure a Global series jet from Bombardier may pave the way for similar acquisitions in the future, potentially leading to a consistent fleet. This could be particularly beneficial for the six Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft the CAF is looking to procure for military surveillance. If another Global series-based plane, such as Saab’s GlobalEye, were chosen, it could streamline training and operations.
Sweden’s aerospace company, Saab, has offered to build its GlobalEye military surveillance plane entirely in Canada if the Department of National Defence places an order, further aiding in the development of the country’s homegrown aerospace industry.
