Bombardier Defence News: Saab Orders Global 6500, Challenger 3500 Deliveries & Safran Partnership
What drives Bombardier Defence News this June? Firstly, Saab’s firm order for two Global 6500 special-mission jets headlines the month. Meanwhile, it’s joined by landmark Challenger 3500 deliveries in Saudi Arabia and a strategic technology alliance with Safran. Moreover, in this feature, we explore how each development reshapes Canada’s defence aerospace sector and the global business-aviation market.
Bombardier Defence News: Saab Bets on the Global 6500
Source: Bombardier Defense Receives Firm Order for Two Global 6500 Aircraft from Saab
Furthermore, on 20 June 2025, Bombardier Defence confirmed that Saab placed a firm order for two Global 6500 aircraft—reinforcing the jet’s combat-proven pedigree in special-mission roles.
Key Specs at a Glance
- Top speed: Mach 0.90
- Range: 6 600 nm (12 223 km)
- Fleet size: 500+ mission-configured jets
- Endurance: 18+ hours
Power on Demand
Additionally, the Bombardier Global 6000 and Global 6500 aircraft offer the most available electrical power in their category in their standard configuration via four variable frequency generators PLUS an auxiliary power unit (APU) for ultimate reliability on long missions and no need for any additional generators.
Consequently, this four-generator + APU setup guarantees every sensor, radar and radio stays powered throughout multi-hour patrols—no mid-mission brown-outs.
Lower Cabin Altitude, Lower Fatigue
Meanwhile, the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 maintains a cabin altitude of just 4 500 ft at its typical cruise of FL410—over 3 500 ft lower than the Boeing P-8’s standard 8 000 ft cabin (derived from its 737-800 airframe with the wing of the 737-900). As a result, at 4 500 ft, crew suffer far less hypoxia, dehydration and circadian disruption, reducing fatigue and preserving cognitive sharpness even on 12-hour special-mission sorties. In contrast, an 8 000 ft cabin altitude—common to commercial-derivative platforms like the Boeing P-8 recently acquired by the government of Canada—has been linked to increased tiredness, ear discomfort and “jet-lag” effects that can slow reaction times and impair alertness on extended missions.
Why didn’t Canada deal with its own domestic aerospace company? Please leave your answer and explain why you think the Canadian government preferred to award the contract to a foreign firm instead of a Canadian one.
Moreover, Bombardier’s three million flight hours and its global support network ensure rapid retrofits and spares availability. Furthermore, its steep-approach certification unlocks more austere airfields than most business jets, giving Saab unprecedented operational flexibility. Consequently, the Smooth Flĕx Wing technology dampens turbulence for the class’s smoothest ride, while eight-station cabins and advanced cooling support high-power electronic-warfare suites with minimal integration risk.
Notably, for a deeper dive into Bombardier’s speed feats, see our analysis of the Global 8000 as the world’s fastest business jet. Clearly, Saab chose a jet that packs enough volts to run the Batmobile—if Bruce Wayne ever goes airborne.
Bombardier Defence News: Challenger 3500 Lands in the Kingdom
Source: Bombardier Begins Landmark Deliveries of Three Challenger 3500 Aircraft to Aloula Aviation
Similarly, on 19 June 2025, Bombardier commenced deliveries of three Challenger 3500 jets to Aloula Aviation in Saudi Arabia—marking the aircraft’s inaugural Middle East entry.
“The business jet market in the Middle East is thriving, and we are witnessing a significant increase in demand for super midsize aircraft, particularly for travel within the region and to Europe. As the undisputed market leader in this segment, the Challenger 3500 is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of clients such as Aloula Aviation, as well as our growing client base in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East,”
— Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier
“Bombardier and Aloula Aviation both share an unwavering commitment to excellence, and the Challenger 3500 will surpass their expectations on every front. As Saudi Arabia continues its bold path laid out in the Vision 2030 plan, we are proud to support Aloula Aviation with this significant addition to their fleet, and the region’s growing aviation hub,”
— Khalid Hassan Alnatour, CEO, Aloula Aviation
Quick Facts
- Deliveries: 3 jets
- Service entry: 19 June 2025
- Key nonstop route: Riyadh ↔ Paris
Furthermore, the Challenger 3500 boasts the widest cabin in its class and industry-leading runway performance. Additionally, its advanced avionics and refined cabin deliver a glass-smooth, long-haul experience—ideal for Vision 2030’s tourism and business-travel ambitions.
For Gulf-market context, see our Paris Air Show 2025: Airbus & Bombardier highlights. These jets will make Riyadh’s highways feel like smooth glass.
Safran & Bombardier: Tech Titans Unite
Source: Safran and Bombardier Announce Their Technological Innovation Partnership in Defense
Meanwhile, at the 2025 Paris Air Show, Bombardier and Safran signed a letter of intent to co-develop next-generation defence technologies, merging Bombardier’s airframe and mission-system expertise with Safran’s propulsion, avionics and materials leadership.
“Strengthening our longstanding partnership with Bombardier is a highly strategic move for both our groups. By combining our strengths, we’ll be well placed to accelerate innovation and deliver the advanced defense technologies of tomorrow,”
— Olivier Andriès, CEO, Safran
“This collaboration between Bombardier and Safran will foster the development of new solutions by leveraging our respective areas of expertise. Bombardier and its more than 18,000 people stand ready to help our nations, and others, meet their evolving defense needs,”
— Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier
Partnership Snapshot
- Date announced: 16 June 2025
- Focus areas: Propulsion · Avionics · Materials
- Strategic goal: Accelerate defence innovation
Following a joint declaration by French PM François Bayrou and Quebec Premier François Legault, aerospace stands as a pillar of Canada-France ties. This pact may spark cross-border R&D, co-manufacturing and tech demonstrators in autonomy and power management.
Because even aerospace giants need a buddy system—it’s their high-flying superhero team-up.
Market Context: Defence Budgets & Industry Trends
- US DoD budget request (FY 2025): US$ 849.8 billion (Deloitte)
- Canada NATO spend target: 2 percent by March 2026, with a C$ 9.3 billion boost (Financial Times)
- Global defence spending (2024): US$ 2.72 trillion, up 9.4 percent year-on-year (Reuters)
- A&D tech trends: 81 percent of firms plan AI-driven maintenance & supply-chain solutions; growth in unmanned systems & advanced air mobility (Deloitte)
These figures underscore global momentum behind ISR, patrol platforms and modular mission-systems—exactly where Bombardier is focusing its defence strategy.
What’s Next for Bombardier Defence?
Bombardier’s defence arm is firing on all cylinders, but defence budgets may tighten. Sustaining momentum demands ongoing innovation and strict cost discipline.
- Can these contracts and the Safran alliance cement Canada’s leadership in defence aerospace and become the ultimate game-changer?
- Will the Canadian government prove its confidence in the domestic aerospace industry by entrusting it with mission-critical aircraft? If not, why?
Perhaps Bombardier will next explore unmanned systems or hybrid-electric propulsion to meet tomorrow’s missions.
What’s your take? Please leave your comments below this article.