Bombardier Defense Secures Contract for Challenger 650 ISR Jets in Australia

Bombardier Defense has secured a contract to supply two Challenger 650 business jets for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations in Australia.

The aircraft, procured by Queensland-based lease provider Principle Finance, will be delivered to an undisclosed end user in 2026.

Bombardier highlighted the Challenger 650’s superior short-field performance, reliability, and capabilities comparable to larger maritime patrol aircraft, making it a strong choice for ISR missions.

The contract aligns with Bombardier’s expansion in Australia, including a new office in Adelaide and a line maintenance station in Perth, with a sustainment hub planned for Sydney later this year.

The Challenger 650 features a 21-meter (69-foot) fuselage, a 20-meter (66-foot) wingspan, and can accommodate up to 12 passengers with a payload capacity of 2,200 kilograms (4,850 pounds).

Powered by GE CF34-3B MTO engines, the aircraft boasts a maximum operating altitude of 12,400 meters (40,682 feet), a range of 7,400 kilometers (4,598 miles), and a top speed of Mach 0.8 (988 kilometers/614 miles per hour).