Backgrounder: Strengthening Atlantic Canada’s defence capabilities in Nova Scotia

February 19, 2026 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

The Government of Canada is providing an investment of more than $4 million under the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) to nine businesses in Nova Scotia:

Sensor Technology Ltd.
To design and build software and hardware for its AI Thinline Towed Array, hiring eight skilled engineers, and project and export specialists.
$1,300,000 (repayable)

Mathers Logistics Ltd.
To purchase specialized heavy-lift equipment to move and stack shipping cargo more efficiently, creating three jobs and supporting growth in defence logistics.
$956,250 (repayable)

Salient Energy Inc.
To develop Canada’s first commercial-grade zinc-ion battery cell for marine defence and clean energy applications, while also creating five jobs.
$843,531 (repayable)

AML Oceanographic Ltd.
To expand into a new production facility where it will design, manufacture and test its ocean data collection system, increasing production capacity and creating one job.
$387,500 (repayable)

GALAXIA Mission Systems
To grow the engineering team and upgrade its facility to expand satellite manufacturing and grow exports.
$218,750 (repayable)

Marine Thinking Inc.
To design and bring to market a launch and recovery system for remotely operated vehicles.
$179,836 (repayable)

Atlantic Hardchrome Limited
To hire expertise to develop a product plan for manufacturing, testing, and repairing specialized components for submarine control systems.
$50,000 (non-repayable)

L & M Highland Outfitters Limited
To purchase automated sewing equipment to boost productivity, lower costs, and fulfill a significant Canadian defense contract, resulting in four new jobs.
$50,000 (repayable)

Leeway Marine
To hire expertise to develop a strategic plan and roadmap for its new unmanned surface vehicle.
$45,000 (non-repayable)

Total: $4,030,867

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News release: Strengthening Atlantic Canada’s defence capabilities in Nova Scotia