Éric Martel says Canada's observer status in the Global Combat Air Programme could let the business jet maker learn, contribute engineering support and eventually enter a new defence segment.
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Canada's new observer status in a multinational stealth fighter program could open a door for Bombardier Inc. to enter a fresh segment of the defence business, the company's chief executive said this week.
Éric Martel, whose Montreal-based company builds and services business jets and has been expanding into defence, said the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) offers a chance to learn and contribute expertise. "New technologies are being developed, and it's of interest for us to … see if we can have a role in the future," he said on a conference call Thursday.
"Bombardier could have an interest in … providing engineering resources and support to the program, and learning from this, and then after, if ever opportunities arise that are of interest, we could definitely get into this sphere."
On July 21, Canada was granted observer status in GCAP, whose participants include Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. Launched in 2022, the program aims to build a sixth-generation supersonic stealth fighter by 2035 to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon and Japan's Mitsubishi F-2.
In a joint statement, the four countries said Canada will have enhanced insight into the program's capabilities and industrial framework, along with wider partnering opportunities. "For Italy, Japan and the U.K., Canada's involvement will also support greater alignment of strategic priorities and deepen mutual understanding of future combat air ambitions, thereby strengthening global security," the statement said.
Martel told analysts that momentum is building in Bombardier's defence business, with strong and sustained customer interest around the world and a growing pipeline. The company has been shifting more resources toward defence work as it seeks to diversify beyond business jets.
Canada's observer status does not guarantee Bombardier a role in GCAP. It puts the company in a position to learn from the program's early development stages. Martel said that could eventually lead to a new segment of the defence business if the right opportunities emerge.
Bombardier shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker BBD.B. The company reports earnings July 25.
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