Bombardier’s hopes to supply the Canadian military with a multi-mission/anti-submarine version of the Global 6500 were dashed when the Canadian government yesterday announced its decision to award a contract to Boeing for the P-8A Poseidon to satisfy the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) requirement. The Canadian airframer had partnered with defense contractor General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada to develop a special mission entry to the CMMA procurement based on the ultra-long-range business jet, intended for export as well as domestic use.
Earlier this year, Bombardier called on the Canadian government to open a fair and competitive procurement for its plan to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Lockheed CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft, which are slated to be retired in the early 2030s. At the time, Canada had already shown interest in acquiring the P-8—which is based on the Boeing 737-800—in the form of a letter of request, noting, “The government has determined that the P-8A Poseidon is the only currently available aircraft that meets all of the CMMA operational requirements.”
In a statement released yesterday, Bombardier expressed its disappointment in the decision and claimed it was never allowed to fully demonstrate its offering.
“Despite multiple conversations with the government, where we requested an RFP or a more detailed framework within which to present key facts and capabilities, no such follow-on opportunities were given to Bombardier or its partners,” it noted. “No aerospace or third-party experts subsequently evaluated our capabilities.” It concluded that it remains confident that its product offering will be successful in multiple markets, “setting a new standard for maritime patrol.”
The contract is for up to 16 P-8As with the first delivery slated for 2026. It will mark Canada as the fifth NATO nation to operate the Poseidon, and the ninth overall. According to Boeing, the deal will benefit hundreds of Canadian companies that participate in the aircraft’s supply chain, and an independent study by Ottawa-based Doyletech Corp. predicted that the P-8 acquisition will generate nearly 3,000 jobs and $358 million annually in economic output for the nation.
“This is a very important day for the Royal Canadian Air Force and for Boeing,” said Charles Sullivan, Boeing Canada’s managing director. “The P-8 offers unmatched capabilities and is the most affordable solution for acquisition and life cycle costs."