Ottawa, Ontario

National Research Council of Canada acquires Global 6500 for critical research and development activities

A Bombardier Global 6500 has been acquired by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) to support advanced research and development activities for the defence and dual-use sectors.

The aircraft will join the NRC’s Aerospace Research Centre fleet as a next-generation, high-performance research platform, enabling Canadian innovation partners to demonstrate cutting-edge technologies to support the Department of National Defence needs across a broad range of applications.

The Government of Canada spotlighted the Global 6500 aircraft acquisition during an event held at the NRC’s hangar in Ottawa. The NRC’s acquisition strengthens Canada’s continued confidence in this platform, complementing the Government of Canada’s order of 6 Global 6500 aircraft announced in December 2025 to support global utility flights and critical missions such as aeromedical evacuations, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance and national security operations.

“Canada has an exceptional talent base that will enable the Government of Canada and the NRC to conduct advanced research and development with their new Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, supporting the creation of next generation sovereign defence and aerospace capabilities,” said Stephen McCullough, Executive Vice President, Engineering, Product Development and Bombardier Defense.

“The Global 6500 is a proven and highly adaptable platform, chosen for diverse mission profiles around the world, and it will continue to contribute to the advancement of innovation across Canada’s defence and aerospace ecosystems, as well as those of allied countries.”

With decades of experience delivering special-mission aircraft to governments and operators worldwide, Bombardier has extensively adapted the Global 6500 platform to support complex scientific, governmental, and special-mission requirements. Its proven ability to integrate evolving technologies throughout its service life makes it particularly well suited to support the NRC’s critical innovation priorities and to reinforce Canada’s broader research and defence capabilities.

The Global 6500 aircraft offers a mission-configurable cabin with ample space, long-range performance, and a robust electrical and structural architecture that allows for the seamless installation and integration of evolving technologies, including advanced research equipment, sensors, and mission systems. These capabilities will provide the NRC with a versatile and enduring platform to support research initiatives in service of Canada’s defence and national interests.