Saab places firm order for two Global 6500 aircraft from Bombardier Defense

“The Global 6500 aircraft is the go-to strategic asset for governments around the world looking to modernize and strengthen their defense capabilities,” said Eric Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bombardier. “Bombardier Global aircraft are ideally suited for the most demanding missions, with proven flexibility, reliability, power generation, range and ability to operate at high altitudes.”

The Global 6500 is recognised for its ability to fly faster, longer, and higher than legacy airborne sensor platforms, offering clear advantages for defence applications. With a maximum range of 6,600 nautical miles (12,223 km) and a top speed of Mach 0.90, it delivers significant performance enhancements.

Its steep approach certification and advanced wing design enable access to locations that are beyond the reach of conventional commercial aircraft. This makes the platform particularly effective for a wide array of special mission operations.

Bombardier Defense leverages a fleet experience of over 500 special mission aircraft and more than 3 million fleet hours to deliver reliable airborne solutions. Its Challenger and Global aircraft families are already in use for missions including Head of State transport, humanitarian assistance, Search and Rescue, and Maritime Patrol.

The Canadian manufacturer has so far delivered seven Global 6000 aircraft to Saab, which have served as platforms for the GlobalEye system. Five of these, following conversion, have been supplied to the United Arab Emirates, while two are currently undergoing preparation for delivery to Sweden.

In the near future, Saab is also expected to receive an eighth Global 6000 aircraft, which will be used as the platform for Sweden’s third GlobalEye system.