Global and Challenger Jets Prepare for Military Service

Business aircraft such as Bombardier’s Globals and Challengers are increasingly being used as platforms to carry advanced military technology for roles such as surveillance, electronic warfare, and border protection. The manufacturers work with defense technology partners such as Saab and Marshall Aerospace to convert the aircraft, which are proving more cost-effective for these applications than larger airliners. Customers for the Global aircraft include the United Arab Emirates’ military and the U.S. Army for its new High Accuracy Detection & Exploitation System, or HADES. BJT sister publication Aviation International News interviewed Bombardier Defense vice president Steve Patrick at the 2023 Dubai Airshow.