Bombardier Global 6500 – The Defense Post

May- 2026 -

9 May

Air

The Army Theater Level High-Altitude Expeditionary Next-Generation A-ISR aircraft (ATHENA) bridging aircraft address a wide range of A-ISR mission requirements and enhance the Army's overall intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities while awaiting completion of the HADES aircraft. (Courtesy: MAG Aerospace/L3Harris)

ATHENA Spy Plane: The Quiet Intelligence Workhorse

This guide explains the ATHENA aircraft, a next-generation ISR platform designed for long-endurance surveillance and real-time battlefield awareness in expeditionary operations.

Mar- 2026 -

10 March

Americas

Giulia Bernacchi

Canada Commits $663M to Boost Drone, Aerospace Defense Research

Canada will invest over $663 million to expand drone and airborne defense research, including the creation of a new testing and research hub.

Jan- 2026 -

14 January

Air

A Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft for the US Army’s High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program

Rojoef Manuel

SNC Buys Global 6500 Jet to Accelerate US Army HADES Development

Sierra Nevada Corporation has purchased a new Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft at its own expense to expedite the US Army’s High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System program.

Oct- 2025 -

20 October

Air

Rendering of South Korea's Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft based on the Bombardier 6500. Photo: L3Harris

Rojoef Manuel

South Korea Orders $2.26B AEW&C Fleet From L3Harris

South Korea has awarded L3Harris Technologies a contract worth over $2.26 billion to supply modified Global 6500 aircraft for airborne early warning and control missions.

2 October

Asia Pacific

Inder Singh Bisht

South Korea Picks L3Harris for New Airborne Early Warning Aircraft

South Korea has selected an L3Harris Global 6500 jet-based solution as the platform for its next airborne early warning and control aircraft.

Sep- 2025 -

10 September

Air

HADES will provide transformational increases in speed, range, payload and endurance for Army aerial ISR collection capabilities supporting the joint force. (Photo courtesy Bombardier Defense)

Rojoef Manuel

SNC Accepts Second Bombardier Jet for US Army HADES Spy Plane Program

Sierra Nevada Corporation has received the second Bombardier Global 6500 business jet for conversion into the US Army’s High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System aircraft.

Jun- 2025 -

20 June

Air

Rojoef Manuel

Leonardo, Bombardier to Explore Maritime Multi-Mission Aircraft Opportunities

Leonardo and Bombardier Defense have signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue strategic opportunities in the maritime multi-mission aircraft sector.

Feb- 2025 -

17 February

Air

Joe Saballa

US Army Sends First ATHENA Spy Plane to South Korea

The US Army has deployed the first prototype of its ATHENA-R surveillance aircraft to South Korea for critical operational assessments.

Nov- 2024 -

27 November

Air

The Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft delivered to the U.S. Army in support of the HADES program.

Christine Casimiro

US Army HADES Program Receives First Global 6500 Jet From Bombardier

Bombardier has delivered the first Global 6500 aircraft to the US Army as part of the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program.

Oct- 2024 -

16 October

Air