Bombardier Defense will provide three Global 6500 aircraft to fly maritime surveillance missions for the Australian Border Force (ABF). Metrea will operate the aircraft for the ABF.
“The Global 6500 aircraft brings a new level of capability for maritime surveillance, with exceptional range, speed, endurance and reliability,” Bombardier Defense, Vice President, Worldwide Sales, Michael Anckner, stated.
“Our teams are proud that this game-changing aircraft is the trusted choice to support the Australian Border Force’s aerial surveillance program.”
This program will introduce the Global platform in Australia in a special mission configuration, following many prior programs on this platform throughout the world. Bombardier Learjet and Challenger aircraft already perform search-and-rescue and medical evacuation missions in the country.
Bombardier is well-established in Australia, with a fleet of more than 75 business jets in the country across the Learjet, Challenger and Global families.
The company has considerably increased its Australian footprint over the last few years, notably with the opening of its Melbourne Service Center in 2022 at Essendon Fields Airport in Melbourne, providing service to the existing fleet in the region. Bombardier also announced a new Line Maintenance Station in Perth in March 2025.
In May of 2024, Bombardier Defense opened its first international office in Adelaide, Australia, to provide an enhanced level of service to its special mission customers in this important market.
