This article is based on an official press release from Bombardier and official announcements by the Government of Canada.

Bombardier Selected to Supply Six Global 6500 Jets to Royal Canadian Air Force

The Government of Canada has officially awarded a contract to Bombardier for the acquisition of six Global 6500 aircraft. According to a press release issued by the manufacturer on December 12, 2025, these new jets will replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) aging CC-144 Challenger fleet, providing a significant upgrade in range, speed, and mission versatility.

The procurement is part of the Airlift Capability Project, Multi-role Flight Service. Unlike the previous fleet, which primarily served regional transport roles, the new Global 6500s are designated as multi-role assets. They will be tasked with diverse missions ranging from aeromedical evacuation and disaster relief to diplomatic transport and secure government travel.

Contract Value and Delivery Timeline

According to figures released by the Government of Canada, the total project value is estimated at $753 million CAD. Of this total, approximately $400 million USD (roughly $547 million CAD) is allocated directly to Bombardier for the airframes and associated military modifications.

The timeline for the fleet renewal is aggressive. Bombardier expects to deliver the first aircraft by the summer of 2027. The RCAF targets Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the new fleet by the end of 2027. This procurement is among the first executed under Canada’s new Defence Investment Agency (DIA), which aims to streamline defence purchasing processes.

Enhanced Capabilities: Global 6500 vs. Challenger

The transition from the Challenger 601 and 650 models to the Global 6500 represents a major leap in operational capability for the RCAF. While the Challenger fleet has served Canada since 1983, the Global 6500 offers intercontinental range and endurance that the smaller jets cannot match.

Key performance upgrades include:

• Range: The Global 6500 boasts a range of approximately 6,600 nautical miles (12,223 km), compared to roughly 4,000 nm for the Challenger 650. This allows for non-stop flights from Ottawa to destinations in Asia, the Middle East, or deep into Africa without refueling.
• Endurance: The new aircraft can remain airborne for up to 18 hours, significantly increasing on-station time for coordination or direct flights to crisis zones.
• Speed: With a top speed of Mach 0.90, the Global 6500 ensures faster response times for critical medical evacuation missions.
• Engines: Powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 engines, the aircraft offers improved fuel efficiency and superior performance in “hot and high” conditions.

In an official statement, Bombardier President and CEO Éric Martel highlighted the significance of the selection for the Canadian aerospace industry:

“The Global 6500 aircraft is a world-class, made-in-Canada product with the versatility to perform 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.”

Strategic Purpose and Domestic Production

The selection of the Global 6500 aligns with a “Made-in-Canada” strategy to support the domestic aerospace sector. The aircraft will be assembled at Bombardier’s facility at Toronto Pearson Airport, with interior completion work performed in Montreal. This arrangement secures high-value jobs in both Ontario and Quebec.

Beyond economic benefits, the aircraft will feature specific military-aircraft modifications to ensure interoperability and safety. These likely include secure communications suites and self-protection systems, allowing the aircraft to operate in higher-risk environments than standard civilian business jets.

AirPro News Analysis

The RCAF’s shift to the Global 6500 mirrors a broader global trend toward militarizing ultra-long-range business jets. The Global 6500 airframe has already been validated for military use by allied nations; notably, the U.S. Army recently selected the platform for its HADES (High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System) program.

By moving to a platform with 6,600 nm range, Canada effectively eliminates the logistical hurdles associated with the Challenger fleet, which often required multiple fuel stops to reach international trouble spots. This acquisition restores a degree of sovereign strategic reach, ensuring that Canadian officials and rapid response teams can deploy globally without relying on allied airlift or commercial routing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new aircraft enter service?
The first delivery is expected in the summer of 2027, with Initial Operational Capability targeted for the end of that year.

What happens to the old Challenger fleet?
The Global 6500s will replace the aging CC-144 Challenger fleet. While the RCAF acquired two newer Challenger 650s in 2020, the older Challenger 601 models faced obsolescence due to airframe age and evolving aviation regulations.

Will these aircraft be used solely for VIP transport?
No. While they will transport government officials, the “Multi-role Flight Service” designation emphasizes medical evacuation, disaster relief, and rapid deployment of specialized teams alongside diplomatic transport.

Sources

Bombardier, Government of Canada