From national defence conferences to new market opportunities, Brampton businesses are building the connections needed to compete in Canada’s growing defence and aerospace industries.
As Canada strengthens its defence capabilities and domestic supply chains, Brampton is well-positioned to help drive this growth.
With more than 1,500 companies across its advanced manufacturing supply chain and home to two of Canada’s OEMs, Brampton is an emerging hub for space, defence and advanced manufacturing.
Through national industry events, strategic partnerships and the Brampton Business Growth Accelerator, Invest Brampton is helping local businesses explore new markets, access funding, obtain certifications and connect with potential customers to strengthen their position in Canada’s defence industry.
New customers. Stronger partnerships. Opportunities to enter high-growth markets.
Building Connections Across Canada’s Defence Industry
Recent industry events, including DEFSEC Atlantic, Best Defence and DAIR to Innovate have highlighted growing opportunities for Canadian businesses to contribute to defence modernization, aerospace innovation and domestic manufacturing.
As the Platinum Sponsor at Best Defence 2026 in London, Ontario, the City’s Economic Development Office led a delegation of seven local defence and dual-use businesses as part of the City’s Business Growth Accelerator initiative.
Including participating businesses: A. Berger Precision, Brannon Steel, DCM, Horstman, Exactatherm Limited, Metex Heat Treating Ltd. and Nahanni Steel Products Inc.
By leading business delegations to key industry conferences, the City of Brampton helps local companies connect with prime contractors that are actively seeking Canadian suppliers, innovators, and manufacturing partners as part of their Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) commitments, creating opportunities for local firms to integrate into global supply chains.
Canada’s defence industry is evolving, and businesses with the right capabilities and connections have opportunities to enter new markets.
Advance in Brampton
Brampton’s strong industrial base positions the city as a strategic choice for defence and space investment.
Home to MDA Space, a leader in satellite systems and space robotics and Roshel Smart Armoured Vehicles, a Canadian defence manufacturer serving global markets, Brampton is supported by a growing network of specialized suppliers, including Horstman Canada, Brannon Steel Magnum Integrated Technologies and A. Berger Precision.
With strengths in advanced manufacturing, skilled talent and global connectivity, Brampton offers the capabilities and infrastructure for companies to invest, expand and compete in Canada’s defence and space sectors.
Through the Brampton Business Growth Accelerator, a two-year initiative led by Invest Brampton, supported by a $2.5-million Government of Canada investment through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, local businesses can access tailored support to explore new markets, navigate procurement opportunities, secure funding and build strategic industry connections.
What’s Next: Explore Defence Market Opportunities in Brampton
The momentum continues November 10at the Manufacturing Excellence Forum: Unlocking Domestic & Defence Market Opportunities.
Hosted by Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC), in partnership with BDC and the City of Brampton, the industry-focused forum will bring Canadian manufacturers together with government representatives and industry leaders to explore opportunities in defence, infrastructure, housing and other growing domestic supply chains.
Attendees will hear directly from:
- Roman Shimonov, Founder and CEO, Roshel Smart Armoured Vehicles
- Laura Kenney, Director, Contracts, MDA Space
- Alexander Berger, President and CEO, A. Berger Precision
- Steve Gregory, President, 123 Cyber
- Steven Cargnello, Director, Innovation, DAIR
Through practical workshops, industry discussions and networking, participants will gain insights into:
- Entering defence and domestic supply chains.
- Understanding procurement requirements, certifications and market readiness.
- Building strategic partnerships and accessing new customers.
- Strengthening capabilities to compete and scale.
Your next growth opportunity could start here.
Join Invest Brampton and industry leaders at the Manufacturing Excellence Forum on November 10 in Brampton to explore new markets, build connections and position your business for growth.
Quick Links
- Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy
- Canadian Defence Industry
About the City of Brampton
As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to 800,000 people and more than 124,000 businesses. People are at the heart of everything we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we attract investment, and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological and environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a healthy city that is safe, sustainable, and successful. Visit brampton.ca to learn more.
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