The Bombardier Global 6500-based ME-11B is the U.S. Army’s newest intelligence-gathering aircraft, officially designated as part of its expanding aerial surveillance fleet. Built to support deep-sensing and electronic intelligence missions, the ME-11B combines the speed, range, and reliability of a business jet coupled with advanced onboard sensors and data processing systems. As the Army shifts toward multi-domain operations, the ME-11B is braced to enhance battlefield awareness through the collection of real-time intelligence from contested environments.
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1 History
1.1 Origins and HADES initiative (2019-2020)
The ME-11B originated from the Army’s High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program, firstly launched to replace outdated ISR aircraft like the RC-12X Guardrail and MC-12S EMARSS. These older turboprops lacked the speed, altitude, and range needed for advanced conflict. In response, the Army created HADES under its Multi-Domain Sensing System (MDSS) strategy. The goal: field high-altitude jets capable of deep sensing across contested airspace. The Army consequently awarded a contract to defence company HII, and the company awarded a subcontract to Leidos in November 2019 to build the first test bed ARTEMIS (Aerial Reconnaissance and Targeting Exploitation Multi-Mission Intelligence System) using a Bombardier Challenger 650 jet. [source]
1.2 Demonstrators and Lessons Learned (2020–2023)
To test its concept, the Army launched several demonstrator aircraft. ARTEMIS flew its first missions in 2020 over Europe. The aircraft collected signals intelligence (SIGINT) and radar data from long-range distances, often over the Black Sea. It proved the value of business jets for high-end ISR. [source]
L3Harris developed a second demonstrator, ARES, using a larger Bombardier Global 6000. With longer endurance and payload, ARES operated in the Indo-Pacific, supporting joint exercises and real-world surveillance. The ARES demonstrator achieved its maiden flight on 27 August 2021. Their success in exercises and real-world operations, including the monitoring of Russian forces around Ukraine borders in 2021-2022, convinced the U.S. army that they were “a ticket to the future of warfare” [source, source].
By late 2023, both ARTEMIS and ARES jets had flown nearly 1,000 missions, showcasing that jets offered better ISR capabilities than legacy turboprops. In December 2023, the Army officially established HADES as a Program of Record, transitioning from concept to acquisition phase [source, source].
1.3 Program milestones and model selection (2023-2024)
Following this milestone, in December 2023, the U.S. Army awarded a contract to Bombardier Defense to provide at least one Global 6500 aircraft to serve as the program’s prototype air-frame. The model was chosen for its “increased range, speed, endurance, and aerial ISR depth,” according to Colonel Joe Minor. Bombardier delivered the first Global 6500 to the Army during a ceremony in Wichita, Kansas on 25 November 2024, making it the Army’s first-ever ISR owned jet. [source, source, source]
While acquiring the jets, the Army ran a competitive process to select a systems integrator for HADES. The service consequently fielded two interim HADES-like aircrafts under the ATHENA project (Army Theater Level High-Altitude Expeditionary Next Airborne ISR). Throughout 2023, ATHENA-R (radar-focused variant) went to a team of MAG Aerospace and L3Harris, while ATHENA-S (signal-intelligence variant) was awarded to Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC). In August 2024, the Army selected SNC as the lead integrator to convert Global 6500 jets into their HADES configuration, for a contract just under one billion USD. L3Harris formally protested against the decision in October 2024. However, the Government Accountability Office denied the protest in December, clearing the way for SNC and HADES. [source, source, source]
1.4 Designation as ME-11B (2025)
In early 2025, the U.S. Army announced that the Bombardier-based HADES jet would be designated as “ME-11B.” In this designation:
M
Multi-mission – highlighting the aircraft’s flexibility in ISR roles, signals intelligence, radar imaging and beyond.
E
Electronic – placing the jet in the Army’s electronic and reconnaissance aircraft category.
11B
Links to the Air Force’s E-11A. Another Bombardier Global variant used as a battlefield communications relay while indicating a new variant.
The ME-11B name hence highlights that the aircraft is filling a new niche for the Army : a jet-powered, sensor-packed intelligence gatherer. [source]
2 Dimensions and Capabilities of ME-11B
2.1 Air frame dimensions and Performance
- Length: 30.3 meters (99 ft 5 in)
- Wingspan: 28.7 meters (94 ft 0 in)
- Height: 7.8 meters (25 ft 6 in)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 45,132 kg (99,500 lbs)
- Maximum Speed: Mach 0.90
- Service Ceiling: 15,545 meters (51,000 ft)
- Range: 12,223 km (6,600 nautical miles) [source]
2.2 Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) Payload
- ASARS-2B Radar – High-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and ground moving target indicator (GMTI) for standoff imaging and tracking [source]
- Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) System – For intercepting and locating enemy communications and emissions. [source]
- Electro-optical and infrared cameras [source]
- Athena-S – Army’s “bridging” aerial ISR asset, Athena-S is the Army Theatre Level High-Altitude Expeditionary Next-Generation Airborne ISR-Sensor [source]
3 ME-11B’s Mission Profile
The ME-11B is specifically designed to operate as a surveillance platform within the Army’s multi-domain force structure. While not a combat aircraft, it is pivotal in enabling precision operations by acting as a real-time intelligence gateway between forward units, long-range fires, and command nodes. Moreover, fully integrated into the Army’s sensor-to-shooter architecture, the ME-11B provides deep-sensing coverage over contested environments without entering enemy airspace. [source, source]
By leveraging its high altitude, long endurance, and multi-intelligence payload, the ME-11B supports many missions from tracking mobile missile units to detecting electronic threats:
Ground Moving Target Tracking (GMTI): Using the ASARS-2B radar to monitor the movement of enemy convoys, mobile missile launchers, or armoured units — even in bad weather or at night.
Strategic Surveillance : Provides wide ISR coverage for joint forces operating in conflict zones.
UAV deployment for EW missions : ME-11B will feature a unique ability to launch unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for a variety of electronic warfare missions.
Targeting support for long-range fires : Feeding data directly into Army networks consequently allowing precision strikes on time-sensitive or deep targets.
Electronic Battle Mapping : Building a real-time picture of an enemy’s electronic footprint to effectively support planning and strike operations.
4. Conclusion
The ME-11B, hence, represents a major leap in the U.S. Army’s transition towards high-altitude, deep-sensing intelligence platforms. Built on the proven Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft and equipped with next-generation radar and SIGINT systems, the ME-11B delivers a versatile solution for both routine surveillance and real-time battlefield intelligence. Its ability to operate from far distances and detect mobile threats will likely be a great support to the Army’s multi-domain strategy.
Although not considered as a combat aircraft, the ME-11B could be decisive in future conflict environments where information dominance is key. From Eastern Europe to the Indo-Pacific region, it enables rapid and precise decision-making. Moreover, with its ability to integrate into Army networks and launch UAVs, the ME-11B reflects a broader shift towards more advanced surveillance platforms. The first ME-11B is expected to become operational by 2027, with additional aircraft planned through the end of the decade. [source]
