Bombardier Global 6500 Aircraft Acquired by the National Research Council of Canada to Conduct Critical Research and Development Activities
Press Release + Noah Note
An announcement to highlight the National Research Council of Canada’s defence initiatives, including the purchase of this aircraft, took place on March 9th in Ottawa, in the presence of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, and Mitch Davies, President of the National Research Council of Canada
The Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, with its history of successful special-mission modification and its proven reliability and endurance, is an ideal platform for research and development activities
Assembled in the Greater Toronto Area, the Global 6500 aircraft will support the development of defence-related technologies within Canada.
The Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft has been acquired by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) to support advanced research and development activities for the defence and dual-use sectors. The Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft will join the NRC’s Aerospace Research Centre fleet as a next-generation, high-performance research platform, enabling Canadian innovation partners to demonstrate cutting-edge technologies to support the Department of National Defence needs across a broad range of applications.
The Government of Canada spotlighted the Global 6500 aircraft acquisition during an event held at the NRC’s hangar in Ottawa. Attendees included the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement and Mitch Davies, President of the National Research Council of Canada.
The NRC’s acquisition of a Global 6500 aircraft strengthens Canada’s continued confidence in this platform, complementing the Government of Canada’s order of 6 Global 6500 aircraft announced in December 2025 to support global utility flights and critical missions such as aeromedical evacuations, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance and national security operations.
“Canada has an exceptional talent base that will enable the Government of Canada and the NRC to conduct advanced research and development with their new Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, supporting the creation of next‑generation sovereign defence and aerospace capabilities,” said Stephen McCullough, Executive Vice President, Engineering, Product Development and Bombardier Defense. “The Global 6500 is a proven and highly adaptable platform, chosen for diverse mission profiles around the world, and it will continue to contribute to the advancement of innovation across Canada’s defence and aerospace ecosystems, as well as those of allied countries.”
With decades of experience delivering special-mission aircraft to governments and operators worldwide, Bombardier has extensively adapted the Global 6500 platform to support complex scientific, governmental, and special-mission requirements. Its proven ability to integrate evolving technologies throughout its service life makes it particularly well suited to support the NRC’s critical innovation priorities and to reinforce Canada’s broader research and defence capabilities.
The Global 6500 aircraft offers a mission-configurable cabin with ample space, long-range performance, and a robust electrical and structural architecture that allows for the seamless installation and integration of evolving technologies, including advanced research equipment, sensors, and mission systems. These capabilities will provide the NRC with a versatile and enduring platform to support research initiatives in service of Canada’s defence and national interests.
Bombardier is proud to draw upon Canada’s world-class aerospace supply chain, with the aircraft assembled at the company’s Pearson facility in Mississauga, Ontario. The Global 6500 platform benefits from the contribution of more than 65 Canadian suppliers from coast to coast, and as part of the contract with Bombardier the NRC aircraft will be modified in Canada to enhance its mission-specific capabilities.
Bombardier business jets are ideal for defence missions including Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), multi-role, head of state transport, medevac, urgent humanitarian assistance and more. Bombardier is known for its flexible, collaborative approach, building long-term relationships with governments and militaries, and joining forces with the world’s most advanced mission system providers to provide proven, reliable and advanced defence solutions.
About Bombardier
At Bombardier (BBD-B.TO), we design, build, modify and maintain the world’s best-performing aircraft for the world’s most discerning people and businesses, governments and militaries. That means not simply exceeding standards, but understanding customers well enough to anticipate their unspoken needs.
For them, we are committed to pioneering the future of aviation—innovating to make flying more reliable, efficient and sustainable. And we are passionate about delivering unrivaled craftsmanship and care, giving our customers greater confidence and the elevated experience they deserve and expect. Because people who shape the world will always need the most productive and responsible ways to move through it.
Bombardier customers operate a fleet of more than 5,200 aircraft, supported by a vast network of Bombardier team members worldwide and 10 service facilities across six countries. Bombardier’s performance-leading jets are proudly manufactured in aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. In 2024, Bombardier was honoured with the prestigious “Red Dot: Best of the Best” award for Brands and Communication Design.
Bombardier is definitely the biggest winner in this defense strategy. Not sure yet if this is truly a positive or not. It seems like alot of their offerings will now bypass any competition.
Bombardier is sure getting alot of tax dollars from their Ottawa sugar daddy... I hope the government doesn't forget that there are other aircraft manufacturers in Canada, like Dehavilland...