Québec Strengthens Its International Standing in Aerospace and Defense at the 2025 Paris Air Show
MONTREAL, June 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Organized by Investissement Québec International, the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy, and the Québec Government Office in Paris, in collaboration with Aéro Montréal, the Québec economic mission to the 2025 Paris Air Show – Le Bourget showcased the province's ability to position itself as a key player in the global aerospace, defense and security value chain.
With more than 175 participants from businesses, institutions, research centers and government bodies, the Québec delegation demonstrated unprecedented cohesion around a shared ambition: to strengthen Québec's influence in strategic international markets.
Defense and Security: Québec Steps onto the Global Stage
The 2025 Paris Air Show confirmed Québec's growing role in global defense supply chains:
Safran and Bombardier signed a letter of intent to accelerate the development and industrialization of innovative technology solutions for the defense sector.
Leonardo and Bombardier Defense announced a non-exclusive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to evaluate the integration of Leonardo mission systems aboard Bombardier's Global 6500 jet platform.
C3RiOS Systems signed:
a cockpit modernization contract with Ukrainian manufacturer Antonov for the iconic AN-124 strategic heavy cargo aircraft;
a strategic partnership with JetZero to develop the avionics system for a new-generation blended wing aircraft.
Bell Textron Inc. announced an order for 12 SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters from the Tunisian Air Force — the first order for this model in the region.
The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) and Saab signed a joint declaration of intent for the future acquisition of two GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft, with an option for two more. The aircraft use the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 platform equipped with active and passive sensors. A formal contract is expected to follow in the coming months.
Industrial Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing
The mission also highlighted Québec's strengths in applied innovation, robotics and intelligent manufacturing:
Watch Out, in partnership with ADM Aéroports de Montréal, Espace Aéro, and Aéro Montréal, announced the opening of a new R&D and assembly center for AI-powered autonomous micro-factories at the YMX Innovation Hub in Mirabel. These micro-factories are designed for the aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing sectors.
AV&R, a specialist in robotic surface finishing systems, and Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions, a global leader in high-performance abrasives, announced a strategic alliance to develop next-generation robotic finishing solutions for aerospace turbine components.
Mecachrome Canada was awarded several key contracts by MDA Space to manufacture high-precision metallic panels for major satellite programs, including Telesat Lightspeed and MDA CHORUS.
Mecachrome also secured a new serial production contract with Héroux-Devtek for landing gear components for the Airbus A330 program, following successful prototype development.
Global Recognition for Québec's Aerospace Expertise
Québec's leadership in regional aviation was further confirmed with LOT Polish Airlines' order of 40 A220 aircraft (assembled in Mirabel) — the Polish national carrier's first-ever Airbus order. The agreement could grow to 84 aircraft, further solidifying the international footprint of the A220 program.
A further step toward sustainable air mobility
Delastek has signed an exclusive 20-year contract with Flying Whales Québec to develop and manufacture the gondola of the LCA60T airship, including the cockpit, living area, and piloting interface. This partnership strengthens Québec's role in sustainable air mobility by leveraging top-tier local expertise.
Workforce Forecasts: Preparing for the Future
At the show, CAE released the 2025 edition of its Aviation Talent Forecast, projecting a need for 1.5 million civil aviation professionals worldwide by 2034, including:
267,000 commercial pilots
347,000 aircraft maintenance technicians
678,000 cabin crew members
71,000 air traffic controllers (included in the forecast for the first time)
These projections highlight the urgent global need for talent development and advanced training in the aviation sector.
"The 2025 Paris Air Show confirms that Québec is not just an innovation ecosystem — it's a strategic partner for leading global industrial powers seeking to invest in resilience, technological sovereignty, and the future of defense."
— Mélanie Lussier, President, Aéro Montréal
Save the Date: Montréal 2026
The industry's next major gathering will take place on April 13–14, 2026, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, for the 10ᵗʰ edition of the International Aerospace Innovation Forum, which will also celebrate Aéro Montréal's 20ᵗʰ anniversary.
