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Deputy Minister of National Defence Stefanie Beck visited Hanwha Ocean’s shipyard in South Korea, touring the KSS-III Batch-II submarine—Hanwha’s proposal for Canada’s Patrol Submarine Project. Hanwha highlighted its advanced capabilities, fast delivery schedule, and major economic benefits, including technology transfer, Canadian jobs, and strengthened Canada–Korea defence and industrial cooperation.
The Department of National Defence (DND) has integrated the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) into the Defence Team, strengthening Canada’s maritime security. This milestone enhances interdepartmental collaboration, boosts Arctic operations, and positions the CCG to expand into maritime security under Bill C-2—all while maintaining its civilian Special Operating Agency status.
SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace, has completed Factory Acceptance for the first two Grob G 120TP aircraft, designated CT-102B Astra II, for the RCAF’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. These advanced trainers will serve as the foundation of Canada’s renewed pilot training capability at 15 Wing Moose Jaw.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft has begun flight testing with the U.S. Air Force. Built in just over a year, the uncrewed jet combines stealth, AI-driven autonomy, and rapid production capability. This milestone marks a major step toward affordable, scalable air dominance and future combat readiness.
Seaspan, a long-standing sustainment partner for the Royal Canadian Navy, welcomes Canada’s progress in procuring a new submarine fleet. With 15+ years of submarine maintenance expertise, a skilled Canadian workforce, and deep RCN partnerships, Seaspan is ready to ensure smooth transition, operational success, and long-term economic benefits for Canada’s defence industry.
Hanwha Ocean has been selected as a qualified supplier for Canada’s Patrol Submarine Project. Its KSS-III design offers Arctic capability, stealth, and extended range, with delivery of 12 submarines by 2043. Hanwha pledges economic growth, industry partnerships, and strengthened Canada–South Korea ties, supporting Canada’s defence and Indo-Pacific Strategy goals.
Davie has officially begun construction of the Polar Max icebreaker, a landmark in Canadian shipbuilding. Built through collaboration between Davie’s Lévis facility and Helsinki Shipyard, the vessel will boost Arctic sovereignty, create thousands of jobs, strengthen Canada’s marine supply chain, and accelerate delivery under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Seaspan Shipyards celebrated 15 years of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, highlighting its role in revitalizing the West Coast marine sector. Since 2012, Seaspan has supported over 11,000 jobs annually, contributed $5.7B to the economy, delivered key vessels to the RCN and CCG, and advanced major shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance projects nationwide.
Seaspan Shipyards has signed a $9M agreement with Tri-Metal Fabricators to supply 80,000 parts for Canada’s new heavy polar icebreaker. The deal supports 100% Canadian content, creates 25 jobs in Surrey, and strengthens BC’s marine supply chain. The vessel will be the Canadian Coast Guard’s most powerful ship.
Seaspan Shipyards has completed the Functional Design Review for Canada’s new Multi-Purpose Icebreakers (MPIs) and is moving toward production drawings. Up to 16 Polar Class 4 vessels will support icebreaking, search and rescue, and navigation aid missions. The project is on schedule, under budget, and designed in-house for future adaptability.
The Government of Canada awarded two contracts to MDA Space to equip Halifax-class ships with up to six advanced Uncrewed Aircraft Systems. Valued at $66 million, the project enhances naval surveillance and targeting, boosts Canada’s defence industry, and marks the RCN’s first use of Class-2 UAS technology.
Bollinger, Rauma, Seaspan, and Aker Arctic have formed a strategic partnership to deliver next-generation Arctic Security Cutters to the U.S. Coast Guard. Leveraging ICE Pact cooperation, proven designs, and unmatched icebreaking expertise, the team promises rapid, low-risk delivery to boost U.S. Arctic presence and modernize American shipbuilding capacity.
On 24 July, the first CT-102B Astra II test flight for the RCAF was completed in Germany. The turbine-powered aircraft offers major performance upgrades over current trainers and will support the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. The first two aircraft are expected in Canada this September for pilot training at 15 Wing Moose Jaw.
Hanwha Ocean awarded Hepburn Engineering a multi-million USD contract to supply Replenishment-at-Sea systems for South Korea’s AOE-II naval vessels. The deal highlights growing Canada-South Korea defence ties and fulfills Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits policy. Hepburn’s system will be delivered by 2026, with vessel delivery expected by 2028.
Galvion received a third major order from Canada's DND for 5,000 additional Batlskin Caiman® helmets, bringing total DICE programme orders to over 15,000 helmets and 30,000 covers. The helmets, praised for comfort and integration features, were top-rated in Canadian trials and are widely adopted across NATO.
