An Air Canada Bombardier CRJ-900LR aircraft is seen at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington Virginia, on October 5, 2025. (Photo by Daniel SLIM / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)
Ottawa has inked a contract with Bombardier to build six new Global 6500 aircraft for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) fleet.
The government said the cost of the contract was $753 million, and the aircraft would replace the remaining CC-144 Challenger fleet that is used to transport government officials, such as the prime minister and governor general.
The federal government said the new aircraft would be used for worldwide utility flights and support missions including aeromedical evacuations, disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and national security operations.
Bombardier said the aircraft would be assembled in the Greater Toronto Area with internal work done in the Montreal area. The company said it will utilize its 60 Canadian suppliers to fulfill the contract.
Defence Minister David McGuinty said it was an “important investment” into the future of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
“These modern aircraft will enhance operational flexibility and readiness and support Canada’s strategic air mobility in Canada and abroad. On the global stage, this fleet reflects our enduring commitment to supporting Canada’s aerospace industry and maintaining our national identity,” he said.
Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr said the procurement was a “turning point” in how the country equips its military.
“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,” he said, adding that Canada had a “world-class aerospace industry” and the contract would “harness that strength.” Fuhr also said the contract would create “good-paying jobs,” drive innovation, and bolster Canadian security.
The first aircraft is expected to be delivered by the summer of 2027, and Ottawa said it expected the craft to reach initial operational capability by the end of 2027.
The contract also includes training for aircrew and maintenance personnel as well as military modifications, according to the federal government.
The contract is one of the first by the government’s new Defence Investment Agency, which oversees large military purchases.
Ottawa gave Bombardier a contract to replace two of its four Challenger jets in June 2020. This new contract is for the replacement of all four Challenger jets.
Bombardier CEO Éric Martel called the Global 6500 a “world-class, made-in-Canada product.”
“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,” he said.
The federal government said the contract was expected to create more than 900 direct and indirect jobs in Canada, associated to aircraft manufacturing.
Bombardier noted that its economic footprint in Canada for 2022 was $518.3 million in GDP, the equivalent of 3,747 full time jobs, and $309.1 million in labour income.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.