Bombardier Defense Delivers Ninth Global Aircraft to the U.S. Air Force for Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Bombardier Defense (OTC:BDRBF) has delivered its ninth Global aircraft to the U.S. Air Force for the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) program. The delivery ceremony took place at Hanscom Air Force Base in September 2025.

The aircraft, designated as E-11A by the Air Force and nicknamed "Wi-Fi in the sky," serves as a specialized high-altitude communications gateway. The Global fleet has been supporting critical USAF communications missions globally for nearly two decades, facilitating voice and tactical data exchange between air and land forces while overcoming geographical obstacles.

Positive

• Successful delivery of ninth Global aircraft to USAF demonstrates continued trust in Bombardier Defense
• Long-term partnership with U.S. Air Force spanning nearly two decades
• Proven track record in military communications missions worldwide

Negative

• None.

• Delivery ceremony took place in September at Hanscom Air Force Base, MA
• The Bombardier Global family of aircraft, recognized for its outstanding range, speed, reliability and endurance, is an ideal fixed-wing solution for special airborne missions worldwide 
• Enduring success of the BACN program underscores Bombardier Defense’s role as a partner of choice for the U. S. military

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., Sept. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier Defense is proud to announce the delivery of a ninth Bombardier Global aircraft to the United States Air Force. The delivery, which was celebrated at Hanscom Air Force Base earlier this month, is the latest in a long-standing and highly successful partnership between the USAF and Bombardier Defense.

The fleet of BACN aircraft, which are known in the Air Force as E-11A and often referred to as “Wi-Fi in the sky”, are a specialized communications platform that enables enhanced situational awareness and interoperability acting as high-altitude communications gateways. The Bombardier Global fleet serving the USAF has been performing critical communications missions around the world for close to two decades, serving to bridge voice and tactical data between air and land forces, while surmounting obstacles such as mountains, rough terrain or distance.

“At Bombardier Defense, we are honored to see our reliable, high-performing Global aircraft serve the United States Air Force in critical missions worldwide through the BACN program,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Defense. “We are grateful for the longstanding trust of the U.S. Air Force, and we look forward to continuing to support the operational needs of the United States.”

About Bombardier Defense
Bombardier Defense offers something unique, combining Bombardier’s portfolio of top-performing Challenger and Global aircraft with unparalleled engineering and maintenance expertise to create custom solutions. Known for its collaborative and flexible approach, Bombardier Defense builds long-term partnerships with governments and militaries, as well as joining forces with the world’s most advanced mission system providers. Driven by a rich history of innovation, we are shaping the defense solutions of the future.

Bombardier Defense is based in Wichita, KS, with a manufacturing presence across North America. Leveraging Bombardier’s highly responsive, worldwide support network, we offer expert maintenance services and tailored support options to our government and military customers. Hundreds of Bombardier aircraft perform critical airborne missions around the world, including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C), border and maritime patrol, multi-role, head of state transport, medevac, urgent humanitarian assistance and more.   

For Information
To learn more about Bombardier Defense, visit bombardier.com/defense and follow us on LinkedIn.
For corporate news and information about Bombardier (BBD-B.TO), visit bombardier.com. 
Watch the video: “Wi-fi in the sky”

Media Contacts
General media contact webform

Louise Solomita 
+1-514-513-6410
louise.solomita@aero.bombardier.com 

Bombardier, Bombardier Defense, Global and Challenger are registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ed516f80-8d46-451d-b08a-69983867269d

FAQ

What is the significance of Bombardier's ninth Global aircraft delivery to the U.S. Air Force?

The delivery represents the continued expansion of the BACN program, where these aircraft serve as critical high-altitude communications gateways, enabling enhanced situational awareness and interoperability between air and land forces.

What is the BACN program and how does Bombardier's E-11A aircraft contribute to it?

The BACN (Battlefield Airborne Communications Node) program utilizes Bombardier's Global aircraft, designated as E-11A or 'Wi-Fi in the sky', to bridge voice and tactical data communications between air and land forces, overcoming obstacles like mountains and terrain.

How long has Bombardier Defense been partnering with the U.S. Air Force?

Bombardier Defense has been partnering with the U.S. Air Force for nearly two decades, providing Global aircraft for critical communications missions worldwide.

Where was the ninth Bombardier Global aircraft delivered to the U.S. Air Force?

The ninth Bombardier Global aircraft was delivered to the U.S. Air Force at Hanscom Air Force Base in September 2025.

What are the key features of Bombardier's Global aircraft used in the BACN program?

The Bombardier Global aircraft is recognized for its outstanding range, speed, reliability, and endurance, making it ideal for special airborne missions as a high-altitude communications gateway.