Aircraft
Bombardier Preps for Scale-up in Defense Business
Bombardier CEO Martel estimated that its defense unit could possibly become a $1 billion business.
Bombardier is eying a ramp-up of its defense business with work such as its contract for the U.S. Air Force’s E-11A, a highly modified Global 6000 business jet that operates in the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN). (Photo: Dave McIntosh)
Bombardier is eying a ramp-up of its defense business with work such as its contract for the U.S. Air Force’s E-11A, a highly modified Global 6000 business jet that operates in the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN). (Photo: Dave McIntosh)

Bombardier president and CEO Eric Martel underscored the company’s expansive plans for its defense segment in Wichita, estimating this week during the Aero Montreal International Aerospace Innovation Forum that it could become a $1 billion business.

While the number was characterized as hypothetical, Bombardier has long had a special-mission business. Also, it is well on its way to scaling that up with a contract awarded in 2021 from the U.S. Air Force for up to six Global 6000s for use in the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) program with a potential value of nearly $465 million.

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