News Release
Espace Aéro welcomes the launch of the Uncrewed Systems Defence Innovation Secure Hub (UxS DISH), announced today by the Government of Canada
July 14, 2026 – Mirabel, Quebec
Espace Aéro welcomes today’s announcement by the Government of Canada regarding the launch of the Uncrewed Systems Defence Innovation Secure Hub (UxS DISH), a major initiative that will accelerate the development, testing, and integration of next-generation autonomous technologies in support of defence and security.
At the heart of this initiative, an Espace Aéro-led consortium will receive $29.6 million over two years to establish and operate the Uncrewed Systems Defence Innovation Secure Hub (UxS DISH). Bringing together 30 organizations from industry, academia, and the not-for-profit sector, the consortium will lead the National Experimentation for X-Domain Uncrewed Systems (NEXuS) project, aimed at accelerating the development, testing, and integration of next-generation autonomous technologies for defence and security applications.
The Espace Aero initiated NEXuS project is led by a strategic coalition bringing together the Department of National Defence and BOREALIS, the Quebec Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy (MEIE), the Canadian Joint Forces Command (CJFC), Aéroports de Montréal (ADM), the Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Québec (CRIAQ), as well as nine innovative SMEs: ARA Robotics, Balko Technologies, BEONYX ROBOTICS Inc., C3RiOS Systems, CS Group – Canada, DARIT Technologies, Laflamme Aero Inc., Marconi Technologies and Octasic.
Through the combined expertise of its government, industry, academic and defence partners, the NEXuS project will establish a secure experimentation environment in Mirabel dedicated to the development and validation of next-generation autonomous technologies. Leveraging the state-of-the-art infrastructure of the YMX Innovation Centre, one of the three poles of the Espace Aéro innovation zone, as well as the excellence of Canada’s innovation ecosystem, this initiative will help accelerate defence innovation, strengthen Canada’s technological sovereignty, and foster the development of solutions that address the future needs of the Canadian Armed Forces.
“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.“
— Mélanie Lussier, President, Aéro Montréal and Espace Aéro
Read the official news release from the Department of National Defence for full details of today’s announcement: Minister McGuinty announces new drone production in Quebec – Canada.ca
Stay tuned for updates
À PROPOS D’AÉRO MONTRÉAL
Created in 2006, Aéro Montréal, Québec’s aerospace cluster, has the mission of mobilizing stakeholders in Québec’s aerospace ecosystem—companies, institutions, research centres, associations, and unions—in order to increase its competitiveness and attractiveness on the global stage, while supporting its transformation, visibility, and growth. Aéro Montréal’s activities are made possible thanks to the participation of the Government of Canada, the Government of Québec, and the Greater Montréal Metropolitan Community, as well as member companies of the cluster.
For more information : www.aeromontreal.ca.
ABOUT ESPACE AÉRO
Created to position Québec as a global leader in sustainable and intelligent air mobility, Espace Aéro, Québec’s aerospace innovation zone, brings together key industry players, educational and research institutions, as well as SMEs and major international companies. Its mission is to foster collaborative innovation and accelerate the transition toward decarbonized and autonomous aviation, while strengthening the attractiveness and international visibility of Québec’s aerospace sector. Espace Aéro is built around three strategic hubs in Montréal, Mirabel, and Longueuil, and promotes synergy, excellence, and boldness to transform the industry.
For more information : www.espaceaero.ca