The Defence Investment Agency responds to current and emerging global security threats by reducing delays and red tape in defence procurement. We help the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) get the capabilities they need to better secure Canada’s sovereignty.
With expanded contracting authorities and greater autonomy, the Agency will:
- deliver high‑priority defence procurements faster
- test new procurement approaches
- strengthen Canadian industrial innovation and partnerships
This work supports operational needs and builds a resilient defence industrial base.
On this page
- Improving defence procurement
- Guiding principles and values
- Governance and leadership
- Projects and partnerships
Improving defence procurement
The Defence Investment Agency’s goal is to modernize, simplify and make defence procurement more efficient, ensuring faster delivery without compromising accountability.
Our focus
The Agency enhances procurement efficiency by:
- reducing red tape and administrative delays
- streamlining contract approvals while ensuring value for money
- delivering timely capabilities to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard
- driving Canadian innovation and industrial growth
- strengthening strategic partnerships with Canadian industry and international allies
These efforts ensure our defence forces remain ready to protect Canadians, strengthen sovereignty and meet international commitments, while supporting innovation and economic resilience.
Guiding principles and values
The Defence Investment Agency works to streamline defence procurement. This means improving responsiveness and speeding up the delivery of capabilities needed by the CAF and the CCG. These improvements help close capability gaps and support operational readiness.
What we do
The Agency:
- simplifies defence procurement
- uses ready‑made commercial and military solutions when possible
- works with industry early and throughout the process
This approach supports collaboration with Canadian industry and trusted allies. It accelerates delivery, supports innovation, and delivers reliable, interoperable capabilities aligned with Canada’s defence priorities.
Supporting Canada’s defence industrial base
The Agency incorporates these principles to build a strong, reliable and innovative Canadian defence industrial base.
The Agency seeks to:
- strengthen domestic supply chains
- encourage innovation
- contribute to positive economic outcomes for Canada
Our work is guided by a results-focused procurement approach that adapts to technological change and shifting geopolitical conditions.
By modernizing acquisition pathways and rules, the Defence Investment Agency supports the CAF and CCG effectively respond to today’s complex security environment while remaining prepared for the future.
Build-Partner-Buy framework
The Government of Canada established the Build-Partner-Buy framework through the Defence Industrial Strategy. This framework guides all DIA planning for future defence acquisitions.
Build in Canada when possible
For critical defence capabilities and areas of Canadian strength or sovereign importance, the Agency will:
- make Canadian firms the first choice for procurement
- adjust procurement authorities and frameworks, as needed, to support this approach and ensure Canada maintains control over key capabilities
Partner with trusted allies to build together
When Canada does not have the capacity to build domestically, or when joint development offers advantages, the Agency will pursue partnerships with trusted allies and multinational firms.
These partnerships focus on joint development, shared production, and access to key technologies. They strengthen Canada’s alliances while supporting Canadian sovereignty.
Buy from others, with benefits and control for Canada
If Canada cannot build or partner to meet its needs, the Agency will acquire capabilities from trusted allies.
These procurements will include strong conditions to:
- support reinvestment in Canada’s defence industrial base
- ensure Canada retains sovereign control over the operation and sustainment of acquired equipment
Governance and leadership
The Defence Investment Agency operates as a special operating agency within Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC). It’s led by the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement).
The Agency’s operations are led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Doug Guzman. The CEO will be accountable to the Deputy Minister of PSPC for providing short-, medium- and long-term strategic direction, thereby ensuring that the Agency meets its agreed-upon objectives and performance targets, and for reporting on actual versus target performance.
An interdepartmental governance committee, including deputy ministers from key departments, will provide advice on the strategic direction of the Agency.
Projects and partnerships
Canada is advancing a bold defence strategy that strengthens national security and builds sovereign capabilities. By fostering strategic partnerships with Canadian industry and innovation leaders, we’re driving cutting-edge projects that enhance operational readiness, accelerate technological breakthroughs and fuel long-term economic growth.
The Defence Investment Agency supports the CAF and the CCG across air, land, sea and digital domains. All procurements related to defence, security and the Coast Guard may receive input from the Defence Investment Agency, regardless of the stage in the procurement process or the authorities involved. This means that, moving forward, both the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and the Minister of National Defence can rely on the Agency’s expertise for any and all related procurements.
By leading a more integrated and streamlined approach, the Defence Investment Agency will deliver faster, more effective outcomes to strengthen Canada’s long-term defence and security.