Bombardier Global 6500 Loses Canadian Patrol Aircraft Bid to Boeing P-8A

Bombardier Loses Canadian Patrol Aircraft Bid to Boeing

Bombardier claims its multi-mission offering was never fully evaluted.

artist rendering of Boeing P-8 Poseidon in RCAF markings — An artist rendering shows the Boeing P-8A Poseidon wearing the markings of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Starting in 2026, that will be a reality: the Canadian government signed a contract with the airframer for up to 16 of the maritime patrol aircraft, which is based on the 737-800 airliner.

By Curt Epstein • Business Aviation Services Editor

December 1, 2023

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.”

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.