Canada’s Defence Pivot: A Strategic Opening for Aerospace, Space, Defence, and Security Technology Firms

By Samuel Associates | June 9, 2025

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Prime Minister Mark Carney’s June 9 announcement has redefined Canada’s approach to national defence. By accelerating the country’s commitment to meet NATO’s 2% GDP defence spending target within this fiscal year, Ottawa signals more than a budgetary shift; it initiates a full-scale reorientation of Canada’s defence priorities and its sovereign industrial posture.

This is a pivotal moment for firms operating in the defence, aerospace, space, and security technology sectors. It presents both a national imperative and a commercial opportunity: to assist Canada in rebuilding its defence capabilities, strengthening its technological sovereignty, and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

Canada’s New Strategic Defence Framework

‍The federal government’s new investment trajectory includes tens of billions in long-term spending for:

• Undersea and Arctic surveillance platforms, including next-generation submarines
• Space-based and dual-use satellite technologies to support early warning, navigation, and communication
• Modernized land, air, and maritime systems, including uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), next-gen armoured fleets, and precision strike capabilities
• Cyber resilience and secure digital infrastructure, essential to both civilian and military assets

Canada is now critically pursuing industrial diversification by reassessing traditional U.S.-centric procurement policies and favouring Canadian and allied technology solutions. This policy shift reflects a deliberate effort to enhance domestic innovation capacity and safeguard national strategic interests.

Why This Matters to Industry

‍For companies in advanced defence, aerospace, and security technology, the implications are clear:

• There is unprecedented demand for Canadian and allied technologies that can be integrated into sovereign capabilities
• Ottawa is seeking trusted partners who can support long-term sustainment, resilience, and operational excellence
• Companies with dual-use and modular systems will have competitive advantages in meeting new capability objectives

This is a rare policy inflection point—where strategic need, political will, and fiscal resources are aligned.

Samuel Associates: Your Strategic Partner in Canada for Defence

‍Samuel Associates is Canada’s premier defence advisory and government relations firm, specializing in public sector engagement, strategic communications, and defence market access. We collaborate with Canadian and international clients to navigate federal procurement processes, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and align technology offerings with national priorities.

For companies in aerospace, space, and security technology, we offer:

• Strategic mapping of procurement priorities and capability gaps
• Government relations and market access advisory tailored to defence sector engagement
• Regulatory navigation, including ITB/VP compliance, security certification, and industrial policy alignment
• Facilitation of domestic partnerships, including Indigenous engagement, consortium formation, and regional collaboration

As Canada prepares to take a more assertive role in global security, the companies that align early with its evolving defence posture will establish the foundation of its sovereign capabilities.

Looking Ahead

‍With the upcoming summits—the G7 in Alberta and NATO in The Hague—Canada is positioning itself as both a reliable ally and a sovereign actor. For the private sector, this serves as a clear signal: the door is open for partnership, innovation, and leadership.

Samuel Associates is prepared to assist your company in taking that step—confidently and strategically.