Bombardier Defense will supply three Global 6500 aircraft to support maritime surveillance operations for the Australian Border Force, the company confirmed.
Metrea, which provides effects-as-a-service to national security partners, will be responsible for operating the aircraft in the surveillance programme.
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This marks the introduction of the Global aircraft platform into Australia for a special mission configuration, Bombardier said in a statement on 26 May 2026.
The company had previously delivered similar programmes with the Global series in other regions.
Bombardier Defense worldwide sales vice president Michael Anckner said: “The Global 6500 aircraft brings a new level of capability for maritime surveillance, with exceptional range, speed, endurance and reliability.”
In Australia, Bombardier Learjet and Challenger models are already in use for search-and-rescue and medical evacuation.
Bombardier has a local fleet exceeding 75 business jets in Australia, across its Learjet, Challenger, and Global families.
The company has recently strengthened its operations in the market, with the Melbourne Service Center opening in 2022 at Essendon Fields Airport to support the regional fleet. An additional Line Maintenance Station is scheduled to open in Perth in March 2025.
In May 2024, Bombardier Defense opened its first international office in Adelaide, citing the goal of providing enhanced service to special mission customers in Australia.
Bombardier says the Global 6500 aircraft can be configured for various specialised roles, which are used by governments, militaries, and other operators for missions such as Airborne Early Warning & Control, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Signals Intelligence, multi-role operations, head of state transport, medevac, and humanitarian assistance.
In December 2025, Canada placed an order for six Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, with the first delivery scheduled for summer 2027.
