Canada’s second-largest defence tradeshow DEFSEC wrapped up in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The 2000+ event brought in industry delegates from over 18 countries. Side-events included Irving Shipbuilding’s supplier conference, Canada’s Marine Industry Advisory Committee, NATO’s DIANA held an annual general meeting, and Samuel Group of Companies held its annual citadel reception (photo below).
Germany’s TKMS started their supplier days across Canada, while Hanwha also promoted supplier engagement at DEFSEC.
Trade Commissioners from the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Spain met with Canadian SMEs. Canadian non-profit accelerator Vimy forge announced it launched.
Canada’s BluMetric promoted its partnership with Denmark’s SH Defence. Aerovision showed off the Swiss-designed Anavia HT-100.
Finland and Chantier Davie showed off its arctic shipbuilding capability while Seaspan took aim at sovereign capability. SEA Canada held its ribbon-cutting ceremony, with attendance from the UK and Ottawa dignitaries.
Canada launched its Defence Investment Agency (DIA), promising readiness, resilience, and results. A defence outsider was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the agency to shake-up defence procurement. While banking and innovation are not synonymous, the decision hints at the importance that the middle word of the name might play in future defence spending.
Canada is recasting defence procurement as a strategic investment, aiming to “rearm” and “reinvest” in Canada’s defence industrial base. Guzman’s previous role as a managing director at Goldman Sachs in New York and in Toronto, co-heading the Global Metals & Mining and Canadian Investment Banking businesses also points to the role Metals and Mining will play in defence spending.
Finally, the DIA will increase cooperation with allies such as the UK, Australia and France. DIA might be the first step ahead of the coming Defence Industrial Strategy and Defence Export Strategy (and what has held up the two).
Canada’s trade mission to Italy kicks off this week.
Finally, here’s a quick primer on Why private investors are pouring billions into Europe’s defense tech sector.
Upcoming events:
Free Trade with Europe (CETA): what’s in it for us? (Virtual) Tickets, Mon, 27 Oct 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite
Access2Markets Live Training Seminar - EU-Canada trade takes place (Access2Markets) 7 October 2025
The Ontario Critical Minerals Forum coming to Toronto November 18-19
The Canada EU Economic Chamber launched registration for its annual event in Brussels taking place 27 November
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