AviationNews – Bombardier Defense and global aerospace leader SNC (Sierra Nevada Corporation) signed a 10-year service agreement for two Global 6500 jets supporting a critical U.S. military program, ensuring long-term readiness and cost efficiency for high-usage government aircraft.
The agreement, announced on October 14, 2025, covers two Bombardier Global 6500 business jets that SNC owns and operates for a U.S. military customer. These aircraft are equipped with SNC’s advanced RAPCON-X technology. The deal leverages the Bombardier Smart Services Defense program, which uses a predetermined cost-per-flight-hour model to manage and reduce operating costs, particularly for platforms that fly significantly more than commercial averages.
The comprehensive service agreement is designed to provide predictability and transparency by covering pre-defined costs for logistical support, including spare parts, shipping, technical publications, and technical support. The Global 6500 is a versatile platform chosen for demanding specialized missions due to its long endurance of over 18 hours, class-leading power for mission equipment, and large cabin space. The RAPCON-X technology is a rapidly configurable solution capable of SIGINT (Signals Intelligence), reconnaissance, and ground moving-target missions.
Josh Walsh, vice president of programs at SNC, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with Bombardier Defense is exceptional. With the signing of this agreement, we are committed to providing the predictability, transparency and reliability our customers depend on to remain prepared at all times. This agreement not only allows us to mitigate risk but also adds significant value for our customers and the U.S. taxpayer.”
This long-term service commitment enhances mission availability for the U.S. military customer by guaranteeing access to global, 24/7 technical and logistical support. The fixed-cost model is expected to shield SNC and the taxpayer from unexpected maintenance expenses, promoting a more stable and efficient operating tempo for these high-value intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets.
The 10-year contract between Bombardier Defense and SNC secures the operational longevity of two crucial Global 6500 surveillance aircraft. By adopting the Smart Services Defense program, the partners ensure cost-effective, predictable logistical support, reinforcing the reliability of these specialized jets for essential U.S. military missions well into the next decade.
