They say the best defence is a good offence. That’s certainly the case in Nova Scotia, where countless institutions work together to aggressively and proactively build, advance, and grow a successful ecosystem of defence companies.
Canada’s next fleet of combat vessels are being constructed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, by Irving Shipbuilding in the largest under-cover shipbuilding facility in North America. The $70 billion contract is the largest single defence procurement in Canadian history. It’s no wonder it was awarded here—we have the technical expertise, cooperative industry, and workforce needed to deliver. Attracted by our strategic location, concentration of defence activities, and access to cost competitive talent, Nova Scotia has a dynamic cluster of defence and security companies delivering innovative solutions to global markets.
In-service support
From maintaining and repairing, to overhauling and sustaining complex aerospace and defence platforms, Nova Scotia has expertise for in-service support projects. These capabilities include engineering, platform and mission system modernization, life cycle maintenance, repair, and overhaul within the aerospace, naval, and land vehicle sectors.
Sonar and sensing
Nova Scotia is home to leading companies and technologies in underwater acoustics, imaging and other environmental sensor technologies. The Centre for Ocean Ventures & Entrepreneurship (COVE) is Nova Scotia’s hub for ocean innovation and commercialization, offering deep water access, opportunities for partnership with like- minded companies, and a seabed platform for product testing.
Space sensing and observation
The space industry is a burgeoning sector in Nova Scotia with proposed domestic launch capability, innovative companies, emerging technologies, and a pipeline of talent ready to tackle the industry’s problems. Satellite innovators will launch, grow, and build connections close to home and around the world.
Nova Scotia is home to the largest formation of the Canadian Navy.
FIGURES AND FACTS
Fast Facts
- Five of Canada's top ten defence companies are in Nova Scotia.
- Canada’s largest naval base is Canadian Forces Base Halifax (CFB Halifax).
- The highest concentration of military assets in Canada are based in Nova Scotia.
- Burgeoning space sector with launch capabilities.
- Chosen by NATO for the DIANA regional office and accelerator.
- Nova Scotia has the highest concentration of defence spending in Canada.
- Three of the four largest Canadian ISS procurement contracts are being completed in Nova Scotia.
