Bombardier has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UK-based BAE Systems to explore opportunities to develop complementary industrial and technology capabilities that may support future combat air programs.
Under the MOU, Bombardier and BAE Systems will identify areas of collaboration across key technological and industrial capabilities. These include R&D, systems integration, workforce and supply chain development, industrialisation and in-service lifecycle management. Both companies will build a framework that incorporates practical areas of cooperation and assess future opportunities aligned with future capability requirements, government priorities and industrial objectives.
“Bombardier has a proud history of designing, building and supporting world-class aircraft while advancing aerospace technology," said Stephen McCullough, Bombardier’s Executive Vice President of Engineering, Product Development and Bombardier Defense. "We are well positioned to bring together and develop the talent and expertise needed for programs that can carry a generational impact on the worldwide defence industry. This MOU with BAE Systems provides a clear framework to explore how these capabilities can support next-generation defence programs, while strengthening industrial capacity, high-value jobs and long-term aerospace leadership.”
“BAE Systems brings decades of combat air experience spanning aircraft design, systems integration, manufacturing and support," said Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director, BAE Systems Air. "This agreement marks an important step in our ambition to strengthen international partnerships that support the future of combat air. We're excited by the opportunity to collaborate with Bombardier to help deliver the strategic aims of Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy.”
Bombardier states that the MOU with BAE Systems marks an important step in exploring how Bombardier could contribute to the development of next-generation air combat capabilities while supporting broader efforts to strengthen the defence industrial base through engineering, manufacturing, and systems integration capabilities. Canada announced its observer status in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), alongside partner nations Japan, Italy and the UK, in July 2026.