Replacement of military surveillance aircraft | Boeing claims that nothing goes wrong with it

(Ottawa) Boeing is not going all out: if Ottawa is leaning towards it to replace its old military surveillance planes, it is because nothing comes close to it – not even Bombardier, which is asking for a chance to get that multi-billion dollar contract.

The reasoning of the American giant can be summed up as follows: we are comparing apples with oranges. His Poseidon P-8A has been roaming the skies for a decade, favored by the “Five Eyes” – an intelligence alliance of which Canada is a part – and features a Canadian touch. In return, Bombardier’s proposal is still in its infancy.

“I don’t see this [Bombardier’s project] as a rival,” Boeing Defense CEO Ted Colbert said in an interview Tuesday in Ottawa. “I don’t even consider him in the same category. There’s a reason the Five Eyes chose the P-8A. »

On the eve of the annual meeting of the defense sector in Ottawa – the CANSEC trade show – Boeing went big on Tuesday to praise its Poseidon and the benefits it generates across Canada. The event was not intended to be a response to recent Bombardier outings, assures the American aircraft manufacturer, even if its progress could leave this impression.

Boeing has put all the gum. On the tarmac of the Ottawa airport, near where the military fair is being held, a P-8A was highlighted. The Press was able to gain access to the device. In addition, Canadian aircraft suppliers traveled to the federal capital to boast of the fruits of their collaboration with the multinational. Even the United States Ambassador to Canada, David Cohen, was there. Bombardier’s name was not mentioned during the presentation, but that did not prevent Mr. Colbert from shooting a few arrows at his competitor.

“We have the most affordable option for Canada because it’s an aircraft that’s already available and not something that’s in development,” he said. It is an already powerful machine. »

The replacement of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) 14 aging Aurora CP-140s, a contract with an aggregate value of up to $9 billion, has turned into a political issue. The Ministry of Defense is not keen on the idea of ​​buying Bombardier planes. Boeing’s Poseidon P-8A – an aircraft akin to the 737 family of aircraft that can launch torpedoes – has been identified as the only aircraft that could meet Canadian requirements.

Bombardier, which is seeking to increase its exposure to the military sector, is asking for a chance to promote its project. The Quebec aircraft manufacturer is urging the Trudeau government to launch a call for tenders, which would allow it to propose a version of the Global 6500 business jet capable of performing the same task as the CP-140s, namely launching torpedoes. The Quebec company recently teamed up with defense giant General Dynamics in an effort to encourage the Trudeau government to change its tune. This tandem should also offer more details on its intentions, this Wednesday, at the CANSEC show.

For Boeing, the decision to launch a call for tenders rests with the Trudeau government.

“It’s not my decision,” replies Mr. Colbert, when asked about this question. But if so, I’m sure we’d win. »

Bombardier’s response was quick. The company believes that its rival is desperate for new orders because its P-8A assembly line, located in the United States, could run out of work after 2025.

“Canadians deserve a better solution than a fire sale aimed at liquidating the latest models,” said the Quebec aircraft manufacturer, in a statement. Our government has been led to believe that it is urgent to buy now. »

Citing the results of a study commissioned from Doyletech Corporation, Boeing estimates it can help secure more than 3,000 jobs a year if it wins the CP-140 replacement contract. Firms rooted in the country like CAE, GE Aviation as well as the conglomerate that owns engine manufacturer Pratt

For example, at the GE Aviation plant in Bromont, the compressors that are found in the engines located under the wings of the P-8A are manufactured. The company also counts Bombardier among its customers. Daniel Verreault, director of the military systems subsidiary in Canada, is aware of the political aspect of the file.

“It’s always emotional, military sales,” he said in an interview. Sometimes we win, sometimes we don’t. The Canadian government determined that the P-8A was the only aircraft meeting RCAF criteria. That’s what I’m here for. »

According to Boeing, there are 11 million equivalent Canadian-made parts in a Poseidon.

Ottawa is putting in place a process to replace its CP-140 Aurora surveillance planes, which have been in service since the 1980s.

Boeing’s Poseidon P-8A is identified as the only aircraft that meets Canadian requirements. The contract could be awarded by mutual agreement.

Bombardier, which has been campaigning for months for the launch of a call for tenders to offer a modified version of its Global 6500, is partnering with General Dynamics.