Mission Ready: Atlantic Firms Set to Deploy to DSEI 2025

News release

Strengthening national security ties and bringing cutting-edge innovations to international markets

September 10, 2025 · Moncton, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Atlantic Canada’s defence sector is driving innovation, building international relationships, and contributing to global security and prosperity. This week, over 30 of the region’s top firms and organizations are in London, UK, to take part in Defence and Security Equipment International 2025 (DSEI). Being part of one of the world’s largest and most influential defence industry events will give these firms an advantage as they work to build new partnerships, expand export opportunities, and demonstrate Canada's leadership on the global stage.

Led by the Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA), with support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and all four Atlantic Provinces, the delegation is among the largest in the Canadian Pavilion.

Participating firms will have the ability to showcase their world-class capabilities to international defence contractors and the opportunity to engage in strategic discussions on the future of security and defence technology. Companies taking part have also been working with the Market Entry Development Program (MEDP) to support longer-term growth in European markets.

This mission is supported through the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement (ATIGA) and advances the goals of the Atlantic Growth Strategy by fostering innovation, export growth, and the development of strong global partnerships. It also reflects the shared commitment of federal and provincial partners to expand trade opportunities for businesses by helping them establish connections in new and emerging markets.

Quotes

“Canada’s growing investments in national defence and NATO reinforce the need to support companies that are ready to contribute to global peace and security. Atlantic Canada’s defence sector is set to be a true leader in job creation and technological innovation, all while strengthening our position internationally and building one Canadian economy here at home.”

– The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“Nova Scotia is uniquely positioned to become a world-wide leader in the defence sector. Our businesses attending this year’s DSEI have a lot to contribute to the evolving needs to this rapidly innovating sector. They will also benefit from connecting with new buyers, customers and partners as we showcase what Nova Scotia is capable of on the global stage.”

– The Honourable Colton LeBlanc, Nova Scotia Minister of Growth and Development

New Brunswick’s presence at DSEI 2025 shows the real strengths our province brings to the global defence and security sector. From new technology solutions to research with real-world impact, New Brunswick companies are building international partnerships and playing a leading role on the world stage.

- The Honourable Luke Randall, Minister responsible for Opportunities NB and for Economic Development and Small Business

“Prince Edward Island is proud to showcase a diversified Island economy. Our advanced manufacturing and aerospace sectors have demonstrated themselves to be ready global players, contributing to a cleaner, safer, and more secure world. Island companies in this space, like Tronosjet, are ready to show their expertise to the British and other international markets, highlighting Canada’s leadership in defense and security industry.”

– The Honourable Darlene Compton, Prince Edward Island Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Trade

“There are more than a dozen Newfoundland and Labrador businesses and firms in attendance at DSEI 2025, and these companies are showcasing the best of our region’s innovation and talent. Their participation reflects the strength of our industrial and technological capabilities, as well as our commitment to building strategic partnerships that drive economic growth and enhance global security. By supporting these companies through collaborative initiatives like ATIGA, we are helping them unlock new markets, scale their technologies, and reinforce our province’s reputation as a trusted leader in defence innovation.”

– The Honourable Steve Crocker, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“This mission reflects the strength and ambition of Atlantic Canada’s Aerospace and Defence sector. By bringing these companies to DSEI 2025, we’re showcasing the region’s world class capabilities, building strategic international relationships, and positioning our firms to compete and grow in global markets. ACADA is proud to lead this mission in close collaboration with our federal and provincial partners, working together to advance a unified approach to supporting the growth and global impact of Canada’s Aerospace and Defence industry.”

–Victoria Belbin, M.M.S, ICD.D, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Atlantic Canada Aerospace & Defence Association

Quick facts

  • DSEI 2025 takes place from September 9-12 in London, UK, and is expected to welcome over 36,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors from around the world.

  • The Atlantic Canada delegation, led by ACADA, includes over 30 companies/organizations representing the region’s aerospace, defence, and security sectors.

  • Delegates will take part in the Canadian Pavilion program, including networking events, business-to-business (B2B) meetings, and access to DSEI forums and programming.

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Contacts


Natasha Kochhar
Director of Projects and Caucus Relations
Office of the Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 
Natasha.Kochhar@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency  
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Shawn Hirtle
Invest Nova Scotia
Government of Nova Scotia
Media@investnovascotia.ca

Michel LeBlanc
Opportunities NB
Government of New Brunswick
michel.leblanc@onbcanada.ca

Vicki Tse
Department of Economic Development, Innovation and Trade
Government of Prince Edward Island
vickitse@gov.pe.ca


Brodie Thomas
Department of Industry, Energy and Technology
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
brodiethomas@gov.nl.ca

Victoria Belbin
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Atlantic Canada Aerospace & Defence Association
info@ac-ada.ca

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2025-09-10