A model of a Bombardier Global 6500 jet is displayed at the National Research Council's Flight Research Lab in Ottawa.Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
Bombardier Inc. BBD-B-T said Tuesday it has won an order to supply large-cabin jets for coastal surveillance in Australia, adding to its presence on the continent as it builds out a small but growing defence business.
The Canadian plane maker will provide three Global 6500 aircraft to defence contractor Metrea, which will fly maritime surveillance missions for the Australian Border Force. No value was given for the order.
Bombardier previously manufactured trains, commercial airliners and business jets, but has refocused its strategy entirely on producing and servicing private aircraft, some of which are modified for use in military applications. The plane maker’s defence unit passed US$1-billion in revenue last year.
Montreal-based Bombardier partners with Swedish defence company Saab AB as well as American manufacturer L3Harris Technologies Inc. LHX-N on surveillance aircraft. And it’s in negotiations with Saab about the possibility of building the Swedish company’s Gripen fighter jets in Canada under licence.
Bombardier said it has considerably boosted its footprint in Australia in recent years, notably by expanding its network of aircraft service centres. The company opened a defence business office in Adelaide in May, 2024.