Vanguard Magazine

C anada's new focus on defence through the federal govern- ment's recently released De- fence Industrial Strategy (DIS) marks an important turning point, signalling the priority that Prime Minister Mark Carney and his government have placed on defence while identifying key sectors and sovereign capabilities, in- cluding aerospace. That recognition matters. But recogni- tion alone does not build aircraft, sustain fleets or train the next generation of pilots and aerospace maintenance engineers that is so critical to continental defence. What matters now is delivering capability and moving forward with contracts. Over the next decade, Canada plans to modernize NORAD capabilities, introduce new air and space systems, expand remote- ly piloted platforms and sustain a growing range of aerospace assets. As the govern- ment and Canadian Armed Forces assess capability requirements—including next- generation aircraft, remotely piloted and autonomous systems—the platforms may differ, but the requirement is the same: a strong industrial base capable of designing, building, sustaining and modernizing the technologies that support continental de- fence and national security. This is where Canada's aerospace indus- try becomes indispensable. Few periods in Canadian history have presented such an opportunity to leverage Canada's aero- space expertise and industrial capacity. Canada remains one of the few countries in the world capable of designing, building, certifying and sustaining complex aero- space systems from "nose-to-tail." That world-class capability spans civil aviation, defence and space. Those sectors are not separate ecosystems. They share the same workforce, supply chains, manufactur- ing infrastructure and research networks. Strength in one reinforces the other. That interconnectedness is why the DIS alone will not unlock Canada's full aero- space potential. Aerospace is a unique and strategic sector with benefits extending well beyond defence. A complementary federal Aerospace Industrial Strategy that aligns civil aviation, defence and space priorities would help ensure investments in one part of the sector reinforce capa- bility across the entire ecosystem while strengthening Canada's long-term com- petitiveness, sovereignty and security. With more than 70 percent of aerospace manufacturing revenues tied to exports, the world wants what Canada has when it comes to aerospace. Canadian aerospace firms are ready to scale, innovate and in- vest—but they require long-term visibility and predictable demand signals to do so. Companies make major decisions about workforce development, facilities, tech- nology adoption and research years in ad- vance. Sustained partnership with govern- ment is what enables those investments and ensures Canada retains the industrial capacity required to meet future domestic and allied demand. Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg put it plainly: 'without in- dustry there is no defence.' The same principle applies to continental defence. Canada's aerospace sector is deeply inte- grated into North American supply chains through partnerships built over decades. These relationships are strategic assets that support economic growth, industrial resilience and defence capability on both sides of the border. Canada's aerospace industry is ready to deliver. The path forward is clear. Imple- ment the DIS with discipline and speed. Leverage the Defence Investment Agency to accelerate procurement and drive Ca- nadian solutions to domestic and interna- tional markets. Develop a complementary Aerospace Industrial Strategy that ties the full sector together and protects the in- tegrated North American aerospace eco- system on which Canadian industry—and Canadian security—depends. These conversations will be front and centre at the Aerospace, Defence & Se- curity Expo (ADSE), taking place August 6–7 in Abbotsford, British Columbia. With confirmed speakers including RCAF Commander Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, NORAD Deputy Com- mander Lieutenant-General Iain Hud- dleston and Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, ADSE 2026 will be a key meeting point for industry leaders, innovators and decision-makers shaping Canada's aero- space and defence. Mike Mueller is President and CEO of Aero- space Industries Association of Canada (AIAC). Prior to joining AIAC, Mike held senior positions within the Canadian gov- ernment including at Employment and Social Development Canada, Public Safety Canada, Foreign Affairs and Internation- al Trade, and Canada's Treasury Board. T H E LA S T W O R D B Y M I K E M U E L L E R AEROSPACE IS CANADA'S STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE FROM FACTORY FLOOR TO IN-FLIGHT CF-188 Hornet Photo: Bernie Condon 38 JUNE/JULY 2026 www.vanguardcanada.com

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