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MDA Space launches new defence-tech business based in Ottawa

February 20, 2026

MDA Space announced earlier this week that the business will be called 49North. It will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of MDA Space, a publicly traded company that builds technology such as satellite systems, sensors and robotics used in space operations.

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A major Canadian defence and security company is launching an Ottawa-based subsidiary aimed at developing technologies such as drones and sensors to help soldiers detect potential threats on the battlefield. MDA Space announced earlier this week that the business will be called 49North. It will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of MDA Space, a publicly traded company that builds technology such as satellite systems, sensors and robotics used in space operations. MDA Space, whose customers include the Canadian Space Agency and Ottawa-based satellite provider Telesat, is already one of the region’s biggest defence technology firms, employing about 150 people, according to OBJ’s 2026 Book of Lists. In a news release this week, MDA Space said the new venture will focus on “delivering secure, multi-domain C4ISR and mission-critical capabilities” for the Canadian military’s land, sea and air operations “outside the space domain.” C4ISR – which stands for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance – refers to the framework that allows military equipment, from sensors to drones, to communicate with each other to help battlefield commanders make faster, better-informed decisions. The subsidiary will be led by defence industry veteran Joe Armstrong, who will report to MDA Space CEO Mike Greenley. Armstrong brings more than 25 years of experience as an executive in the defence, aerospace and technology industries. Most recently, he held a number of senior leadership positions at aviation technology firm CAE, including chief operating officer for defence and security and vice-president of strategic partnerships and incubation. The new organization will also develop “advanced sensing and radar technologies, autonomous systems, secure digital mission systems, defence-qualified electronics, and long-term in-service support” for the Canadian Armed Forces, MDA Space said. In the release, Armstrong said such technologies “are foundational for operational readiness and effectiveness in complex environments, and essential to giving Canadian and allied forces the enhanced situational awareness and actionable intelligence they need to succeed.” The announcement is the latest signal that Canadian firms are stepping up efforts to develop new technologies aimed at boosting the country’s ability to defend itself against threats in areas such as the Arctic. Last month, Kanata-based Calian Group said it would lead a new $100-million investment to help small and medium-sized Canadian enterprises scale their businesses and sell their products to the Department of National Defence and other military customers. The launch of 49North comes just days after the federal government unveiled its new multibillion-dollar Defence Industrial Strategy, laying out how Canada will spend its defence funding. The feds have committed $6 billion over five years to boost Canada’s defence industry by identifying areas where homegrown firms can provide innovative solutions to the Canadian Armed Forces. As military spending ramps up, the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau have launched a campaign to turn the region into a national defence innovation hub, with the goal of generating billions of dollars in economic activity. As part of the initiative, Ottawa-Gatineau is lobbying to become the headquarters for the proposed global Defence, Security and Resilience Bank. The bank, spearheaded by NATO countries, is meant to reduce borrowing costs for military spending by pooling credit strength. Canada’s Big Six banks have all put their support behind the proposed institution, and several major Canadian cities – including Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver – are vying to host the bank and the estimated 3,500 jobs that would come with it. – With files from The Canadian Press