레오나르도, 봄바디어와 Global 6500 대잠초계기 개발 MOU 체결

[위종민]

파리 에어쇼에서 레오나르도가 이탈리아군의 차기 대잠초계기 후보기종으로 봄바디어 Global 6500 기반 ATOS 시스템 + 오스프리 AESA 레이다 등을 통합한 신형 대잠초계기 개발 MOU를 체결했네요. 일본의 P-1이 경쟁기체입니다. 

레오나르도와 봄바디어, 이탈리아의 고정익 대잠전 옵션 모색하며 글로벌 6500 해상형 주목

2025년 파리 에어쇼에서 레오나르도와 봄바디어는 첨단 해상 다임무 플랫폼 개발을 위한 협력 양해각서(MoU)를 체결했다. 이번 MoU는 이탈리아가 P-72A 이후를 모색하며 가와사키 P-1 등 다양한 후보 기종을 평가하는 가운데, 글로벌 6500을 기반으로 다임무 해상초계기 도입 가능성을 열어두는 내용이다.

봄바디어 글로벌 패밀리는 지난 20여 년간 다양한 정부, 군, 특수 임무에 폭넓게 사용되어 왔으며, 장거리·고고도 운항 성능과 낮은 운용 비용으로 유명하다. 이 항공기들은 여러 국가에서 공중 조기경보통제(AEW&C), 신호정보(SIGNIT), 전자정보(ELINT), 정보·감시·정찰(ISR), 공중지휘통제, 해상감시 등 다양한 임무에 적합하도록 개조되어 왔다.

글로벌 6500은 글로벌 6000과 7500 사이에 위치한 최첨단 초장거리 비즈니스 제트기로, 롤스로이스 펄 15 엔진 2기를 장착하고 최대 6,600해리 비행, 마하 0.90의 속도, 51,000피트 최대 고도를 자랑한다. 콜린스 프로라인 퓨전 기반의 봄바디어 비전 플라이트 덱, 4개의 고해상도 디지털 디스플레이, 합성 시야 시스템, 듀얼 헤드업 디스플레이와 통합된 향상된 비전(Combined Vision System), 그리고 최신 비행관리 시스템을 갖추고 있다.

글로벌 6500에 적용될 핵심 시스템은 레오나르도가 개발한 ATOS(Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) 임무 관리 시스템이다. ATOS는 AESA(능동형 전자주사식 배열) 레이더, 전자광학 및 적외선 시스템, 전자지원장비, AIS 트랜스폰더, 피아식별(IFF) 등 다양한 센서를 통합해 실시간 데이터 처리 및 표시가 가능한 단일 인터페이스를 제공한다. ATOS는 고정익, 헬리콥터, 무인기 등 다양한 플랫폼에 탑재 가능하며, 실제로 ATR 42/72 MP, P-72A, 비치크래프트 킹에어, AW-139, AW-169 등에 적용되어 있다. 해상초계, 국경감시, 밀수·불법어업 단속, 수색구조, 대잠전 등 폭넓은 임무에 활용된다.

ATOS와 더불어 글로벌 6500은 레오나르도의 Osprey 계열 다중 AESA 레이더를 통합할 계획이다. 이 레이더는 해상감시, 고해상도 지상지도 작성, 지상 이동표적 탐지, 공대공 표적 탐지 등 다양한 임무를 단일 시스템으로 수행하며, 최신 통신 장비와 자기방호 장비도 적용된다. 또한, 이 항공기는 감시·정찰 임무뿐 아니라 무장 체계와 소나 통합도 지원해 수상함과 잠수함 모두에 대한 작전 효과를 높일 수 있다.

