Québec’s defence and security industry is diverse and innovative. It operates in many strategic subsectors including aerospace, shipbuilding, ground systems, cybersecurity and digital technologies.
The industry reflects Canada’s and Québec’s long-term commitment to collective security and cooperation with allied nations.
Québec has played a significant role in international security alliances ever since the North Atlantic Treaty was signed in 1949. The presence of key military infrastructure, including the Bagotville air force base, and Québec companies’ participation in contracts with NATO and its agencies are a few examples of that enduring commitment.
Québec companies are fully integrated into this highly strategic industry’s value chains and contribute to projects involving military procurement, maintenance, the manufacture of specialized components and the provision of technical services to Canadian and allied armed forces. Several defence and security companies based in Québec are among Canada’s top R&D investors and have their sights set firmly on the future.
Québec benefits from a robust innovation ecosystem supported by substantial R&D investments, the presence of specialized organizations, and the participation of companies developing critical defence and security technologies.
Research activities focus on key areas such as:
Espace Aéro, the Greater Montréal aerospace innovation hub, provides favourable conditions for collaboration between companies, universities and research centres.
Thanks to its local expertise, Québec attracts and retains leading international companies. These organizations have a strong presence in Canadian markets while maintaining relationships with partners and clients abroad—a dynamic that not only promotes Québec’s global reach but also facilitates the integration of local companies into international business and innovation networks.
These companies rely on a broad network of local suppliers, subcontractors and technology partners, promoting collaboration across subsectors and the development of integrated civilian and military solutions.
Québec’s defence and security industry brings together a wide range of complementary subsectors. Aerospace companies work alongside players in shipbuilding, land and tactical systems, cybersecurity, secure communications, optics and photonics, as well as AI and autonomous systems, including drones.
This diversity creates a strong concentration of expertise applied across the full defence and security spectrum.
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