Bombardier and BAE Systems have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore cooperation on capabilities that could support future combat-air programmes in Canada. The framework covers potential work in research and development, systems integration, industrialisation, workforce and supply-chain development, and lifecycle management. It does not commit either company to a specific aircraft programme, contract, investment or workshare, and no timetable has been set for deciding on concrete projects.
The companies will assess potential opportunities against capability requirements, government priorities and industrial objectives. Areas under consideration include aircraft and mission-system design, digital engineering, advanced manufacturing, sustainment and security. The agreement links the prospective work to Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and its aim of developing domestic defence-industrial capabilities.
Canada became an observer in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), led by the UK, Italy and Japan, in July 2026. Neither company has identified GCAP as the purpose of the memorandum. The agreement instead establishes a basis for exploring how Bombardier’s aerospace and manufacturing capabilities could complement BAE Systems’ combat-air expertise, with the scope and form of any collaboration still to be determined.