Federal government buying six Bombardier jets for RCAF in $753-million deal

The federal government says it is buying six Bombardier Global 6500 jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force as part of a contract worth $753 million.

The new planes will replace the air force’s existing Challenger jets, also made by Bombardier.

The federal government says they will be used for a range of missions, including aeromedical evacuations, disaster relief, humanitarian aid and national security operations.

Bombardier assembles the Global 6500 in Mississauga, Ont., and completes them in Dorval.

The $753 million included the six planes, military modifications for the aircraft, as well training for aircrew and maintenance workers.

Bombardier says the order is worth about $550 million to the company, based on the list price for the planes and the cost of the military modifications.

The deal comes as Bombardier has been focused on growing its defence business.

This article will be updated.

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