US Edition
Feds announce nearly $1 billion for domestic defence innovation, drone technology with Bombardier
The $900 million investment includes a Drone Innovation Hub and Bombardier Global 6500 jet, supporting 125,000 new jobs and advancing drone, quantum, and biomedical defence R&D.
- On March 9, 2026, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly announced nearly $1 billion for the National Research Council, including purchasing a Bombardier Global 6500 for defence research.
- The Defence Industrial Strategy lays out $6.6 billion over five years to prioritize homegrown production, overhaul procurement, boost R&D, and highlights Bombardier's Dorval facility in domestic planning.
- Included in the package is $161 million over five years for quantum technology, a Drone Innovation Hub between Ottawa and Montreal's Mirabel, and a biomedical countermeasures initiative.
- Procurement tensions are evident as Saab's proposal could create about 12,600 jobs, including roughly 9,000 linked to the Gripen and 3,600 at Bombardier, amid Ottawa's F-35 reconsideration.
- Funding will flow through the Strategic Response Fund and Life Sciences Fund, supporting sovereign sensors, digital systems, and quantum and uncrewed systems, contributing to the two per cent of GDP defence-spending target.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Canada commits nearly $1B to drone and airborne defence research
The Liberal government has earmarked nearly $1 billion for drone and airborne defence research. The money is going into the National Research Council for a variety of defence initiatives, including the purchase of a Bombardier jet for research.
A drone centre will be established, and technologies for both civilian and military use will be encouraged.
The Toronto Star
NRC to acquire Bombardier jet as feds earmark nearly $1B for defence research
Ottawa says the $900 million funding envelope for the National Research Council is part of its Defence Industrial Strategy, a blueprint for building out the domestic defence sector.
On Monday, the Carney government announced its intention to invest more than $900 million as part of its industrial defence strategy.
Feds announce nearly $1 billion for domestic defence innovation, including Bombardier aircraft
As the federal government seeks to bolster its domestic defence industry, Industry Minister Melanie Joly announced more than $900 million for defence innovation in Canada, including money for drone technology with Bombardier.
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