Seaspan signed an MoU with Stigterstaal Canada and Algoma Steel to explore a domestic steel supply chain for Canadian shipbuilding. The partnership supports Seaspan’s polar icebreaker project and aligns with Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, aiming to boost local industry, sustainability, and Arctic sovereignty with Canadian-made materials and expertise.
Rheinmetall debuted its SSW40, the first automatic, magazine-fed, shoulder-fired grenade launcher using 40mm medium velocity rounds. With an effective range of 900 metres, airburst capability, and ergonomic design, it offers infantry enhanced firepower. Test firings impressed observers with accuracy, low recoil, and rifle-like handling. Qualification completes later this year.
Rheinmetall is supplying Ukraine with a fourth mobile rescue station and training its military personnel in its operation. The modular, truck-based facility offers advanced medical capabilities, including surgery and intensive care. Designed for rapid deployment in harsh conditions, it strengthens Ukraine’s frontline medical response and defence readiness.
Lockheed Martin has appointed Kristen Leroux as vice president and regional executive for Canada and Latin America, effective July 16. Succeeding the retiring Lorraine Ben, Leroux brings extensive leadership experience from DXC Technology and IBM. She aims to strengthen Lockheed Martin’s presence and support evolving defence needs in both regions.
Saab has secured a SEK 680 million order from Denmark for a state-of-the-art Combat Training Centre, with deliveries from 2025 to 2027. The package includes soldier and vehicle training systems, anti-tank and sniper simulators, communication tools, and support at four sites, making it one of Europe’s most advanced training centres.
KONGSBERG and Thales are forming a 50/50 joint venture, merging their secure and tactical communications businesses in Norway. Aimed at boosting European defence connectivity and sovereignty, the venture will employ 350 people and aims to double revenues by 2030. It positions both firms for greater international market access and innovation.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has invested in Dutch company Arceon, a leader in advanced ceramic composites, following the 2024 Blue Magic Netherlands event. This marks Arceon’s entry into the U.S. defense sector. GA-ASI continues to foster innovation partnerships in the Netherlands and plans a second BMN event in 2025.
On June 5, 2025, Germany finalized its selection of KONGSBERG’s Joint Strike Missile (JSM) for its F-35 jets, becoming the fifth country to do so. The government-to-government deal with Norway enhances defense ties and confirms the JSM’s status as a key capability for F-35 operators worldwide.
During the 2025 G7 Summit, the Canadian Army used Calgary-based Tacteris’s real-time, terrain-aware software to enhance planning and coordination. Deployed rapidly amid failing legacy systems, Tacteris proved vital in Kananaskis’s rugged terrain, transforming situational awareness into action. Its success highlighted the power of agile innovation in live military operations.
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace completed its N3X satellite constellation with two new microsatellites launched via SpaceX. N3X enhances Norway’s maritime domain awareness by detecting both cooperative and “dark” vessels. Supporting multiple agencies, the project showcases KONGSBERG’s integrated space capabilities, with 10 total satellite missions launched so far in 2025.
The Canadian Coast Guard’s new Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel, CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, began sea trials off North Vancouver. These final tests assess all critical systems before delivery. Upon successful completion, the ship will sail to Halifax’s Bedford Institute of Oceanography. It’s part of broader shipbuilding progress at Seaspan.
Sikorsky and CAE are equipping U.S. and Australian MH-60R SEAHAWK® helicopters with CAE’s compact MAD-XR sensor, enhancing anti-submarine warfare by detecting magnetic anomalies. This lightweight, removable system improves submarine tracking without modifying the aircraft. A $21M contract funds 28 units, with deliveries expected by May 2026.
General Atomics unveiled PELE, a small, semi-autonomous uncrewed aircraft designed to extend the MQ-9B’s capabilities. Named after the Hawaiian goddess, PELE can be air- or ground-launched, carries sensors and payloads, and operates in high-risk zones. It enhances surveillance, reconnaissance, and risk mitigation across complex defense environments globally.
Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems have partnered to develop an Unmanned Airborne Early Warning (UAEW) system using the MQ-9B drone. Combining Saab’s AEW&C expertise with GA-ASI’s unmanned technology, the solution offers persistent surveillance, complements Saab’s existing systems, and supports stand-alone or manned-unmanned operations for versatile mission needs.
Hanwha Ocean and Babcock Canada have signed a Teaming Agreement to support the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). This partnership combines Hanwha’s world-class submarine design and construction with Babcock’s proven in-service support expertise, ensuring Canada can build, sustain, and operate a future fleet of up to twelve advanced submarines by 2035.