Canada launches Uncrewed Systems Defence Innovation Secure Hub
July 21, 2026 – Defence Stories
Estimated read time: 1:46
The Bureau of Research, Engineering and Advanced Leadership in Innovation and Science (BOREALIS) is expanding its defence innovation network through the launch of its Uncrewed Systems Defence Innovation Secure Hub (UxS DISH).
The launch event took place on July 14 with the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, announcing that the UxS DISH, led by an Espace Aéro consortium and sponsored by the Canadian Joint Forces Command (CJFC), will receive $29.6 million over two years to support collaboration on uncrewed and autonomous systems technologies.
He was joined by Lieutenant-General Darcy Molstad, Commander of the CJFC, and Dr. Jaspinder Komal, Assistant Deputy Minister of Defence Research and Development Canada.
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Minister McGuinty speaks during the UxS DISH announcement in Mirabel, Quebec.
Building on the success of the Maritime DISH pilot, the UxS DISH will help accelerate the development and adoption of innovative uncrewed and autonomous system technologies. This is an important milestone in the implementation of BOREALIS that will support the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Canada's national security priorities.
Accelerating innovation through BOREALIS
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LGen Darcy Molstad, Commander, Canadian Joint Forces Command, speaks during the UxS DISH announcement.
BOREALIS was established to help accelerate the transition of Canadian innovation into operational capabilities for defence and national security. Through the DISH model, trusted partners collaborate in secure environments to develop, test, and validate technologies that address priority capability needs while supporting Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy.
Advancing uncrewed and autonomous systems
The Espace Aéro consortium includes 30 organizations from government, industry, and the not-for-profit sector.
The hub will focus on uncrewed and counter-uncrewed systems, automation and human-machine teaming, operations in contested environments, and sensor integration. As the lead integrator for joint capabilities, including drone and counter-drone systems, CJFC's sponsorship will help ensure innovation activities remain aligned with operational priorities and emerging capability needs.
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A member of the UxS DISH consortium demonstrates UxS technology to Minister McGuinty, LGen Molstad, and other event participants.
Strengthening Canada's defence innovation ecosystem
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Event participants gather for a group photo during the UxS DISH announcement.
The UxS DISH expands Canada's growing network of secure innovation hubs and strengthens pathways for collaboration across the defence innovation ecosystem.
By bringing together government, industry, and the non-for-profit sector, the hub will help accelerate the development of mission-ready capabilities while supporting Canadian expertise and economic growth in critical technology sectors. As BOREALIS continues to evolve, the DISH network will play a central role in accelerating Canadian innovation into operational capabilities for defence and national security.