Canada is planning to invest more than 900 million Canadian dollars (about $663 million) to strengthen research into drones and airborne defense systems, including the establishment of a new testing and research center, according to a report by CBC News.
The investment will be overseen by the National Research Council Canada, the federal agency responsible for advancing scientific and technological development across multiple sectors such as aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing.
Officials say the planned facility will focus on drone technologies for both military and civilian uses, including surveillance operations, disaster response, and infrastructure inspection.
As part of the program, the NRC will also acquire a Canadian-built Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft to support flight testing and defense-related research.
The aircraft will be assembled by Bombardier at its production site near Toronto Pearson International Airport in Mississauga, Ontario, while interior completion will take place in Dorval, Quebec. More than 65 Canadian suppliers are expected to provide components for the aircraft.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said the initiative aims to enhance Canada’s capacity to develop critical technologies domestically while supporting companies involved in aerospace, unmanned systems, quantum technologies, and biomedical innovation.
Strengthening National Defense
The program forms part of Canada’s broader Defence Industrial Strategy, unveiled last month by Prime Minister Mark Carney to expand national defense capabilities and reduce reliance on the United States for key military technologies.
The strategy outlines investments exceeding 500 billion Canadian dollars ($366 billion) aimed at strengthening national security, supporting domestic defense industries, and enhancing technological sovereignty.
The plan includes 80 billion Canadian dollars ($58.6 billion) in direct defense spending over the next five years, along with 180 billion Canadian dollars ($131.9 billion) allocated for defense procurement and 290 billion Canadian dollars ($212.5 billion) for security-related infrastructure over the coming decade.
These funds will support the development of military facilities, bases, and other strategic assets needed to sustain operations and equipment production.
