Bombardier Global 6500 Aircraft Acquired by the National Research Council of Canada to Conduct Critical Research and Development Activities

Executive Summary

• Bombardier announced that the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has acquired a Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft for defence‑related research and development.
• The acquisition reinforces the Canadian government’s earlier order of six Global 6500 jets announced in December 2025 for critical missions such as aeromedical evacuation, disaster relief and national security.
• The aircraft will be modified in Canada by Bombardier and integrated into NRC’s Aerospace Research Centre fleet, showcasing domestic supply‑chain capabilities and supporting sovereign defence technology development.

Key Details

• Aircraft: Bombardier Global 6500 (next‑generation, high‑performance research platform).
• Buyer: National Research Council of Canada (NRC), to be used for advanced R&D in defence and dual‑use sectors.
• Location of Event: NRC hangar, Ottawa, Ontario; announcement made on March 9, 2026.
• Government Presence: Honourable Mélanie Joly (Minister of Industry & Quebec Economic Development), Honourable David J. McGuinty (Minister of National Defence), Honourable Stephen Fuhr (Secretary of State for Defence Procurement), and NRC President Mitch Davies.
• Relation to Prior Order: Complements the Canadian government’s December 2025 order of six Global 6500 aircraft for utility flights, aeromedical evacuations, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance and national security operations.
• Modification & Supply Chain: Aircraft will be modified in Canada; over 65 Canadian suppliers contributed to the platform, highlighting domestic aerospace content.
• Capabilities Highlighted: Mission‑configurable cabin, long‑range performance, robust electrical/structural architecture for integration of sensors, research equipment and mission systems (e.g., AEW&C, ISR, SIGINT).
• Executive Quote: Stephen McCullough, EVP Engineering/Product Development/Bombardier Defense – emphasized the platform’s adaptability and its role in advancing Canada’s sovereign defence and aerospace capabilities.

Notable Quotes

“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.” – Stephen McCullough, Executive Vice President, Engineering, Product Development and Bombardier Defense.