Canada is arriving at the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow with a broad industrial agenda that extends well beyond the flight line. From July 20 to 24, a federal delegation led by senior ministers will use one of the world’s premier aerospace events to promote Canadian innovation, strengthen international partnerships and attract investment across the aerospace, space and defence sectors.
Leading Canada’s delegation are the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions; the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons; the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence; and the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement).
Joining them will be representatives from more than 150 Canadian companies, collectively showcasing Canada’s capabilities in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence and space technologies while reinforcing the country’s reputation as a trusted destination for investment, innovation and high-value production.
The visit comes as Ottawa places increased emphasis on strengthening economic sovereignty and expanding Canada’s industrial base through the Canadian Defence Industrial Strategy. Alongside continued support for the aerospace sector, the government’s objective is to grow domestic design, manufacturing and innovation capacity while reinforcing Canada’s role as a dependable partner to allies.
Following the airshow, Minister Joly will continue to London to meet with business and industry leaders as part of a broader effort to deepen economic partnerships, attract investment and position Canadian companies for long-term growth in increasingly competitive global markets. Minister MacKinnon will also travel to London before continuing to Spain, where he is scheduled to meet his Spanish counterpart and engage with leaders from the country’s rail, marine and aviation sectors to discuss transportation innovation and emerging opportunities.
The ministers framed the Farnborough mission as both an economic and strategic initiative.
“Building a stronger Canadian economy means investing in the sectors that drive innovation, strengthen our resilience and create good jobs across the country. Canada’s aerospace and defence industries are critical to our economic future and our national security. Through engagements at Farnborough and with business leaders in London, Canada is strengthening strategic partnerships, attracting investment and helping Canadian companies seize new opportunities in a changing global economy,” explained the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
Minister MacKinnon highlighted the sector’s importance to Canada’s broader economy:
“Canada’s transportation sector is a key driver of our economy. Our aerospace sector is at the forefront of innovation, creating good jobs, attracting investment and opening new opportunities for Canadian businesses. Being at the Farnborough International Airshow allows us to showcase the innovation, expertise and capacity that make Canada’s aerospace industry a trusted global partner.”
National Defence Minister David J. McGuinty connected aerospace investment directly to Canada’s evolving defence priorities:
“Canada is moving with urgency to strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces and ensure we are prepared to defend North America while contributing to peace and stability alongside our allies. Our aerospace sector is a cornerstone of that effort, delivering the innovation, industrial capacity and highly skilled workforce that strengthen both our economy and our national security. Farnborough is an opportunity to demonstrate Canada’s leadership, deepen partnerships with trusted allies and showcase the world-class capabilities that Canadian industry brings to an increasingly complex security environment.”
Secretary of State Stephen Fuhr emphasized the role of the airshow in supporting Canada’s defence industrial ambitions:
“Canadian defence and aerospace companies are world-class innovators and key contributors to our economic growth and national security. Farnborough provides an important opportunity to showcase Canadian capabilities, strengthen relationships with allies and industry partners, and build a competitive and resilient defence industrial base. Through the Defence Industrial Strategy and renewed investments in defence, we are creating new opportunities for Canadian companies to grow, innovate, and compete on the global stage.”
With more than 150 Canadian companies participating alongside senior federal ministers, Farnborough provides Canada with an opportunity to advance investment, strengthen industrial partnerships and reinforce the country’s position as a global aerospace and defence partner.