해상대응작전(Counter Maritime Operations)은 해상에서 적 수상함, 잠수함, 연안 위협에 대응하기 위한 일련의 활동을 포함한다. 항공력을 활용한 해상대응작전(APCMO)은 공중·우주 전력을 활용해 해상 위협에 대응하고, 적의 해상 이용을 제한하거나 통제하는 작전까지 포함한다. 이 과정에서 대수상함전(ASuW)과 대잠전(ASW)은 감시를 넘어 직접 교전 임무까지 확대된다.

대수상함전은 적 수상함을 탐지, 식별, 필요시 교전하는 임무로, 광역 탐지와 정밀 표적 지정이 가능한 해상감시 레이더, EO/IR 시스템, 전자지원장비(ESM), 전술 데이터링크 등을 통합 운용한다. 대잠전은 소노부이 투하 및 감시, 음향신호 처리, 자기이상탐지(MAD) 시스템 등으로 잠수함을 탐지·추적한다. 이러한 능력은 실시간 정보 융합과 해군 ASW 자산과의 연계로 더욱 강화된다.

이탈리아 국방부는 2017년 브레게 1150 애틀랜틱 퇴역 이후 P-72A를 도입했지만, P-72A는 주로 ISR 및 ELINT 임무에 집중되어 있다. 이에 따라 공군과 해군은 장거리 대잠전(ASW) 능력을 제공할 수 있는 신형 해상 다임무 항공기(M3A) 도입을 추진 중이다. 글로벌 6500 플랫폼은 긴 항속거리, 고고도 운항, 넓은 기내 공간 등으로 소노부이 발사기, 음향 신호 처리기, 자기이상탐지기 등 ASW 전용 장비 탑재에 적합하다. 또한, 정밀유도 무기(공중투하 어뢰, 대함미사일) 운용도 지원할 수 있다. 현재 해군과 공군이 공동 운용 중인 P-72A와 달리, 글로벌 6500은 독립적인 고정익 대잠·대수상 임무수행 플랫폼으로 유효한 대안이 될 수 있다.

또 다른 경쟁 후보로는 일본의 가와사키 P-1이 있다. P-1은 원거리 대잠·대수상·광역 ISR 임무를 위해 설계된 군용 해상초계기로, 소노부이, MAD, 공중투하 어뢰·대함미사일 등 군사 시스템을 갖추고 있다. 이탈리아와 일본은 GCAP(글로벌 전투기 공동개발)과 조종사 훈련 등에서 긴밀한 협력 관계이지만, 해상초계기 분야에서는 비용, 상호운용성, 모듈성 등을 두고 수출 시장에서 경쟁하는 구도가 형성될 수 있다.

한편, P-8 포세이돈도 한때 유력 후보였으나 최근에는 추진 동력이 약해진 상태다.

TAGGED: Bombardier G6500 Leonardo

Leonardo and Bombardier Eye Maritime Variant of Global 6500 as Italy Weighs Fixed-Wing ASW Options - The Aviationist

Leonardo and Bombardier Eye Maritime Variant of Global 6500 as Italy Weighs Fixed-Wing ASW Options

Published on: June 30, 2025 at 2:58 PM

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 Elia Silvestris

 David Cenciotti

The rendering of the Global 6500 in the Maritime Mission Configuration Shown at Paris Air Show 2025. (Image credit: Leonardo/Bombardier)

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The MoU signed at Paris Air Show 2025 paves the way for a potential multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft, as Italy looks beyond the P-72A and assesses contenders like the Kawasaki P-1.

At the Paris Air Show 2025, Leonardo and Bombardier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore a collaboration for the development of an Advanced Maritime Multi Mission Platform. The chosen base platform is the Bombardier Global 6500, part of the broader Bombardier Global family of long-range business jets.

Contents

The MoU signed at Paris Air Show 2025 paves the way for a potential multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft, as Italy looks beyond the P-72A and assesses contenders like the Kawasaki P-1.The Bombardier Global 6500 PlatformThe Maritime Multi Mission SuiteAn in-depth view of the Counter Maritime OperationsAnti-Surface WarfareAnti-Submarine WarfareExploring the ASW/ASuW Platform Alternatives

Over the past two decades, the Global Family has established itself as a trusted and versatile platform for a wide range of government, military and special mission roles. These aircraft, renowned for their long-range, high-altitude capability and low operational costs, have been adapted by multiple nations for missions including Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Airborne Command and Control and Maritime Surveillance.

