Espace Aéro-led consortium will bring together 30 organizations in Mirabel to accelerate uncrewed and autonomous systems for the Canadian Armed Forces
Canada is investing $29.6 million over two years in a new defence innovation hub in Mirabel, Quebec, aimed at moving Canadian uncrewed and autonomous systems from research and development toward operational use.
Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty announced the launch of the Uncrewed Systems Defence Innovation Secure Hub, or UxS DISH, on July 14. The hub will be established and operated by an Espace Aéro-led consortium of 30 organizations from industry, academia and the not-for-profit sector.
The initiative will provide a secure environment where government, the Canadian Armed Forces, industry and researchers can develop, test, validate and integrate emerging uncrewed and autonomous systems technologies.
“Drones are changing the way modern militaries operate, and Canada must be ready to develop, test and adopt these technologies at speed. This new Defence Innovation Secure Hub will bring government, Canadian industry, academia, the not-for-profit sector, and the Canadian Armed Forces together in a secure environment to turn promising Made in Canada ideas into mission-ready capabilities that support Canada’s defence priorities,” said the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence.
Moving technology toward operational use
The UxS DISH is being launched under the Bureau of Research, Engineering and Advanced Leadership in Innovation and Science, or BOREALIS. Uncrewed and autonomous systems are one of the ten sovereign capability priorities identified under Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.
Defence Innovation Secure Hubs are designed to address barriers that can prevent innovators from working effectively with defence organizations. The hubs provide secure infrastructure and services to support technology design, testing, validation and transition toward operational use.
“In a rapidly changing world, Canada must have the capacity to innovate, build and compete at home. The Uncrewed Systems Defence Innovation Secure Hub will help Canadian innovators transform cutting-edge ideas into real-world capabilities that strengthen our security, support our Armed Forces and create good jobs across the country. Through Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, we are investing in Canadian talent and technology to build sovereign capabilities, drive economic growth and ensure Canada remains a trusted and capable partner on the world stage,” stated the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
“Investing in defence innovation means investing in Canada’s future. The new Defence Innovation Secure Hub is one of the many ways that our government is operationalizing Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy. These research and innovation hubs will enable us to meet the moment by developing our capabilities in uncrewed and autonomous systems and strengthen Canada’s sovereign defence capabilities,” added the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement).
Canadian Joint Forces Command to sponsor hub
The UxS DISH will be sponsored by Canadian Joint Forces Command, connecting the initiative to the military’s work on joint capability development.
CJFC was created to address gaps in how joint capabilities are generated, developed, managed and sustained, with a centralized approach intended to improve coherence, accountability and innovation.
“The future of warfare depends on our ability to connect emerging technologies with the world’s rapidly evolving operational realities. By bringing together the right people, systems, and expertise, we will prepare the Canadian Armed Forces to meet the challenges ahead across all domains,” assured Lieutenant-General Darcy Molstad, Commander Canadian Joint Forces Command.
The Espace Aéro-led consortium was selected through a competitive Call for Proposals held from February 18 to April 2, 2026. The new hub builds on the Maritime DISH pilot and represents another step in the implementation of BOREALIS.
For Quebec’s aerospace industry, the investment creates a new mechanism for connecting the province’s uncrewed systems expertise with Canadian defence requirements.
“The Defence Innovation Secure Hub will enable Quebec’s aerospace industry to maintain its position as a global leader in uncrewed systems while leveraging its expertise to support the Canadian Armed Forces in addressing critical needs. This is a tremendous recognition of the strength of our ecosystem and the attractiveness of the Espace Aéro innovation zone, which drives continuous innovation through exemplary collaboration among all local stakeholders,” said Mélanie Lussier, President, Aéro Montréal et Espace Aéro.
“The arrival of this Defence Innovation Secure Hub (DISH) at Espace Aéro is excellent news for Quebec. We have everything we need to become a key player in defence and security: world-class companies, outstanding researchers, and highly skilled workers whose expertise and know-how are recognized around the world. This project will help us drive innovation, develop the technologies of tomorrow here at home, and create even more opportunities for our businesses, our workers, and our regions,” stated Bernard Drainville, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy and Minister responsible for the Maritime Strategy.
The UxS DISH will bring together 30 organizations around a shared objective: accelerating the transition of Canadian uncrewed and autonomous systems technologies into field-ready capabilities that support defence and national security priorities.
