On November 13, 2025, Bombardier’s bustling assembly plant at Toronto Pearson International Airport welcomed a high-level visitor whose presence underscored the deepening strategic ties between Canada and South Korea. Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, in Canada for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, took time to step inside one of Canada’s most iconic aerospace facilities—where innovation meets global partnership.
The visit was more than a diplomatic courtesy call. It was a testament to how rapidly the two countries’ defence cooperation has expanded in recent years. For Minister Cho, the tour offered an opportunity to see firsthand the engineering prowess behind Bombardier’s aircraft—capabilities Korea has already woven into its own modernization agenda.
A Canadian Platform at the Heart of South Korea’s Future Missions
At the centre of the Minister’s remarks was Bombardier’s Global 6500—an aircraft increasingly becoming a preferred platform for advanced military applications around the world. The ROK Air Force has selected the Global 6500 as the common platform for its next generation of special mission aircraft, including its Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) fleet scheduled for introduction in the coming years.
Minister Cho highlighted Bombardier’s “significant contribution” to bolstering Korea’s defence capabilities, noting how the aircraft’s performance, flexibility, and mission-ready features align with the evolving threats in the Indo-Pacific region. The integration of Canadian aerospace technology into Korea’s defence ecosystem, he emphasized, reflects not just capability needs but also shared democratic values and deepening trust.
The Minister added that he was pleased to witness the “reciprocal” nature of the security partnership as both nations confront expanding regional and global security challenges. That reciprocity now forms the foundation for a bilateral relationship that spans innovation, defence, and advanced industrial collaboration.
Aligning Defence Modernization Agendas
The visit also brought into focus the ROK’s intention to play a more direct role in Canada’s defence renewal. Minister Cho reiterated South Korea’s commitment to contributing to Canada’s defence modernization—most notably the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP)—just as Canada has supported Korea’s own military development.
He expressed hopes for continued close collaboration with Bombardier, a major player in Canada’s defence industrial base. For Bombardier, the sentiment was both welcome and strategic. As the company broadens its defence and special mission portfolio, deepening ties with a technologically advanced and globally engaged partner like Korea creates fertile ground for long-term cooperation.
A Tour Through Canadian Innovation
Bombardier officials guided Minister Cho through the main facilities, offering an up-close look at assembly operations, engineering teams, and the technologies that define the company’s competitive edge. The tour served as a practical demonstration of the craftsmanship and ingenuity behind the aircraft that Korea will soon rely on for critical national missions.
During discussions, Bombardier conveyed its strong interest in expanding aviation and defence cooperation with the ROK. The company also expressed its desire for continued support and engagement from the Korean government as both nations advance shared priorities—from aerospace innovation to global security collaboration.
Strengthening a Strategic Partnership
Minister Cho’s visit marked yet another milestone in the growing Canada–Korea defence partnership—a relationship fuelled by common interests, complementary industrial strengths, and a shared commitment to stability in an increasingly complex world.
As Canada modernizes its fleet and Korea introduces next-generation surveillance and mission aircraft, Bombardier’s Toronto assembly line stands as a tangible reminder of what strategic collaboration can achieve. The aircraft built here are not merely machines; they are instruments of partnership—flying symbols of two nations aligned in purpose.
