Canada Defence Investment Agency
Launched in October 2025, Canada’s Defence Investment Agency (DIA) is a core pillar of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy. The DIA is responsible for accelerating the modernization of the Canadian Armed Forces while ensuring that defense investments strengthen Canada’s industrial base and deliver long-term economic benefits.
Furthermore, Canada’s emerging “Buy Canadian” procurement framework places greater emphasis on Canadian industrial participation, domestic value creation, technology development, and resilient supply chains.
For U.S. defense companies, success in the Canadian market is likely to depend increasingly on demonstrating meaningful contributions to Canada’s defense industrial base. While U.S. suppliers remain eligible to compete for many programs, evaluation criteria are expected to place greater weight on proposals that generate long-term economic benefits within Canada.
Current projects and partnerships being advanced through the DIA include:
- Airlift Capability Project – Multi-role Flight Service
- Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar
- CC-130J Hercules upgrades
- Defense Enhanced Surveillance from Space
- Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar
- Airborne Early Warning and Control
- Operational Training Infrastructure Enterprise Modernization
- Canadian Patrol Submarine Project
Canadian officials frequently take part in the year’s major defense and security trade shows in both the U.S. and Canada, including those listed here:
At these events, the U.S. Commercial Service can assist U.S. exporters in developing their business in Canada.
The U.S. Commercial Service Canada is closely following developments related to the Defence Investment Agency, Canada’s evolving defense procurement policies, and upcoming acquisition opportunities and is assisting U.S. companies with advocacy support and business-to-business contact information. To learn more, please contact Commercial Specialist Mehdi Azeriah