As one of Canada’s ten identified sovereign capability priorities under the DIS, uncrewed and autonomous systems are central to ensuring the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) can operate effectively and independently in a rapidly evolving threat environment.

“Drones are changing the way modern militaries operate, and Canada must be ready to develop, test and adopt these technologies at speed. This new Defence Innovation Secure Hub will bring government, Canadian industry, academia, the not-for-profit sector, and the Canadian Armed Forces together in a secure environment to turn promising Made in Canada ideas into mission-ready capabilities that support Canada’s defence priorities.”

The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

"In a rapidly changing world, Canada must have the capacity to innovate, build and compete at home. The Uncrewed Systems Defence Innovation Secure Hub will help Canadian innovators transform cutting-edge ideas into real-world capabilities that strengthen our security, support our Armed Forces and create good jobs across the country. Through Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy, we are investing in Canadian talent and technology to build sovereign capabilities, drive economic growth and ensure Canada remains a trusted and capable partner on the world stage."

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“Investing in defence innovation means investing in Canada's future. The new Defence Innovation Secure Hub is one of the many ways that our government is operationalizing Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy. These research and innovation hubs will enable us to meet the moment by developing our capabilities in uncrewed and autonomous systems and strengthen Canada’s sovereign defence capabilities.”

The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)

“The future of warfare depends on our ability to connect emerging technologies with the world’s rapidly evolving operational realities. By bringing together the right people, systems, and expertise, we will prepare the Canadian Armed Forces to meet the challenges ahead across all domains.”

Lieutenant-General Darcy Molstad, Commander Canadian Joint Forces Command

“The Defence Innovation Secure Hub will enable Quebec’s aerospace industry to maintain its position as a global leader in uncrewed systems while leveraging its expertise to support the Canadian Armed Forces in addressing critical needs. This is a tremendous recognition of the strength of our ecosystem and the attractiveness of the Espace Aéro innovation zone, which drives continuous innovation through exemplary collaboration among all local stakeholders.”

Mélanie Lussier, President, Aéro Montréal et Espace Aéro

“The arrival of this Defence Innovation Secure Hub (DISH) at Espace Aéro is excellent news for Quebec. We have everything we need to become a key player in defence and security: world-class companies, outstanding researchers, and highly skilled workers whose expertise and know-how are recognized around the world. This project will help us drive innovation, develop the technologies of tomorrow here at home, and create even more opportunities for our businesses, our workers, and our regions.”

Bernard Drainville, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy and Minister responsible for the Maritime Strategy

• Canada is committed to strengthening its defence industrial base to ensure the Canadian Armed Forces have timely access to the equipment and capabilities they need.

• The Government of Canada is modernizing how it delivers defence and national security innovation through the creation of the Bureau of Research, Engineering and Advanced Leadership in Innovation and Science (BOREALIS). 

• Defence Innovation Secure Hubs (DISHs) provide secure environments where trusted partners can collaborate, conduct research, test technologies and address defence and security challenges.

• Uncrewed systems are identified as one of Canada's sovereign capability priorities under the Defence Industrial Strategy.

• The UxS DISH supports collaboration among government, industry, academia, and innovators to strengthen Canada's defence innovation ecosystem.

• Funding will support the security upgrades, infrastructure, and collaborative activities required to enable sensitive defence research and innovation at the UxS DISH.

• The UxS DISH is designed to support the maturation, testing, validation, and integration of emerging technologies into operational capabilities for the CAF.

• The UxS DISH's work plan will focus on:

  • Uncrewed systems and counter-uncrewed systems;
  • Automation and human-machine teaming;
  • Operations in contested environments; and
  • Sensor integration.

• Joint capabilities are military functions and resources that span multiple domains, such as land, sea, air, cyber, and space, and are used collectively by different branches of the armed forces

• CJFC brings together people, systems, and expertise from across the CAF to develop and integrate joint capabilities that support operations across all domains.

Associated links

• Backgrounder: Uncrewed Systems Defence Innovation Secure Hub
• Defence Minister McGuinty announces the first project under BOREALIS
• Bureau of Research, Engineering and Advanced Leadership in Innovation and Science
• Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy
• Canadian Joint Forces Command

Alice Hansen
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Email: Alice.Hansen2@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca