USAF boosts BACN communications gateway fleet with ninth Global-series jet

By Craig Hoyle2025-09-22T15:03:00+01:00

Bombardier’s defence unit has delivered its ninth Global-series aircraft for use in the US Air Force’s (USAF’s) battlefield airborne communications node (BACN) role.

Designated by the USAF as an E-11A, the modified long-range business jet was transferred to the service’s Hanscom AFB in Massachusetts earlier this month, the Canadian airframer announced on 22 September.

An image released by Bombardier shows the recently transferred aircraft as being registered 24-9049. The USAF had received its previous example of the Global 6000-derived BACN platform in October 2024.

BACN ninth jet

Source: Bombardier Defense

Latest adapted long-range business jet recently arrived at Hanscom AFB

Bombardier describes the E-11A as “serving to bridge voice and tactical data between air and land forces… for close to two decades”.

“We are honoured to see our reliable, high-performing Global aircraft serve the United States Air Force in critical missions worldwide through the BACN programme,” says Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Bombardier Defense’s executive vice-president, aircraft sales. “We look forward to continuing to support the operational needs of the United States,” he adds.

Craig Hoyle

European Defence Editor Craig Hoyle has reported on the UK, European and international military aviation sector for almost 30 years, and has also been the Editor of Flight International since 2015. He joined FlightGlobal in 2003, and also compiles our annual World Air Forces directory.View full Profile

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