Canada Selects Bombardier Global 6500 Aircraft for New Airborne Surveillance Fleet
The Canadian government intends to procure a new fleet of airborne early warning and control aircraft based on the Bombardier Global 6500. Saab has been selected as the preferred supplier for the system.
Bombardier Inc. has welcomed the Canadian government's intention to select the Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft as the platform for its new Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) fleet. The company applauded the decision to invest in Canadian industry and favour a "made-in-Canada" solution.
Saab, a long-standing partner of Bombardier, has been chosen as the preferred supplier for its GlobalEye solution. The government's plan to bring modification and integration work for the GlobalEye aircraft to Canada, to be performed by Canadian aerospace workers, highlights the country's industrial defense strategy. Bombardier has historically supplied Global aircraft to Saab for conversion into the GlobalEye configuration.
Bombardier is currently in discussions with Saab regarding leading the modification program and Canada's industrial role in potential future exports of the solution. The company cited its expertise and decades of experience in aircraft modification for demanding missions.
This development is seen as significant for Canadian industry and the Royal Canadian Air Force, which will receive a modern surveillance capability. The Global 6500 platform's role in Canada has been expanding, with the government previously announcing the purchase of six such aircraft for multi-mission transport and the National Research Council acquiring one for R&D activities.