Leonardo and Bombardier Forge Next-Gen Maritime Multi-Mission Aircraft Alliance
Leonardo and Bombardier Defense have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore new opportunities in the global maritime multi-mission aircraft market. Announced today, the non-exclusive agreement aims to integrate Leonardo’s Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance system and other sensor technologies into Bombardier’s proven Global 6500 business jet platform.
The collaboration brings together Leonardo’s extensive expertise in maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and mission systems integration with Bombardier’s long-endurance, high-speed Global 6500 jet. The Global 6500, which can fly at up to Mach 0.90 with a range of approximately 6,600 nautical miles and a proven reliability rate of over 99 percent, offers a robust platform for a range of military and security operations.
With this integration, the companies plan to provide a flexible maritime multi-mission aircraft that is capable of performing a broad range of roles. These include maritime border security, anti-piracy operations, offshore monitoring, environmental surveillance, search and rescue, anti-submarine warfare and intelligence-gathering missions. The multi-mission aircraft will also support law enforcement agencies and military forces that require a modern, high-performance platform to conduct sustained missions across diverse and challenging maritime environments.
This strategic partnership reflects the increasing demand for next-generation maritime surveillance solutions built on modular platforms that can easily accommodate advanced sensor packages. By leveraging Leonardo’s sensor technology and Bombardier’s adaptable jet platform, the companies aim to deliver a cost-effective, high-speed alternative to traditional maritime patrol turboprops.
Industry analysts see the collaboration as a significant development in maritime security and defense, especially as NATO countries and other allied nations look to modernize their fleets. The global maritime multi-mission aircraft market is expected to grow steadily as operators seek solutions that combine endurance, range, speed and versatility in a single platform.
The Leonardo-Bombardier agreement positions both companies to address this need, offering a future-ready platform that can easily scale to meet evolving maritime and defense requirements.
