Rising geopolitical tensions demand more vigilance than ever. As the future force structure is debated and determined, it is essential to select aircraft that can quickly meet the evolving needs of our time, aircraft that can work effectively alongside – and incorporate – emerging technologies.
Bombardier Defense stands ready to support America’s defense needs, both today and tomorrow. A trusted partner of the U.S. military with decades of experience working with governments, armed forces and the world’s top mission system integrators, this aircraft manufacturer offers something unique.
The solution starts with an outstanding portfolio of Challenger and Global aircraft, recognized as the world’s top-performing business jets. Bombardier Defense then provides unparalleled engineering expertise to enable specific mission needs.
Most importantly, Bombardier Defense sets itself apart with a flexible and collaborative approach, taking the time to understand the needs of each mission and customer in order to offer a tailored solution. This flexible approach extends to maintenance and support, featuring a world-wide, 24/7 support network and custom service options.
The right-size solution for modern fleets
Business jet platforms are ideal for militaries looking to modernize their specialized fleets.
The capabilities Bombardier has developed on the civil side – long-range business jets flying at altitudes high above normal traffic and traveling at near supersonic speeds – have resulted in aircraft with the performance required for special missions. Reliability, efficiency, and productivity, the qualities that make Bombardier’s aircraft so appealing to the most demanding business jet customers, are also what makes them ideally suited to support Bombardier Defense customers.
Bombardier aircraft can operate for extended periods at high altitude, providing a vast field of coverage, while being able to nimbly operate from more airfields than direct competitors. Their speed allows them to quickly reposition to higher priority areas and to provide rapid response to emergent needs. Bombardier Challenger and Global aircraft offer capabilities that far outstrip those of aging turboprop aircraft. They’re also more cost-effective and agile than legacy commercial platforms.
A Proven partner of the U.S. Armed Forces
Bombardier Defense is a proud and long-standing partner of the U.S. Air Force, notably through the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) program, known in the Air Force as the E-11A.
These BACN aircraft, often referred to as “Wi-Fi in the sky”, are a specialized communications platform enabling enhanced situational awareness and interoperability, acting as high-altitude communications gateways. The Bombardier Global fleet serving the USAF has been performing critical communications missions around the world for close to two decades, serving to bridge voice and tactical data between air and land forces, while surmounting obstacles such as mountains, terrain and distance.
Bombardier recently delivered the ninth Bombardier Global aircraft to the United States Air Force, underscoring the enduring success of the BACN program and Bombardier Defense’s role as a partner of choice for the U.S. military.
Bombardier Defense is also a trusted partner of U.S. Army, which chose the Global 6500 aircraft as the foundational aviation platform for the Army’s High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program.
HADES, known in the Army as the ME-11B, represents a transformative leap in airborne ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) and will bring unprecedented deep-sensing capabilities to the Joint Force.
Executive airlift
History has repeatedly demonstrated that the rapid, safe and reliable movement of strategic leaders is essential to winning our nation’s wars and excelling during times of crisis.
The Bombardier Global 8000 aircraft, set to enter service this year, is the fastest civilian jet since the Concorde, with a top speed of Mach 0.94 and an outstanding range of 8,000 nautical miles. The singular performance of this aircraft, along with the size and versatility of its cabin, make it ideal for executive airlift.
U.S. government agencies would gain decisive advantages by modernizing their executive fleets with the Global 8000 aircraft, which can be outfitted with secure communications, navigation and self-protection systems.
Multiple missions, multiple continents
Hundreds of Bombardier aircraft support critical airborne missions around the world, including ISR, border and maritime patrol, multi-role, medevac and urgent humanitarian assistance.
Bombardier Defense has partnered with over 170 operators, located in more than 50 countries. Notably, the German Armed Forces chose the Bombardier Global platform for their next-generation SIGINT solution, known as PEGASUS (Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System). Bombardier Defense has also delivered seven Global aircraft to Swedish defense contractor Saab for the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) solution known as the Saab GlobalEye.
The Challenger platform is an asset to many governments and agencies. The Bombardier Challenger 650 aircraft was recently chosen for ISR missions in Australia, with deliveries planned for next year. Swiss Air-Rescue Rega operates three specially configured Bombardier Challenger 650 aircraft for urgent medical evacuations.
The Challenger 650 aircraft was also instrumental in the development of HADES, as a technology demonstrator known as Artemis (Aerial Reconnaissance and Targeting Exploitation Multi-Mission Intelligence).
Job Creator, SkillBridge Partner
Bombardier Defense is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, the aviation capital of the U.S. Across the country, Bombardier operates nine locations in eight states, employing more than 3,000 people. The company also has nearly 2,800 U.S.-based suppliers spanning 47 states, creating tens of thousands of jobs.
Bombardier is a proud partner in the Department of Defense SkillBridge program, which helps military veterans transition to new opportunities, gaining civilian work experience through industry training, apprenticeships, or internships. Bombardier has sponsored several SkillBridge participants to date, with overwhelming success. The commitment and expertise of talented veterans is helping to shape the future of Bombardier Defense.
Bombardier Defense is proud to participate in the AFA’s 2025 Air, Space & Cyber Conference. Come speak with us at Booth #1635 to learn more about what sets us apart.
As a SkillBridge partner, Bombardier takes pride in offering hands-on training opportunities to active-duty military personnel transitioning into civilian careers. Our structured program equips you with the skills and experience needed to launch a fulfilling career in aviation and aerospace. More info available here.
PHOTOS: AFA 2025
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