The memorandum of understanding identifies potential areas of work without committing the companies to a specific aircraft programme. These include systems integration, digital engineering, digital thread technologies, advanced manufacturing, sustainment and security.
“BAE Systems brings decades of combat air experience spanning aircraft design, systems integration, manufacturing and support,” said Simon Barnes, group managing director of BAE Systems’ Air Sector. “This agreement marks an important step in our ambition to strengthen international partnerships that support the future of combat air.”
Barnes said the companies would explore how their collaboration could support Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy. Their stated aim is to build lasting Canadian capabilities across the full lifecycle of combat air systems, from early design through production and in-service support.
“We are well positioned to bring together and develop the talent and expertise needed for programmes that can carry a generational impact on the worldwide defence industry,” said Stephen McCullough, Bombardier’s executive vice president of Engineering, Product Development and Bombardier Defense. “This MOU with BAE Systems provides a clear framework to explore how these capabilities can support next-generation defence programmes, while strengthening industrial capacity, high-value jobs and long-term aerospace leadership.”
The cooperation would draw on BAE Systems’ combat air experience and Bombardier’s aircraft design, manufacturing and support expertise. The announcement did not specify a timetable, investment amount or division of industrial responsibilities.
