Bombardier recently handed over a sixth Global 6000 to defense supplier Saab for conversion into the GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) platform for the Swedish Air Force. Saab integrates radar, command, control, and communications systems to form a multirole airborne surveillance suite in the business jet.
A GlobalEye version of the Global 6000 first flew in 2018 and Bombardier had handed over five to Saab through late 2021. The latest delivery comes as the Canadian manufacturer continues to build up its Bombardier Defense business, which was formalized last year in Wichita as the company transitioned this site away from Learjet production.
Bombardier has dedicated engineering and support teams to the business to develop modification and integration offerings for a range of military and other special-mission use. It is also vying for the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft program, partnering earlier this year with General Dynamics Mission systems-Canada on a multi-mission and anti-submarine warfare aircraft for that program based on the Global 6500.
“Our jets are internationally recognized as modern, go-to platforms by some of the world’s largest defense contractors, such as Saab,” said Jean-Christopher Gallagher, executive v-p of aircraft sales and Bombardier Defense. “The Global aircraft family represents the right-sized solution for multi-mission, surveillance, and VIP transport. Time and time again, it has met customers’ expectations for their most demanding mission needs.”