Australian Border Force To Receive Trio of Global 6500s

Bombardier received an order for three Global 6500s that will be used in maritime surveillance missions for the Australian Border Force. National security service provider Metrea will operate the aircraft on behalf of the Australian law enforcement agency.

The order announced today marks the introduction of the Global platform in Australia in a special mission configuration, the Montreal-based aircraft manufacturer noted. Bombardier Challengers and Learjets are already operated for search-and-rescue and medical missions in the region.

In addition, the contract builds on Bombardier’s reach in Australia, where more than 75 Globals, Challengers, and Learjets are based. In recent years, the company has expanded its footprint there, opening its Melbourne Service Center in 2022 at Essendon Fields Airport in Melbourne and adding a line maintenance station in Perth in March 2025.

While new in special missions configuration in Australia, the Global 6500 is in use or has been selected in several such roles, ranging from high-altitude ISR to humanitarian assistance and Airborne Early Warning and Control.

Pointing to the aircraft’s capabilities, including a 6,600-nm range and Mach 0.90 Mmo, Bombardier v-p of worldwide sales for defense Michael Anckner said, “The Global 6500 brings a new level of capability for maritime surveillance, with exceptional range, speed, endurance, and reliability.”