Airlift Capability Project – Multi-role Flight Service (ACP-MFS)
Project Summary
Through the Airlift Capability Project – Multi-Role Flight Service, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is acquiring a new fleet of six new Global 6500 aircraft to replace and modernize the capabilities currently provided by its CC-144 Challenger fleet. The new fleet will equip the RCAF with a modern, secure, and long-range flight capability to support Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) missions domestically and internationally.
These new aircraft will increase the capacity of the RCAF to support administrative flight services for senior Government of Canada leaders and provide utility flight services in support of CAF operations and missions. The new fleet will be equipped with modern technology and will also provide increased range and passenger capacity, helping to reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Project phases
Currently in Phase 4: Implementation
1. Identification
- Began under previous project name: 2016
- Continued under current project name: 2017
- Completed: 2018
2. Options Analysis
- Began: 2018
- Paused: 2023
- Resumed: Spring 2025
- Completed: Fall 2025
3. Definition
- Project approval for definition phase: December 4, 2025
- Request for Proposal release: September 19, 2025
4. Implementation
- Project approval for implementation: December 4, 2025
- Contract award: December 12, 2025
- First deliveries: Summer 2027
- Initial Operational Capability: By the end of 2027
- Full Operational Capability: 2032 (TBC)
5. Close-out
- 2033 (TBC)
Learn more about the Defence procurement process.
Additional information
Project updates
December 12, 2025
A contract valued at $753 million (including taxes) was awarded to Bombardier Inc. of Montreal, Q.C. for the ACP-MFS project.
September 19, 2025
A Request for Proposal was released to Bombardier.
Industry
The Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy, including Value Proposition, will be applied to this project. Through this policy, Bombardier has committed to providing business activities and investments equal to the contract value. Bombardier has also made high-value economic commitments that will support Canadian suppliers and small and medium-sized businesses and enhance Canadian research activities.
Technical information
- Length: 30 m
- Wingspan: 29 m
- Height: 8 m
- Maximum speed: Mach 0.9
- Range: 6,000+ nautical miles
- Passengers: 15
- Crew: 3
- Quantity: 6
- Manufacturer: Bombardier Inc.
- Estimated life expectancy: 20 years
Project costs
The project is currently valued at $2.05 billion (including taxes) and includes the acquisition of the aircraft and supporting components, parts and engineering support, training, infrastructure, project management costs, and contingency.
Issues/Risks
N/A