{"id":2177,"date":"2026-08-03T03:23:53","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T03:23:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/futureknowledge.in\/?p=2177"},"modified":"2026-08-03T03:23:53","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T03:23:53","slug":"stealth-fighter-program-a-potential-opportunity-for-bombardier-as-defence-business-grows-ceo-says","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/futureknowledge.in\/?p=2177","title":{"rendered":"Stealth fighter program a potential opportunity for Bombardier as defence business grows, CEO says"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Bombardier<\/p>\n

Canada\u2019s new status as an observer to an international stealth fighter development program could present an opportunity for Bombardier Inc.<\/a> to learn, contribute expertise and ultimately enter a new segment of the defence business, the aerospace company\u2019s chief executive said this week. <\/p>\n

\u201cNew technologies are being developed, and it\u2019s of interest for us to \u2026 see if we can have a role in the future,\u201d \u00c9ric Martel, whose Montreal-based company primarily builds and services business jets but has been expanding into defence, said on a conference call Thursday. <\/p>\n

\u201cBombardier could have an interest in \u2026 providing engineering resources and support to the program, and learning from this, and then after, if ever opportunities arise that are of interest, we could definitely get into this sphere.\u201d <\/p>\n

On July 21, Canada was given observer status in the Global Combat Air Programme, whose participants include Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. The GCAP program was launched in 2022 and aims to build a sixth-generation supersonic stealth fighter by 2035 to replace defence aircraft such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and Japan\u2019s Mitsubishi F-2. <\/p>\n

In a joint statement, the four countries said Canada will be given enhanced insight and an opportunity to deepen its understanding of the program\u2019s capabilities and industrial framework, as well as the related security requirements and wider partnering opportunities. <\/p>\n

\u201cFor Italy, Japan and the U.K., Canada\u2019s involvement will also support greater alignment of strategic priorities and deepen mutual understanding of future combat air ambitions, thereby strengthening global security,\u201d the statement said. <\/p>\n

Martel told analysts on the conference call that momentum is building in Bombardier\u2019s defence business, with strong and sustained customer interest around the world and a growing pipeline. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe relationships we have built in key regions over many years continue to create opportunities across both our business aviation and defense activities,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

Bombardier was given an international lift earlier this month when NATO announced plans to acquire up to 10 GlobalEye early warning surveillance systems from Saab AB. The GlobalEye is built on a Bombardier 6500 executive jet augmented by Saab radar and sensors. <\/p>\n

In a further sign of the momentum in the company\u2019s defence division, Martel said he dispatched a team this earlier this week to scout Canadian locations for a facility that would mirror the defence operations the company has established in the United States. Bombardier Defense is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, a site that includes a special-mission aircraft modifications and maintenance facility and an expert flight test centre. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all about having the people and the talent available, so we\u2019re looking at establishing ourselves somewhere in Canada, a mirror operation of what we do,\u201d Martel said. <\/p>\n

The Canadian government has held talks with Saab about potentially acquiring some of the company\u2019s Gripen fighter jets, with the condition that they would be built in Canada, but Martel said that remains a hypothetical for now. Still, Bombardier could benefit if that happens, he said. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt makes a lot of sense. We build the plane, we know the plane more than anybody else,\u201d Martel said. <\/p>\n

\u201cSaab has been a long-time partner. If they would need help, I think we would be helping.\u201d <\/p>\n

He said that Bombardier is not the only company in Canada that could help build Gripen jets, but it is unique in its ability to handle large-scale assembly. <\/p>\n

\u201cIf there is part of that assembly, you know, a major structure that we\u2019re the only one capable of doing in the country, and they want to be in the country, we could definitely support them,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

Bombardier\u2019s revenue grew to $2.15 billion in the second quarter, up six per cent from a year earlier, as the company delivered 32 aircraft. Adjusted earnings (before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization grew to $325 million, up nine per cent from a year earlier. <\/p>\n