A Global 6500 equipped to support the HADES program
of the U.S. Army (Image Credit: Bombardier)

Several models in the family, such as the Global 6000 and Global 6500, have been militarized with advanced mission systems and sensor suites by major defence contractors, including Saab (GlobalEye), Northrop Grumman, and L3Harris. This new collaboration between Leonardo and Bombardier aims to leverage the proven capabilities of the Global Series to meet the evolving requirements of modern maritime domain awareness.

The Bombardier Global 6500 Platform

The Global 6500 is a state of the art ultra-long-range business jet, introduced as part of the Bombardier’s Global family. The 6500 is positioned between the Global 6000 and the Global 7500.

Global_3 The Global 6500 aircraft in its business configuration. (Image credit: Bombardier)

Powered by two Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 engines, the aircraft can travel up to 6,600 nautical miles, with the ability to reach a maximum speed of Mach 0.90 and a ceiling of 51,000 feet.

The avionic suite is centred around the Bombardier Vision Flight Deck, built upon the Collins Pro Line Fusion avionic. The aircraft is equipped with four high resolution digital displays, a full synthetic vision system, dual head up displays with an integrated enhanced vision (Combined Vision System) and an advanced flight management system that can support the latest performance capabilities requirements.

The advanced cockpit of the Bombardier Global 6500. (Image credit: Bombardier)The Maritime Multi Mission Suite

The core of the system that will possibly be retrofitted on the Global 6500 is called ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance), a sophisticated mission management system developed by Leonardo.

ATOS can integrate a wide range of sensors, including AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) Radar, electro optical and infrared systems, electronic support measures, AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponders and IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) systems into a single interface capable of processing and displaying real time data.

A mission station equipped wit the ATOS system. (Image credit: Leonardo)

Built with versatility in mind, ATOS can be deployed on a broad variety of airborne platform, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system is actually operational on aircraft like the ATR 42/72 MP, P-72A, Beechcraft King Air, AW-139 and AW-169. ATOS is ideally suited for a wide array of missions, including maritime patrol, border surveillance, anti-smuggling, illegal fishing prevention, search and rescue and Anti-Submarine Warfare.

Complementing the ATOS system, the Global 6500 will also integrate Leonardo’s Osprey family of multi-AESA radar. Designed for next-generation ISR missions, this advanced radar provides robust, multi-domain situational awareness, combining maritime surveillance, high-resolution ground mapping, ground moving target indication and air to air detection capabilities in a single, compact system. Its integration will enable the Global 6500 to perform effectively across a variety of missions. The Global 6500 will be equipped with the latest communication systems and self-protection equipment.

In addition to its surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, the aircraft will also support provisions for weapons systems and sonar integration to enhance its operational effectiveness against both surface vessels and submarine threats.

An in-depth view of the Counter Maritime Operations

Counter Maritime Operations (CMO) involve actions taken to counter threats in the maritime domain, including enemy surface ships, submarines, and coastal threats. The so-called Air Power Contribution to Counter Maritime Operations (APCMO) refers to the use of air assets and space-based systems) to support operations aimed at countering maritime threats and gaining control or denying the enemy use of the maritime domain. Within the APCMO framework, two key tactical mission sets are Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), which expand the role of air platforms beyond surveillance to include direct engagement of maritime threats.

