By Jason Davis
Magellan Aerospace Corporation announced that it was awarded a contract from the Canadian government to produce the M-72 Light Anti-Tank Weapon (LAW) under Canada's Munitions Supply Program. The contract represents an important investment in Canada's sovereign defence industrial capability and will strengthen the nation's ability to manufacture and sustain critical munitions for the Canadian Armed Forces, according to Magellan Aerospace.
"This agreement represents a milestone for Magellan Aerospace and for Canada's defence objectives," said Haydn Martin, Magellan's Vice President of Business Development, Marketing and Contracts. "Together with the Government of Canada, we are ensuring a sovereign manufacturing capability that will strengthen Canada's national security, and maintain high-value employment, and provide the Canadian Armed Forces with a secure resilient domestic source of critical defence equipment.”
NATO is intending to acquire up to 10 Saab- manufactured GlobalEye early warning surveillance aircraft based on Bombardier’s Global 6500 jet.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said 11 nations, including Canada, are involved in the procurement.
The new aircraft will “ provide enhanced detection and tracking of complex threats, including drone swarms, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. The aircraft will strengthen NATO’s situational awareness and support operations, ” NATO said in a statement.
Saab will now proceed to formal negotiations with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to secure a contract.
Meanwhile, Bombardier Defense announced it will provide two Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft for South Korea’s Electronic Warfare (EW) program, in addition to four Global 6500 aircraft for Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) announced in October 2025.
The Canadian Commercial Corporation announced it has been awarded a contract by the United States Department of War to deliver replacement components for a Rheinmetall Canada's MSU-200NAV, which is used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps to start aircraft engines while on the ground.
Through CCC's contract, Rheinmetall Canada will provide the Naval Air Warfare Center with replacements for two key components of the MSU-200NAV – the starter, which initiates the turbine operation, and the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), which manages the turbine performance, sequencing, and safety.
The Canadian government will spent $34 million to support the modernization of Pratt & Whitney Canada’s aircraft engine manufacturing centre of excellence, based in Longueuil, Quebec.
The Canadian government states this contribution “will maintain 650 jobs and support the continued growth of Canada’s aerospace sector.” Pratt & Whitney Canada is a subsidiary of RTX, (formerly Raytheon Technologies) one of the world’s largest aerospace and defence company. Pratt & Whitney Canada is headquartered in Longueuil, Quebec, and also has facilities elsewhere in Quebec, as well as in Ontario, Alberta and Nova Scotia.
Airbus Helicopters and Voyageur Aviation have signed an agreement for the first purchase order of the Airbus U030 Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in Canada. Signed at the Farnborough International Airshow, the contract marks Voyageur as the official Canadian launch customer for the platform, introducing a highly advanced, mission-proven capability to the Canadian market.
The agreement closely follows a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Airbus and Voyageur aimed at supporting Canada’s defence objectives, which took place at CANSEC in May 2026.
“This purchase represents a significant advancement in Voyageur’s ISR strategy and an important first for the Canadian market,” said Cory Cousineau, President of Voyageur. “As the first Flexrotor operator in Canada, Voyageur is well positioned to introduce and operationalise this new technology within the realities of Canada’s operating environment. Voyageur’s long history of aircraft operations, maintenance, training, and sustainment expertise provides a solid foundation to support the safe and effective operation of this new technology. We look forward to offering our clients with a rapidly deployable and mission-ready ISR solution anywhere in Canada or beyond.”
“Bringing the Flexrotor into Canada with an experienced operator like Voyageur underscores Airbus’ commitment to delivering next-generation tactical capabilities to the region," said Dwayne Charette, President of Airbus Helicopters in Canada. “As operational requirements continue to evolve, operators need systems that deliver greater reach, persistence, and situational awareness. Flexrotor’s advanced design and its potential to support crewed-uncrewed teaming represents a critical shift in how complex ISTAR missions can be executed. We are proud to support Voyageur as they introduce this proven capability to meet Canada’s evolving operational requirements.”
The Airbus U030 Flexrotor is a high-endurance, tactical vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAS engineered for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations across military, parapublic, and commercial sectors. The UAS features a maximum launch weight of 25 kg (55 lbs) and delivers an operational flight endurance of 12+ hours in standard configurations.
Designed for expeditionary missions demanding a minimal operational footprint, the Flexrotor executes fully autonomous launch and recovery maneuvers from either land or sea using a 3.7 by 3.7 metre (12 by 12 ft.) area. Its robust expeditionary capabilities and long endurance make the U030 Flexrotor uniquely suited to the demanding conditions of Canada’s vast land and maritime environments. Its payload capacity - which integrates electro-optical systems and advanced sensors - allows it to address demanding requirements ranging from Arctic ice navigation and forest fire surveillance to infrastructure monitoring and law enforcement.
Saab announced the appointment of Cara Salci as President of Saab Canada, starting September 8th 2026. Salci brings more than a decade of executive leadership in Canada's defence and security sector, with extensive experience in business growth, industrial partnerships and government relations, according to Saab. Salci joins Saab following executive leadership roles at Thales Canada, where she most recently served as Vice President, Growth, Industry & Corporate Affairs. Earlier in her career, she held senior positions within the Government of Canada and the health care sector.
