The federal government revealed on Friday its plan to acquire six new Global 6500 jets from Bombardier to replace the current fleet of four CC-144 Challengers. The $753-million contract encompasses production, aircrew training, maintenance personnel training, and any necessary military modifications. The construction and upkeep of the jets will take place in Canada, fostering the creation of numerous direct and indirect jobs in engineering, assembly, and maintenance involving over 60 companies. This collaboration aims to bolster Canada’s aerospace industry through research and development initiatives that will enhance the domestic supply chain.
In a statement, Public Works Minister Joël Lightbound expressed the government’s commitment to supporting Canadian industry by providing the Canadian Armed Forces with a reliable aircraft to ensure national security and sovereignty. The agreement with Bombardier also includes an option to procure four additional jets if needed.
These new jets are designated for transporting government officials, foreign dignitaries, as well as aiding in evacuations, disaster relief, security, and humanitarian missions. The delivery of the jets is scheduled for the summer of 2027, with full operational capacity expected by the year’s end. This purchase falls under the purview of the Liberal government’s Defence Investment Agency (DIA), introduced by Prime Minister Mark Carney in October. The DIA’s primary objective is to streamline procurement processes by eliminating redundant approvals and bureaucracy while providing clarity and certainty to the defense industry regarding government plans.
Defence Minister David McGuinty emphasized that these modern aircraft will enhance operational flexibility, readiness, and support Canada’s strategic air mobility domestically and internationally. The utilization of CC-144 Challengers by past Liberal governments has faced criticism from the Conservatives, who have labeled their use by government officials as excessive luxury. In 2014, the Harper government retired two Challengers, capable of carrying nine passengers, to save approximately $1.5 million annually.
During the pandemic, the Liberal government, under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, finalized a sole-sourced deal with Bombardier to purchase two additional jets for $105 million. For Prime Minister Carney’s visit to Egypt in October for the Gaza peace summit, a Bombardier Global Express 5000 was chartered at a cost of $736,466 due to the unavailability of a suitable Challenger, as confirmed by the Department of National Defence to CBC News. It was estimated that using a government-owned Challenger aircraft for the trip would have cost around $198,800.