Bombardier, BAE Systems Sign MoU to Explore Combat-Air Cooperation

Bombardier and BAE Systems signed a memorandum of understanding to explore cooperation on future combat-air programs. The agreement outlines areas for discussion but does not commit the companies to a particular program.

Key details

• Potential areas include research and development, systems integration, workforce and supply-chain development, industrialization, and lifecycle support.
• BAE Systems is a shareholder in Edgewing, the GCAP prime-contractor joint venture, alongside Italy’s Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co.
• The United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan are developing a next-generation combat aircraft through GCAP, with service entry targeted for 2035.
• Bombardier’s defense work includes adapting Global and Challenger business jets for government and military missions. Saab’s GlobalEye airborne early-warning and control aircraft uses the Global 6500 platform.

The memorandum covers potential cooperation from research and development to lifecycle support.

Why it matters

The proposed areas span both aircraft-related systems work and the industrial base that supports defense programs. Bombardier brings experience adapting business jets for special missions, while BAE Systems participates in GCAP through Edgewing. The companies have not identified a specific program for this agreement.

What happens next

The companies can now explore whether their discussions develop into defined work across research, integration, manufacturing support or lifecycle services. Which area of potential cooperation do you think will take shape first?