iscover
Bombardier Defense has announced that Principle Finance, a leading provider of customised operating leases for aircraft in Australia, has acquired two Bombardier Challenger 650 jets earmarked for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
The deliveries of both aircraft are scheduled for 2026. The Challenger 650 is well regarded for its outstanding short-field performance and proven reliability in the mid-sized jet category. Configured for business jet use, the aircraft boasts an endurance of up to 11 hours, a dispatch reliability exceeding 99.9 per cent, and a range of 4,000 nautical miles (approximately 7,408 kilometres).
Jean-Christophe Gallagher, executive vice president of Aircraft Sales & Bombardier Defense, said the purchase marks a major milestone for Bombardier Defense. “This purchase represents a major milestone for Bombardier Defense, increasing our presence in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Our aircraft are the platform of choice not only due to their reach, persistence and performance, but also due to the large accessibility of our services and support ecosystem in the country,” he said. “This represents an undeniable advantage and flexibility to operators.”
The platform’s attributes make it an ideal platform for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, as it can fly higher, faster and farther than legacy airborne platforms while offering comparable performance to large maritime patrol aircraft at a fraction of the cost.
Harrison Langrell, managing director of Principle Finance, expressed enthusiasm about integrating the Challenger 650 into the fleet. “We are excited to integrate the Bombardier Challenger 650 into our fleet, leveraging its exceptional performance and reliability, which will play a crucial role in our future operations. This platform allows us to enhance our surveillance reach and effectiveness, ensuring we stay ahead in the rapidly evolving defence landscape,” Langrell said.
Bombardier’s growing footprint in Australia further reinforces its commitment to the region. The company recently launched a new Line Maintenance Station (LMS) in Perth, adding to its global network of 10 LMS facilities.
This expansion follows the opening of the Melbourne Service Centre in 2022, which enhanced support for the existing fleet, and the establishment of Bombardier Defense’s first international office in Adelaide in May 2024, aimed at bolstering service for special mission customers in this key Asia-Pacific market.
In addition to delivering high-performing aircraft, Bombardier Defense provides round-the-clock in-house engineering and support teams worldwide. These teams are equipped to implement modifications tailored to customer needs, with complete certification capabilities across civilian, military and hybrid operations.
Drawing on decades of experience with special mission operators and renowned mission systems integrators, Bombardier continues to adapt its proven platforms for critical operations globally.
