APRIL - 2023AEROSPACEDEFENSEREVIEW.COM8In My OpinionIntelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft are vital for supporting the safety and security of nations promoting peace. The market is growing and on the cusp of a replacement cycle for ageing platforms. In response, North American aircraft manufacturer Bombardier is bringing increased focus to serve this market. Bombardier is renowned for a long history of manufacturing a wide range of exceptional aircraft and is now the leading manufacturer of business aircraft, known for their latest technical innovations, superior performance, efficiency, reliability and safety. Bombardier has also long been active in the defense sector and is a proven partner of governments worldwide. To bolster this activity and build on this heritage, Bombardier has launched the Bombardier Defense division headquartered at its Wichita, Kansas facility. Formerly known as Bombardier Specialized Aircraft, the transformation to Bombardier Defense underscores the importance of the sector and the distinct nature of its activities. The transformation at the Bombardier U.S. headquarters strengthens its presence in the U.S. It confirms its long-term strategy to reposition the business as a critical supplier to the U.S. and other governments around the world. The Wichita site is also home to the Bombardier Flight Test Center (BFTC) and the largest U.S. service center in Bombardier's global network. The Wichita site traces its heritage back to the origins of business aviation and is known for its role in the many innovative products that By Steve Patrick, Vice President, Bombardier DefenseINTRODUCING Bombardier DefenseBombardier has produced over the past 80 years. This legacy is built upon an immensely experienced and dedicated team, who now bring their talents to support Bombardier Defense. Whether the task is flight testing and certification of a clean sheet design, upgrades and enhancement of current products, or maintenance and support for any of Bombardier's fleet of nearly 5,000 business jets flying around the world, Wichita can do it all. Key to this capability, however, is the exceptionally close ties to Bombardier's main engineering design organization in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and integration within the whole manufacturing and supply chain. Leading the Defense team is Bombardier veteran Steve Patrick, Vice President of Bombardier Defense, who is well placed to use his rich wisdom garnered from heading Bombardier Specialized Steve Patrick
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