Anti-Surface Warfare

Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) focuses on the detection, identification, and potential engagement of hostile or suspicious surface vessels, which may include conventional naval forces, fast attack craft, or non-state actors operating in sensitive or contested waters. ASuW capable platforms are equipped with maritime surveillance radar, offering wide-area detection and precision targeting modes; EO/IR systems for long-range visual identification; and ESM systems for detecting and geolocating electromagnetic emissions. Integration with secure tactical datalinks allows these platforms to cue naval strike assets or contribute to networked targeting frameworks in joint operations.

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations address submerged threats, particularly significant in gray-zone conflicts, near strategic chokepoints, or within contested maritime regions. ASW missions typically involve the deployment and monitoring of sonobuoys, acoustic signal processing, and the use of Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) systems for pinpointing submarine activity at close range.

These capabilities are further enhanced by the fusion of underwater threat data with real-time ISR from airborne and surface sensors. When paired with strike coordination tools or integration with naval ASW assets, ASW-capable aircraft contribute to persistent undersea domain awareness and deterrence. Through the combined execution of ISR, ASuW, and ASW missions, APCMO delivers a scalable and adaptable approach to safeguarding maritime security in an increasingly complex and contested global environment.

Exploring the ASW/ASuW Platform Alternatives

As explained last year, commenting the Italian MOD’s annual multiyear defense planning document (Documento Programmatico Pluriennale della Difesa), which reviewed the military funding for 2024-2026, the Italian Air Force and Navy are working on a joint acquisition program for the first two new Maritime Multi Mission Aircraft (M3A) which will provide a long-range Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capability.

In fact, since the retirement of the Breguet 1150 Atlantic in 2017, Italy lost the long range ASW capability, as the P-72s are mainly used for ISR and ELINT (Electronic Intelligence). The studies for this program have been ongoing since then, with some rumors mentioning a possible interest in the P-8 Poseidon.

However, Italy’s current limitations in fixed-wing Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare, the Bombardier Global 6500, configured for long-range maritime operations, presents a highly attractive solution. Its extended endurance, high-altitude performance, and spacious modular cabin provide the ideal platform for the integration of ASW-specific systems, including sonobuoy launchers, acoustic signal processors, and Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) sensors. Furthermore, the platform can be equipped to support the deployment of precision-guided weapons, such as air-launched torpedoes and anti-ship missiles. Unlike the currently operated P-72A, currently operated jointly by the Italian Navy and Air Force, the Global 6500 in such configuration could provide a valid and credible fixed-wing ASW/ASuW option for the Italian Defence.

A P-72A Operated by The Italian Air Force (Italia credit: Italian Air Force)

Rumors suggest that another relevant comparator to Italy’s potential interest in a maritime-configured Bombardier Global 6500 is the Japanese Kawasaki P-1, a purpose-built maritime patrol aircraft designed for long-range ASW, ASuW, and wide-area ISR missions. The P-1 features dedicated military systems, including sonobuoy processors, a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD), and the ability to carry air-launched torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.

A Japanese P-1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (Image credit: Kawasaki/Japan MoD)

However, the Global 6500 offers long endurance, a high operational ceiling, and a flexible mission cabin, making it a viable competitor in the market for nations seeking a multi-mission maritime solution.

Italy and Japan maintain close defence cooperation, exemplified by their joint involvement in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and collaboration on pilot training initiatives. Despite this partnership, the maritime patrol domain represents an area where their respective platforms, the P-1 and a potential Global 6500 configuration, may compete, particularly in export markets where cost, interoperability, and modularity are critical factors.

Noteworthy, while not entirely off the table (at least, officially), the P-8 Poseidon option, which appeared to be gaining significant traction until a couple of years ago, now seems to have lost momentum.

TAGGED:BombardierG6500Leonardo

[강준구]

GCAP에 일본이 큰손으로 있으니까, P-1 봐주는 척 하면서, 결국 레오나르도 물건 사주기..가 큰 계획 아닐까요?

[위종민]

때마침 일본 자국발 P-1 불량 이슈도 떴으니 자국산 밀어 줄 명분도 생기긴 했네요 ㅎㅎㅎ