The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is investing over $900 million, through Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, in a long-term plan to support national prosperity and build a resilient domestic defence economy.
Through the strategy, the Government of Canada is accelerating the development of defence and dual-use technologies to meet the country’s defence needs and build a globally competitive Canadian defence sector.
The NRC was established by the Government of Canada during the First World War to coordinate and promote scientific research that could contribute to the national war effort. The NRC has evolved into Canada’s leading research and innovation organization, supporting science and technology across a wide range of fields—including aerospace, engineering, life sciences and digital technologies—and leveraging these capabilities for defence priorities.
Since 2021, the NRC has delivered more than 975 joint projects with DND, advancing aerospace, sensors, marine and biosecurity technologies.
David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, said that the direct funding to support the development and commercialization of quantum technologies.
Quantum technology is expected to unlock future capabilities for the Canadian Armed Forces and create countless high-paying jobs here in Canada.
Quantum computing will break codes, integrate with advanced AI and push material sciences further than what can be achieved using classical computers. Quantum computers will reshape the battlespace, putting compute power on the front lines with firepower by, among other things, using uncrewed systems and quantum encryption, simulating molecular interactions and complex systems, and rapidly developing advanced warfighting materials like batteries and warheads.
Also, quantum communications will enable covert communications, anti-spoofing, and jamming-resistant and secure key distribution, making it safe to talk across battlefields and continents and through space-enabled communications.
Further, quantum sensors can detect traces of electric and magnetic fields, gravitational variations, vibrations, or motions at levels unachieved by classical systems. Simply put, this means seeing the adversary before they see you.
The Government of Canada is pursuing a long-term, whole-of-government approach to strengthening the defence industrial base as a pillar of national security, economic resilience and prosperity.
“Canada’s security depends on our ability to innovate at home. Through the Defence Industrial Strategy, we are strengthening our sovereign capabilities and supporting Canadian companies in the development of next-generation aerospace, drone, quantum and biomedical technologies,” McGuinty said.
“This investment will help advance defence and dual-use technologies to equip the Canadian Armed Forces with cutting-edge solutions while reinforcing a resilient, globally competitive defence industrial base,” he added.
Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, said Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy positions the country to lead in emerging fields—like quantum technologies—strengthening our domestic industrial base and enabling Canadian innovators to shape the future of defence.
“These investments will accelerate cutting-edge dual-use technologies and deliver world-class capabilities for the Canadian Armed Forces, grow Canada’s quantum and defence sectors delivering good jobs for Canadians, and build a more resilient, competitive Canadian economy,” said Joly.
Mitch Davies, president of NRC, said the Council has advanced research and innovation that strengthen the nation’s defence and security.
“Building on the depth of our expertise, extensive partnerships with research institutions, and connections to ambitious Canadian businesses, we remain committed to advancing sovereign defence technologies that enhance security, create prosperity and reinforce Canada’s strategic economic position for the future,” said Davies.
Initial investments under the Defence Industrial Strategy contribute to Canada spending 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defence in 2025–2026.
Increasing investments in core military capabilities, building up Canadian industry and investing in dual-use technologies are putting Canada on a pathway to meet the new North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Investment Pledge to invest 5% of GDP by 2035.
The Canadian defence industry contributes nearly $10 billion to Canada’s GDP and supports over 81,000 jobs.
