Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

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Bombardier manufactures a variety of business aircraft models, provides engineering, and aircraft maintenance services.

Canada has selected Sweden’s Saab as the preferred supplier of the GlobalEye platform for its airborne early warning and control (AEW&amp;C) requirement. The country’s defense department announced the decision on Wednesday, spurring speculation as to possible political motivations for choosing a European partner over U.S. suppliers.
Discussions will now be stepped up involving Saab and Montreal-based Bombardier, which provides the Global 6500 aircraft for the program. The announced preferred supplier selection does not constitute a final procurement commitment.
Saab and Bombardier were competing with rival offers including Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail platform and the L3Harris/Elta Systems Aeris X proposal that is also based on the Global 6500 and offers a 360-degree field of radar vision. Canada’s Defence Investment Agency will lead negotiations with Saab covering commercial, technical, and economic considerations around the prospective contract.
The AEW&amp;C program is intended to provide the Royal Canadian Air Force with advanced command, control, and surveillance capabilities needed to respond to long-range threats in regions including the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. This is intended to boost Canada’s contribution to the North American Aerospace Defence Command, as well as to NATO missions.
Under Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and Build-Partner-Buy approach, other Canadian contractors would be expected to join the program.
“Canada is taking important steps to strengthen its defense capabilities in an increasingly complex security environment while creating long-term economic opportunities for Canadians,” commented Stephen Fuhr, the country’s secretary of state for defense procurement. “Engaging with Saab allows us to explore a proven solution that supports the Royal Canadian Air Force, builds on Canadian aerospace strengths, supports highly skilled jobs, and creates opportunities to participate in advanced manufacturing, mission integration, and future exports.”

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