Canada invests in home-grown airpower as Bombardier wins Global 6500 deal for Royal Canadian Air Force
December 15, 2025
After decades of relying on an ageing fleet for everything from ministerial travel to humanitarian evacuations, Canada has moved decisively to modernise its strategic airlift capability — and to do so with an aircraft built at home.
The federal government has awarded Bombardier a contract to supply six Global 6500 aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), marking one of the first major acquisitions executed through the country’s newly created Defence Investment Agency (DIA).
The C$753 million ($545 million) deal will replace the long-serving CC-144 Challenger fleet, with deliveries scheduled to begin in summer 2027 and initial operational capability targeted before the end of that year.
Announcing the decision, the government framed the acquisition as both a capability upgrade and a deliberate industrial choice, underlining its intention to “buy Canadian” while rebuilding the Canadian Armed Forces.
The Global 6500 jets are being procured under the Airlift Capability Project – Multi-Role Flight Service, and will support worldwide missions including aeromedical evacuation, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance and national security operations. The contract also includes aircrew and maintenance training, along with military-specific modifications.
How Canada’s Defence Investment Agency is reshaping military procurement
The acquisition is among the first to be delivered through the DIA, established to streamline defence procurement by reducing layers of approval and centralising expertise across government.
Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, described the award as a turning point.
“The award of this contract to purchase the Global 6500 under the Defence Investment Agency is a turning point in how Canada equips its military,” Fuhr said. “By streamlining processes and cutting red tape, the Defence Investment Agency is accelerating the delivery of the versatile capabilities the Royal Canadian Air Force needs.”
For the Department of National Defence, the programme addresses a long-standing capability gap. The CC-144 Challengers, while reliable, have faced increasing limitations in range, payload and mission flexibility — shortcomings highlighted during recent emergency and overseas operations.
Defence Minister David J. McGuinty said the new aircraft would significantly improve readiness and reach.
“The acquisition of the Global 6500 represents an important investment into the future operational effectiveness of our Royal Canadian Air Force,” he said. “These modern aircraft will enhance operational flexibility and readiness and support Canada’s strategic air mobility in Canada and abroad.”
Canadian-built Bombardier Global 6500s boost the national aerospace sector
A central feature of the deal is its domestic industrial footprint. The Global 6500 is assembled in the Greater Toronto Area, with interior completion in Greater Montreal. More than 60 Canadian suppliers will contribute to the programme, supporting what the government describes as a nationwide aerospace ecosystem.
Ottawa estimates the contract will create or sustain more than 900 direct and indirect jobs. Bombardier highlights an even broader economic impact, with thousands of skilled positions supported across Ontario and Quebec.
Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism, said the decision was a win for local workers.
“Building these aircraft in Mississauga is good news for workers and their families in our community,” Valdez said. “This investment will support good-paying jobs, grow our local economy and reinforce Mississauga’s role as a hub for advanced manufacturing.”
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly added that the contract reinforces Canada’s sovereign aerospace capabilities under the country’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy.
Why the Global 6500 is the RCAF’s choice for multi-role missions
The Bombardier Global 6500 is an ultra-long-range business jet with a range of approximately 6,600 nautical miles, allowing global operations without refuelling. While best known in its civil configuration, the platform is increasingly adopted by governments for defence and security roles.
In military service, it can be adapted for:
- head-of-state transport
- aeromedical evacuation
- disaster response
- secure communications
Bombardier also markets the aircraft for more specialised missions such as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, depending on customer requirements.
Eric Martel, Bombardier’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said the selection was a point of national pride.
“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,” Martel said. “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 RCAF has operated Bombardier aircraft continuously since the early 1980s, and officials say the Global 6500 will deliver a significant upgrade in range, reliability and mission endurance.
Replacing the ageing Challenger fleet with Global 6500 jets
The decision follows recent high-profile instances where government officials were forced to charter aircraft due to limitations in the existing Challenger fleet. The new jets are intended to address those shortfalls while avoiding reliance on foreign-built platforms. The government has also included options for up to four additional aircraft should requirements expand.
Public Works Minister Joel Lightbound said the purchase strikes the right balance between operational need and economic stewardship.
“By choosing a Canadian-built fleet, we’re putting our industry, our workers and our incredible aerospace talent front and centre,” Lightbound said. “This investment supports good jobs here at home while giving the Royal Canadian Air Force modern, versatile aircraft they can rely on.”
What the Global 6500 deal signals about Canada’s defence modernisation
Beyond the immediate fleet replacement, the programme reflects a broader shift in Canada’s defence-procurement culture. The DIA’s mandate — emphasising clarity, speed and predictability for industry — signals an intent to break with years of delayed or over-budget procurements.
For Bombardier, the award reinforces its growing presence in defence aviation, complementing its business-jet portfolio with tailored government and military solutions.
With the first aircraft due within two years, Canada’s modernisation of its multi-role airlift capability is now firmly underway — pairing operational necessity with a clear statement of industrial sovereignty.
