The Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft has been acquired by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) to support advanced research and development activities for the defence and dual-use sectors.
“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,” Executive Vice President, Engineering, Product Development and Bombardier Defense, Stephen McCullough, stated.
The Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft will join the NRC’s Aerospace Research Centre fleet as a next-generation, high-performance research platform, enabling Canadian innovation partners to demonstrate technologies to support the Canadian Department of National Defence needs across a broad range of applications.
“The Global 6500 is a proven and highly adaptable platform, chosen for diverse mission profiles around the world, and it will continue to contribute to the advancement of innovation across Canada’s defence and aerospace ecosystems, as well as those of allied countries," McCullough said.
The Government of Canada spotlighted the Global 6500 aircraft acquisition during an event held at the NRC’s hangar in Ottawa. Attendees included the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Mélanie Joly, Minister of National Defence, David McGuinty, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, Stephen Fuhr, and President of the National Research Council of Canada, Mitch Davies.
Canada first announced in December 2025 the order of six Global 6500 aircraft to support global utility flights and critical missions such as aeromedical evacuations, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance and national security operations.
Bombardier has adapted the Global 6500 platform to support complex scientific, governmental, and special-mission requirements.
The aircraft was assembled at the company’s Pearson facility in Mississauga, Ontario.