DM/CDS Message: Canada Launches Defence Industrial Strategy

February 17, 2026 - Defence Stories

The global security environment is evolving rapidly and the operational demands on the Defence Team continue to grow. Many of the challenges you face every day—aging equipment, complex sustainment requirements, long procurement timelines, and reliance on global supply chains—directly affect readiness, and how quickly we can deliver and maintain the capabilities you rely on to do your work.

Today, the Government of Canada is taking an important step to address these challenges through the launch of the new Security, Sovereignty and Prosperity: Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.

This strategy changes how the Defence Team plans, acquires, and sustains the equipment and capabilities on which the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) depend, with a clear focus on operational effect and sustained readiness. It is a whole of government plan to strengthen the CAF by building a more resilient Canadian defence industrial base that can better support readiness, responsiveness, and long-term sustainment.

This approach will better align defence investments with industrial capability, reduce reliance on vulnerable supply chains, and make it easier for Canada to deliver the equipment and capabilities the CAF and our Allies need, at the pace required by operational demands.

This strategy is also a key step in equipping you with the tools, partnerships, and industrial support you need to succeed—providing greater predictability, confidence, and support for your work—now and into the future.

By working with Canadian suppliers, and building capabilities at home, Canada’s security and defence readiness will be strengthened, while also supporting skilled jobs, driving innovation, and contributing to long-term prosperity.

Working together—across the Defence Team, government, and industry—we will make Canada stronger and better positioned to respond to an evolving security environment.

Thank you for your continued dedication and service.