Aircraft
Bombardier Expresses Concern on Canadian CMMA Tender
Bombardier president and CEO Éric Martel voiced concern that the Canadian government was considering a sole-source contract with Boeing.
Special mission equipped Global 6500 in flight
Bombardier is hoping to offer a special mission version of its Global 6500 for the Canadian CMMA replacement program. (Photo: Raytheon)

Bombardier president and CEO Éric Martel expressed dismay on Wednesday about reports that the Canadian government is considering awarding a sole-source contract directly to Boeing for the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) program.

The Canadian Department of National Defense (DND) in February issued a request for information (RFI) seeking input on plans for the CMMA program, which would replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s fleet of 14 aging CP140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft with ISR-capable aircraft. Calling the RFI a first step in the industry engagement process, the government outlined a timeline for the program, which could carry a value of more than $5 billion, with definition in 2025, implementation in 2029, and initial operational capability in 2034.