Canada has officially outlined its first eight defense projects under the newly established Defence Investment Agency, a move aimed at enhancing the country’s military capabilities.
The list was submitted to lawmakers following a request from Scott Anderson, the Member of Parliament for Vernon. Among the initiatives included are the development of a new submarine fleet, an Arctic over-the-horizon radar network, and future airborne early warning and control platforms. Additionally, the agency will manage software upgrades and long-term support for the CC-130J Hercules military transport aircraft.
Despite these advancements, local media reports highlight that the government has not yet disclosed any plans concerning land vehicle or fighter jet acquisitions through this new agency.
One of the key projects confirmed is the Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar, designed to provide reliable broadband and narrowband communications to Canadian warfighters operating in Arctic regions. The federal government announced a strategic partnership with Telesat, based in Ottawa, and MDA Space, situated in Brampton, to kickstart the early design and engineering phase of the project. This contract is valued at 2.92 million Canadian dollars (approximately $2.1 million).
Public Works Minister Joël Lightbound emphasized the significance of the project, stating it embodies a modern approach to procurement that will yield both operational excellence and economic benefits over the long term. Meanwhile, Defence Minister David McGuinty articulated the importance of the initiative, noting that it would provide the “secure, resilient, and modern capabilities” necessary for maintaining sovereignty in northern territories.
In the context of military procurement, Prime Minister Mark Carney previously committed to establishing a single office dedicated to military acquisitions during the 2025 spring election. This centralization is anticipated to expedite the process of equipping the Canadian Armed Forces with modern technological resources.
The Defence Investment Agency was inaugurated last October, with a mission to “rebuild, rearm, and reinvest in our military” while fostering foreign military sales, particularly with allies such as the UK, Australia, and other European nations. The agency operates under the leadership of Doug Guzman, who previously served as the deputy chair of the Royal Bank of Canada, managing procurement projects valued over 100 million Canadian dollars (around $72.4 million) each.
