National Research Council of Canada Acquires Global 6500

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has purchased a new Bombardier Global 6500 to augment its research fleet. Part of a CA$900 million NRC investment, the acquisition will help support defense and dual-application research and development activities.

The NRC’s Global 6500 purchase builds on the Canadian government’s order for six of the type in December 2025, strengthening Canada’s continued confidence in the aircraft, Bombardier stated. Additionally, the airframer believes its decades of experience in delivering special mission-configured aircraft—and its “proven ability to integrate evolving technologies throughout [the aircraft’s] service life”—make it particularly well-suited to support the NRC’s work.

To join the NRC’s existing fleet of aircraft based in Ottawa, the Global 6500 will be by far the largest of a line-up of fixed-wing assets, including a Convair CV-580, Dassault Falcon 20, DHC Twin Otter, North American Harvard, and Lockheed T-33.

Under Canada’s Defense Industrial Strategy, the NRC says it is investing over CA$900 million to “develop aerospace defense capabilities, support Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises, [and develop] technologies for civilian and military purposes.” This includes over CA$500 million to “advance next-generation aerospace technologies and support the development of autonomous systems and new defense solutions.”

Alongside the acquisition of the new aircraft, the NRC will also use this money to create a new drone innovation hub. This new facility will “enhance drone and counter-drone development and testing capabilities, and provide a path for industry to qualify new technologies for drones," the NRC said.