Newly-fielded VIP transport assets arrive one year after order was announced.
The Swedish armed forces have taken delivery of two Bombardier Global 6500 ultra-long-range business jets acquired to provide a new VIP transport capability.
“The delivery represents an important step in the modernisation of state aircraft and strengthens both the availability and endurance for the transport of the country’s highest civilian and military leadership,” Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) says.
Stockholm signed for its TP 106 jets in May 2025, with the acquisition from Bombardier Defense valued at around SKr1.1 billion ($120 million). Their arrival in Sweden was announced on 1 June.
“The rapid delivery was made possible by the fact that the aircraft had already been manufactured and had previously been used within the framework of the supplier’s demo operations,” the FMV says.
“The aircraft have since been adapted for Swedish operations and the needs of the armed forces,” it adds.
Meanwhile, the procurement body points to the benefits of acquiring the VIP jets alongside the Swedish air force’s order for three Global 6000-based GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft.
“Consolidating operations around a common aircraft platform reduces the need to staff and maintain multiple aircraft types simultaneously,” the FMV says.
“The new aircraft will also have more modern, fuel-efficient engines with lower emissions than the current fleet,” it adds, referring to Stockholm’s prior use of lone examples of the Gulfstream IV and G550 business jets.
“The delivery of TP 106 strengthens the operational capability of the Swedish armed forces and Sweden’s freedom of action in a heightened security situation,” notes Carl-Fredrik Edstrom, head of the FMV’s aerospace business area.
Stockholm has three GlobalEye surveillance aircraft on order, with the type due to enter use from next year under the air force designation S 106. Saab is currently performing modification work – including the installation of its Erieye ER radar – at its Linkoping site.
The post Swedish armed forces welcome two Bombardier Global 6500s in VIP transport fleet renewal first appeared on FlightGlobal.