Newly ordered Bombardier Challenger 650s to be deployed as Australian spy planes

An Australia-based aircraft lessor has placed an order for two Bombardier Challenger 650s at the Avalon Australian International Airshow.  

Bombardier announced on March 25, 2025, that an agreement has been signed with Principle Finance for the Challenger 350s, with the aircraft set to be deployed for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in Australia. 

Principle Finance, which specializes in leasing special mission aircraft, is scheduled to take delivery of the new aircraft during 2026.  

“This purchase represents a major milestone for Bombardier Defense, increasing our presence in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Defense. “Our aircraft are the platform of choice not only due to their reach, persistence and performance, but also due to the large accessibility of our services and support ecosystem in the country. This represents an undeniable advantage and flexibility to operators.”    

According to Bombardier, in its traditional capacity as an executive jet the Challenger 650 can fly up to 11 hours with a range of 4,000 nm (7,408 km).   

The Canadian planemaker said that the aircraft is an “ideal choice” for ISR missions due to its ability to fly “higher, faster and farther than legacy airborne platforms”. 

“We are excited to integrate the Bombardier Challenger 650 into our fleet, leveraging its exceptional performance and reliability, which will play a crucial role in our future operations. This platform allows us to enhance our surveillance reach and effectiveness, ensuring we stay ahead in the rapidly evolving defense landscape,” said Harrison Langrell, Managing Director of Principle Finance.   

In recent years Bombardier has increased its presence in Australia, beginning with the opening of the Melbourne Service Center in 2022.  

In May 2024, Bombardier Defense opened its first international office in Adelaide to service special mission customers in Australia. 

In March 2025, Bombardier announced it had added a new Line Maintenance Station (LMS) in Perth with a second LMS expected to open in Sydney later this year. 

“To promote the expanding presence in the region, members of the Bombardier Defense and Bombardier Customer Services and Support teams are attending the Avalon Airshow until March 30th, 2025,” a spokesperson for the company said. 

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