Defence

A global leader in defence innovation

Home to Canada’s largest defence industry and more than one-third of the country’s defence workforce, Ontario supplies governments, armed forces, NATO and allied organizations with complex defence systems across land, air, sea, space and cyber domains. Ontario’s experienced suppliers support and contribute to major allied programs around the world. Ontario’s defence supply chain is at the frontier of defence technology with strengths in artificial intelligence, quantum, autonomous systems, advanced materials, nuclear technologies and critical minerals.

Built for global defence supply chains

With extensive export experience and deep integration into North American and allied supply chains, Ontario firms provide battle-tested products, technologies and services that meet demanding quality, security and delivery requirements. Operating within rigorous quality, security and export-control frameworks, Ontario companies provide trusted manufacturing, engineering and technology solutions backed by proven program delivery experience in highly regulated defence environments. Many Ontario suppliers support long-term defence programs through design, engineering, manufacturing, modernization and sustainment for customers across the United States, Europe and other allied markets.

Combined with Canada’s NATO partnerships and strong relationships with allied nations, Ontario offers international partners a reliable gateway to global defence supply chains, supported by the province’s first Ontario Military Defence Representative, Bernard Derible, who works to advance the defence sector, attract investment and expand exports.

Ontario’s defence value chain

Ontario offers access to a complete defence value chain, from critical minerals, nuclear technologies, vital raw materials such as steel and advanced materials to engineering services, manufacturing, systems integration, testing and sustainment. Home to the largest concentration of Canadian Armed Forces bases and personnel in the country, Ontario provides an unmatched environment for collaboration, testing, training and long-term capability development. Ontario companies provide end-to-end capabilities that enable international buyers to source both defence products and long-term program support from a single jurisdiction, including:

• Research and development
• Engineering and design
• Prototyping, testing and commercialization
• Validation, qualification and product certification
• Systems integration
• Cybersecurity and digital engineering
• Manufacturing and assembly
• Workforce training and skills development
• In-service support and sustainment
• Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO)
• Modernization and upgrades
• Export and international market support

Our defence strengths extend across the province

A reliable partner for long-term defence programs

Ontario offers international buyers access to a stable business environment, a highly skilled workforce and one of North America’s most advanced manufacturing ecosystems. Home to two of North America’s Top 10 Technology Talent Markets, Toronto and Waterloo, Ontario provides defence partners with access to a deep pool of engineering, digital and advanced manufacturing expertise and strong research capabilities, these advantages help Ontario suppliers meet evolving defence requirements and support long-term production and sustainment programs. Ontario’s Defence Industrial Strategy is positioned to advance long-term growth by strengthening the industrial base, accelerating emerging technologies, expanding exports and building a more integrated defence supply chain.

The province’s industrial and innovation strengths are matched by a world-class talent pipeline. Ontario’s renowned post-secondary education system — including leading institutions such as McMaster, Ontario Tech, Queen’s, University of Ottawa, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo and Western University — produce highly skilled graduates in aerospace, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced manufacturing. These institutions also support industry-focused research and development, rapid prototyping and commercialization, helping accelerate the development and adoption of advanced technologies. Complementing this talent pipeline, Ontario’s colleges provide industry-ready graduates with the technical skills and competencies needed to manufacture, deliver and sustain defence products and services across the province’s integrated defence supply chain.

Who’s here

We are home to more than 300 leading global contractors and innovative companies advancing aerospace, communications, advanced manufacturing and emerging defence technologies, including

• Airbus
• Babcock Canada
• Bombardier
• Collins Aerospace
• Colt Canada
• Fairbanks Morse Defense
• General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada
• General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada
• Honeywell
• IMT Defence
• L3Harris Technologies
• Lockheed Martin Canada
• MDA Space
• Ontario Shipyards
• Raytheon ELCAN
• Roshel
• Safran Landing Systems
• Thales Canada