The Royal Danish Air Force has ordered two additional Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft for the maritime patrol mission, bringing to three the number sold to Denmark over the past two years.
Like the 604 delivered to the RDAF in November 1999, the two new Challengers will be used for fisheries protection and anti-pollution missions, as well as search and rescue operations throughout Denmark's coastal jurisdiction in Europe and Greenland.

The aircraft also will provide the Danish Government with long-range medevac and VIP transportation capability. All three Challengers will be based initially at Vaerlose, north of Copenhagen.
RDAF said a "key factor" in its decision to buy more 604s was the manufacturer's ability to provide a "total in-house turnkey solution." Bombardier will build the two Challengers at Montreal Dorval, complete them in Tucson, and equip them at Montreal Mirabel.

Bombardier recently delivered its 500th Challenger since the program began in late 1970s. This total includes 149 of the model 604, which entered service in the fall of 1995.

By Paul Richfield