Bombardier signs BAE Systems MoU as Canada explores GCAP role

Bombardier has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BAE Systems to explore cooperation on future combat air programs.

According to Bombardier’s statement, the companies will identify potential areas of collaboration in research and development, systems integration, workforce and supply chain development, industrialization, and in-service lifecycle management.

Their next step is to establish a framework for cooperation and assess opportunities against future capability requirements, government priorities, and industrial objectives.

Bombardier looks beyond special-mission business jets

“This MOU with BAE Systems provides a clear framework to explore how these capabilities can support next-generation defence programs, while strengthening industrial capacity, high-value jobs and long-term aerospace leadership,” said Stephen McCullough, Bombardier’s Executive Vice President of Engineering, Product Development and Bombardier Defense.

Bombardier’s defense business has so far centered on adapting its Global and Challenger business jets for government and military special missions. The Global 6500 serves as the platform for Saab’s GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft, for which Canada named Saab its preferred supplier on May 27, 2026.

Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems Air, linked the new agreement to Canada’s industrial ambitions.

“We’re excited by the opportunity to collaborate with Bombardier to help deliver the strategic aims of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy,” Barnes said, referring to the policy launched by Prime Minister Mark Carney on February 17, 2026, to strengthen domestic defense production and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

Canada explores a future role in GCAP

Tempest next-generation fighter concept, displayed alongside a Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon. (Credit: BAE Systems)

BAE Systems is one of three shareholders in Edgewing, the joint venture with Italy’s Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. (JAIEC) that serves as prime contractor for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

The UK, Italy and Japan are developing a next-generation combat aircraft under GCAP, targeting entry into service in 2035. In July 2026, the three countries awarded Edgewing an 18-month contract worth £4.6 billion ($6.1 billion) to advance the aircraft’s design and development.

Bombardier’s announcement explicitly references Canada’s entry into GCAP as its first observer nation on July 21, 2026, although it does not say that the MoU covers work on the program.

Under the arrangement, Canada has no decision-making authority but gains access to discussions on the program’s capabilities, governance and industrial framework, potentially opening the door to future participation. A joint statement by the four defense ministers also highlighted opportunities for wider industrial cooperation.

Canada’s potential involvement in next-generation combat aircraft development is not limited to GCAP. In March 2026, Saab suggested that Canada could contribute to Sweden’s Future Combat Aviation Concept (KFS), a research program exploring sixth-generation combat aviation technologies, including crewed and uncrewed systems.

Both proposals reflect growing interest in securing Canadian industrial participation in future combat air programs.

These longer-term industrial opportunities come as Canada’s immediate fighter procurement plans remain unsettled. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) accepted its first two F-35As on October 22, 2026, while the government’s review of the full 88-aircraft purchase continues.

On October 27, 2026, Saab named CAE, IMP Aerospace & Defence and Magellan Aerospace as its principal Canadian industrial partners for potential Gripen E production, adding another dimension to Ottawa’s decisions about its future fighter fleet and domestic aerospace industry.

The post Bombardier signs BAE Systems MoU as Canada explores GCAP role appeared first on AeroTime.