Advancing innovation in aerospace and defence

The NRC is a leading research and innovation organization for aeronautical sciences in Canada, serving the needs of both civilian and military markets. In partnership with the Department of National Defence (DND), we play a key role in supporting Canada's air defence operations and sustainment.

Our defence aerospace portfolio is built on a strong foundation of collaboration and expertise, with dedicated programs and strategic focus areas that drive the future of Canadian sovereign capabilities.

Investing in Canada's Defence Innovation

We are investing more than $550 million to strengthen Canada's aerospace and defence industrial base and capabilities. This investment will advance next-generation aerospace technologies and support the development of autonomous systems and new defence solutions. It includes:

• the acquisition of a new Canadian-built Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft for defence research
• creating a new Drone Innovation Hub to advance Canada's drone defence technologies

The Advanced Defence Airborne Science and Technology Research Accelerator (AD ASTRA) is our new Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft outfitted in Canada with state‑of‑the‑art technologies. It will help defence partners quickly develop, test and field mission ready innovations. This aircraft will:

• speed up the move from research to deployment
• provide a secure platform for the Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian companies to test and integrate new technologies
• support Canada's defence and aerospace goals

Our new Drone Innovation Hub will support Canada's aerospace and defence network. It will advance research, development and commercialization of drone technologies for defence, security and dual‑use sectors. This new hub will:

• enhance Canada's ability to develop and test drone and counter drone technologies
• help industry partners qualify and commercialize new drone technologies

Our objectives

Our Aerospace Research Centre is using its unique research and innovation capabilities to meet the following objectives:

• Supporting our military and defence community to protect Canadians, while continuing to strengthen sustainable aviation
• Assist the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and Canadian Armed Forces in the area of flight autonomy for drones, provide integrated aerial services and support the operation of remotely piloted aircraft systems in extreme environments
• Support the defence operational capability of the RCAF and the Royal Canadian Navy, the sustainment of Canada's air defence platform and the use of digital technologies such as digital twins and virtual testing
• Support industry to develop and advance technologies that are ready for commercialization

Programs and related areas of focus

Discover our programs and strategic focus areas that support Canada's defence capabilities:

• Defence operational capability in aerospace: Supporting the development, testing and implementation of technologies for defence operational capabilities in aerospace
• Sustainment of Canada's air defence platform: Contributing to the sustainment of the RCAF's aircraft fleet
• Low-emission Aviation program: Developing transformative technologies in the field of sustainable aviation, helping industry make green technologies ready for use, and sharing new knowledge with regulators and certification bodies
• Digital twin and virtual testing: Enhancing the performance of Canada's aerospace value chain to accelerate product development and reduce the cost of maintenance and life-cycle management

Facilities and labs

Our facilities and labs can help you develop, test and validate your technologies. Learn more about our expertise in defence engagement:

• Aerospace manufacturing technologies centre
• Propulsion and power laboratory
• Research aircraft fleet
• Research on aerospace structures and materials performance
• Structural full-scale aerospace testing
• Research aircraft for testing and demonstration
• Wind tunnel facilities:
  • 0.9-metre wind tunnel
  • 1.5-metre transonic wind tunnel
  • 2-metre x 3-metre wind tunnel
  • 3-metre x 6-metre icing wind tunnel
  • 9-metre wind tunnel

Success stories

Learn more about our milestones and significant accomplishments in the field of defence operational capability:

• The NRC's Aerospace Research Centre, the first known team in the world to fly with integrated reality
• Reinforcing Canada's defence and security industry with new memorandum of understanding between the NRC and DND

Why work with us

We enable industry to develop new Canadian operational capabilities for defence purposes. With our experts and facilities dedicated to defence technologies, we can provide the services you need to help you reach your goals:

• Collaborative research and innovation: In a joint effort, our research expertise can help you advance your research and innovation projects
• Technical services: Our technical expertise can help you test and mature your technology and take it to the next level