The federal government revealed on Friday its decision to purchase six new Global 6500 jets from Bombardier, aimed at replacing the current fleet of four CC-144 Challengers.
According to a government announcement, the $753-million agreement encompasses production, training for aircrew and maintenance staff, along with any necessary military modifications.
The manufacturing and servicing of the jets will occur in Canada, where the government indicated that this initiative will generate hundreds of jobs directly and indirectly in fields like engineering, assembly, and maintenance, engaging over 60 companies.
This involvement is expected to bolster Canada’s aerospace sector by promoting research and development activities, which the government claims will enhance the domestic supply chain.
Stephen Fuhr, the secretary of state for defence procurement, made the announcement on Friday at Bombardier’s facility in Mississauga, Ontario, regarding the acquisition of six Global 6500 jets to upgrade the current fleet, which includes four CC-144 Challengers.
Public Works Minister Joël Lightbound stated, “Our government is proud to prioritize Canadian industry and deliver a proven, versatile aircraft that ensures members of the Canadian Armed Forces have the tools they need to keep Canadians safe and defend our sovereignty.”
The contract with Bombardier also includes an option for the government to acquire four additional jets if deemed necessary.
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The new jets are intended for transporting government officials and foreign dignitaries, as well as for supporting evacuation operations, disaster response, security, and humanitarian efforts. They are scheduled for delivery in the summer of 2027, but full operational capability is not expected until the end of that year.
This acquisition marks one of the initial purchases made under the Liberal government’s newly established Defence Investment Agency (DIA), which was revealed by Prime Minister Mark Carney in October.
The DIA aims to streamline procurement processes by eliminating redundant approvals and bureaucratic obstacles, while also providing the defence industry with clearer insights into the government’s future plans.
A jet is showcased at the Bombardier Global Manufacturing Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, where Fuhr made the announcement. (Derek Hooper/CBC)
Defence Minister David McGuinty stated, “These modern aircraft will enhance operational flexibility and readiness and support Canada’s strategic air mobility both domestically and internationally.”
Previous use of CC-144 Challengers by past Liberal administrations has faced scrutiny from Conservatives, who have labeled their use by government officials as extravagant.
In 2014, the Harper government retired two of the Challengers, which are capable of transporting nine passengers, claiming that this would save taxpayers approximately $1.5 million annually.
During the pandemic, the Liberal government, under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, announced a sole-sourced agreement with Bombardier for an additional two jets at a cost of $105 million.
For Carney’s October trip to Egypt for the Gaza peace summit, he had to charter a Bombardier Global Express 5000 at a cost of $736,466, as the only available Challenger could not accommodate the itinerary requirements, according to the Department of National Defence.
The department estimated that travel on a government-owned Challenger would have cost around $198,800.
