Saskatchewan Setting Pace in Aerospace and Defence
Saskatchewan’s annual Aerospace and Defence Forum attracts some of the world’s largest prime defence contractors, providing a platform for manufacturers from across Western Canada to network and connect with major players in the industry, including Leonardo, CAE, SkyAlyne, General Dynamics Land Systems, Airbus and the Department of Defence.
“The Saskatchewan Aerospace and Defence Forum has provided an invaluable opportunity for our team to connect with Canadian partners and suppliers across a broad range of skills and capabilities,” Tom Molinski, Head of Business Development at Leonardo Canada said. “Through this event, we’ve established meaningful new relationships that continue to strengthen our ability to deliver innovative, domestic, made-in-Canada solutions. These partnerships not only enhance the competitiveness of our proposals but also contribute to the growth and sustainability of the defence industry across the Prairies.”
Groundbreaking partnerships
In 2024, Boeing announced a $17 million dollar investment to support the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies’ (SIIT) training capacity for aircraft maintenance engineers. This is a great example of the type of partnerships that can be cultivated by attending Saskatchewan’s Aerospace and Defence Forum.
Since the launch of SIIT’s Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Mechanical “M” License program, the only one of its kind in Saskatchewan, 136 students have successfully obtained this qualification, with another 28 students enrolled in the 2025-26 academic year.
Increased NATO defence spending
In June 2025, NATO leaders, including Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, declared that member countries will increase their defence spending to five per cent of gross domestic product over the next decade. Saskatchewan itself has a highly developed advanced manufacturing industry that is already producing items used in the defence sector. These include tools and equipment such as toxic gas monitoring systems for military operations and communications equipment and systems used by the Canadian Patrol Frigate Program.
The increase in spending is good news for Canada’s defence sector, and Saskatchewan’s manufacturing companies supporting the sector, who will be reaping the benefits. Increased opportunities in this space will lead to higher earnings for companies, the creation of many well-paying jobs, and stronger communities in the province.
Mark your calendars – March 11, 2026
The Aerospace and Defence Forum returns in the spring and is sure to be better than ever. The 2026 edition promises to be the biggest yet in the event’s eight-year history. It will be held at Saskatoon’s Prairieland Park on March 11, 2026, with many defence contractors already confirmed to participate.
If you’re working in manufacturing and feel the defence sector is an area you would like to get involved in, this is the event you can’t afford to miss.
Curious to learn more? Visit InvestSK.ca.