NRC Global 6500 Aircraft: The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has added a new aircraft called the Bombardier Global 6500 to help with advanced research and technology work. This aircraft will mainly support research projects related to defence and also technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
The aircraft will become part of the NRC’s Aerospace Research Centre fleet. It will work as a modern research platform where scientists and technology partners in Canada can test and show new ideas and advanced systems. These projects will also help support the needs of the Department of National Defence in many different areas.
The Government of Canada highlighted this aircraft purchase during a special event held at the NRC hangar in Ottawa. Several important government leaders attended the event. These included Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement and Mitch Davies, President of the National Research Council of Canada.
We’re advancing aerospace innovation for Canada’s defence. ✈️
With over $500M in new funding, we’re launching a Drone Innovation Hub to boost drone defence #tech & acquiring a Bombardier Global 6500 research aircraft to reinforce Canada’s defence base.https://t.co/RooWSTrNA5 pic.twitter.com/7UCBe9gmnr
— NRC Canada (@NRC_CNRC) March 9, 2026
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Part of Canada’s Larger Global 6500 Fleet Plan
The NRC buying the Global 6500 aircraft also shows that Canada continues to trust this aircraft platform. It also supports a bigger decision taken by the Government of Canada in December 2025. At that time the government announced an order for six Global 6500 aircraft.
These aircraft will help with several important missions. They can be used for global utility flights and other critical operations. Some of these tasks include aeromedical evacuations, disaster response missions, humanitarian aid work and national security operations.
Stephen McCullough from Bombardier explained why this aircraft is important for Canada’s future technology and defence work.
“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.”
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Bombardier already has many years of experience building aircraft used for special missions. Governments and organisations around the world operate these aircraft for different tasks. The company has modified the Global 6500 platform to handle complex scientific work, government missions and other special requirements.
The aircraft can also accept new technology upgrades over time. This ability makes it very useful for research organisations like the NRC that need a flexible platform for testing new systems and ideas.
Aircraft Designed for Research and Special Missions
The Global 6500 aircraft has a large cabin that can be arranged depending on the mission. It has long flight range and strong electrical and structural systems. These features allow engineers to install many different types of research tools and equipment.
Advanced sensors, research devices and mission systems can be placed inside the aircraft without major changes. Because of this the NRC will be able to use the aircraft for many research programs connected to Canada’s defence and national security needs.
Bombardier also pointed out that the aircraft is strongly connected to Canada’s aerospace industry. The Global 6500 aircraft is assembled at Bombardier’s Pearson facility located in Mississauga, Ontario. More than 65 suppliers from across Canada contribute parts and systems to this aircraft platform, reported Bombardier.
Under the agreement with Bombardier the NRC aircraft will also be modified inside Canada. These changes will help improve its special mission capabilities.
Bombardier business jets are often used for many types of defence and government missions. These include Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C), Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), multi role missions, transport for heads of state, medical evacuation flights and urgent humanitarian operations..
About Bombardier
Bombardier designs and builds advanced aircraft for private customers, businesses, governments and military organisations. The company also upgrades and maintains these aircraft. Its goal is not only to meet industry standards but also understand what customers need even before they ask for it.
Bombardier says it wants to help shape the future of aviation by making aircraft more reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible. The company also focuses on high quality craftsmanship and customer service.
Today Bombardier customers operate more than 5,200 aircraft around the world. These aircraft are supported by a large network of company staff and service centres. Bombardier has 10 service facilities across six countries.
