Operate Across Sea, Air & Space from Canada’s Capital of Defence

Built on generations of military and seafaring expertise, Nova Scotia is home to Canada’s premier shipbuilding industry, the country’s largest defence innovation ecosystem, and the nation’s first commercial spaceport.

The Invest Nova Scotia team was onsite at CANSEC 2026 in Ottawa, Canada, showcasing how the province supports the future of defence operations, from naval sustainment and advanced manufacturing to autonomy, AI, and aerospace technologies.

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We work with defence and dual-use companies evaluating expansion opportunities in Nova Scotia, helping navigate site selection, partner connections, workforce access, government programs, and long-term growth planning.

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Why expand in Nova Scotia?

Home to globally recognized companies working in naval defence, shipbuilding, sonar and sensing, in-service support, cyber security, aerospace and training and simulation.

OPERATIONAL ADVANTAGE

What gives Nova Scotia the edge?

Nova Scotia sits at the centre of Canada’s Atlantic defence activity, with direct access to naval operations, fleet sustainment, and one of the country’s most active maritime environments.

Anchored by Halifax Shipyard and Canada’s largest shipbuilding program, the province plays a critical role in delivering and supporting the next generation of naval capability.

The Maritime Defence Innovation Secure Hub (DISH) further strengthens Nova Scotia’s position by bringing together defence, industry, academia, and government to develop and test emerging technologies in areas including autonomous systems, AI, and maritime domain awareness.

INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH

Canada’s Defence Industrial Base on the Atlantic

Nova Scotia is home to one of Canada’s most concentrated defence sectors, anchored by leading In-Service Support (ISS) prime contractors including Thales, IMP Aerospace & Defence, Babcock, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, and General Dynamics Mission Systems.

Supported by a strong network of suppliers, advanced manufacturers, and specialized SMEs, the province delivers expertise across shipbuilding, sustainment, advanced engineering, and life-cycle support.

With established infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, and close proximity to defence operations, Nova Scotia supports long-term programs across naval, aerospace, and defence domains.

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Advancing the Next Generation of Defence Technologies

Nova Scotia is advancing the future of defence through applied research, emerging technologies, and operational collaboration.

Home to Defence Research and Development Canada’s Atlantic Research Centre (DRDC Atlantic) and COVE, Canada’s leading ocean technology hub and a NATO DIANA accelerator site, the province connects companies with world-class research, testing environments, and commercialization opportunities.

Together, industry, academia, and defence partners are accelerating technologies in autonomy, AI, simulation, ocean systems, and aerospace to support the next generation of defence operations.

Why Nova Scotia?

Built for Naval Operations and Sustainment

Nova Scotia has supported naval operations for generations and remains home to Canada’s East Coast Navy and CFB Halifax, the country’s largest Canadian Forces Base by personnel.

With direct access to fleet activity, deep expertise in marine maintenance, and established shipbuilding infrastructure, the province offers a strategic environment for sustainment, operational support, and long-term defence growth.

Its location on the North Atlantic also positions Nova Scotia to support Canada’s evolving maritime and Arctic priorities.

PARTNERSHIP & ACCESS

Connected Across Defence, Industry, and Research

Nova Scotia’s defence sector is built on close collaboration between industry, operational partners, research institutions, and government.

The province’s integrated network creates direct connections between companies, decision-makers, testing environments, and operational end users, helping accelerate collaboration, technology adoption, and program delivery.

This connected approach has helped position Nova Scotia as home to NATO DIANA’s regional office and accelerator, further strengthening the province’s role in advancing dual-use technologies and defence innovation.

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Questions? Looking for more information? Get in touch today—we’d love to talk more about the many reasons you have to choose to do business in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Jonathan Coles

Investment Attraction Executive, Ocean Technology, Aerospace and Defence and Manufacturing

Sheldon Gillis

Managing Director, Defence

Jessica McCall

Supply Chain Development, Defence

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