À propos d'Aéro Montréal
Founded in 2006, Aéro Montréal is a strategic think tank that brings together industry leaders from Québec's aerospace sector, including manufacturers, research centers, academic institutions, associations and unions. Aéro Montréal's activities are made possible thanks to the support of the governments of Canada, Québec, and the Montréal Metropolitan Community, as well as its corporate members.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Toronto Star
4 hours ago
- Toronto Star
CCC delivers donated Canadian military assistance to Ukraine
OTTAWA, Ontario, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CCC is pleased to announce the latest delivery of Canadian military assistance donated by the Department of National Defence (DND) to the government of Ukraine. The donations were manufactured by Colt Canada in Kitchener, Ontario, then shipped by air to Ukraine. As part of the Government of Canada's assistance to Ukraine, CCC is working with DND to provide timely and effective sourcing of military equipment for the Ukrainian government. Since the start of Russia's war on Ukraine, CCC has facilitated the delivery of almost $2 billion of Canadian in-kind aid to Ukraine.
Winnipeg Free Press
8 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
NATO to coordinate regular and large-scale arm deliveries to Ukraine. Most will be bought from US
BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO started coordinating regular deliveries of large weapons packages to Ukraine after the Netherlands said it would provide air defense equipment, ammunition and other military aid worth 500 million euros ($578 million), most bought from the U.S. Two deliveries are expected this month. The equipment that will be provided is based on Ukraine's priority needs on the battlefield. NATO allies then locate the weapons and ammunition and send them on. 'Packages will be prepared rapidly and issued on a regular basis,' NATO said late Monday Air defense systems are in greatest need. The United Nations has said that Russia's relentless pounding of urban areas behind the front line has killed more than 12,000 Ukrainian civilians. Russia's bigger army is also making slow but costly progress along the 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line. Currently, it is waging an operation to take the eastern city of Pokrovsk, a logistical hub whose fall could allow it to drive deeper into Ukraine. European allies and Canada are buying most of the equipment they plan to send from the United States, which has greater stocks of ready military materiel, as well as more effective weapons. The Trump administration is not giving any arms to Ukraine. The new deliveries will come on top of other pledges of military equipment. The Kiel Institute, which tracks support to Ukraine, estimates that as of June, European countries had provided 72 billion euros ($83 billion) worth of military aid since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, compared to $65 billion in U.S. aid. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said that 'American air defense systems and munitions, in particular, are crucial for Ukraine to defend itself.' Announcing the deliveries Monday, he said Russia's attacks are 'pure terror, intended to break Ukraine.' Germany said Friday that it will deliver two more Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine in the coming days. It agreed to the move after securing assurances that the U.S. will prioritize the delivery of new Patriots to Germany to backfill its stocks. These weapon systems are only made in the U.S.
Japan Forward
10 hours ago
- Japan Forward
DSEI 2025 Report Highlights Japan's Expanding Defense Footprint
Defense and Security Equipment International, better known as DSEI, has recently released a post-event report detailing the scope and strategic significance of its 2025 Japan exhibition. Hosted from May 21 to 23 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, this year's exhibition and conference was the largest on record. The report confirms participation from 474 companies representing 32 countries, and over 13,000 unique attendees — a 59% increase compared to the previous 2023 iteration. Japan's defense posture is evolving, and the report indicates how the country is increasingly linking national security to its industrial base. Over 140 major Japanese firms, including Mitsubishi Electric, NEC, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and IHI, showcased systems for satellite communications, unmanned platforms, ISR, and cyber defense. At the venue, both established and emerging Japanese companies stood alongside global defense giants like Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Airbus, Northrop Grumman, and SAAB. The Swedish SAAB anti-tank recoilless rifle training system is on display at DSEI Japan 2025. (©Hidemitsu Kaito) The Rakuten and Ukrainian agencies' booth showcases support for startups. (©Hidemitsu Kaito) Attention also focused on smaller players. The Japanese Newcomer Zone, a special area sponsored by Deloitte Tohmatsu, featured startups and mid-sized businesses working on dual-use AI, compact drones, and threat detection software. Live demonstrations and interactive booths allowed these firms to connect directly with procurement officers and military planners. According to the report, direct dialogue between innovative technology companies and key decision-makers helped foster new ideas to enhance regional security and defense strategies. Conference sessions emphasized the region's shifting geopolitical landscape. Recurring themes included artificial intelligence, multi-domain operations, cyber resilience, and supply chain security. The event featured 197 speakers across 33 sessions, with military and civilian leaders from Asia, Europe, and North America. A model of the next-generation fighter jet being jointly developed by Japan, the UK, and Italy. (©Hidemitsu Kaito) A standout session focused on the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), Japan's next-generation fighter jet initiative with the United Kingdom and Italy. The program was cited as a model for future defense-industrial collaboration. Procurement policy and interoperability were likewise key topics at the event. A joint session hosted by NATO's Support and Procurement Agency and Japan's National Codification Bureau examined regulatory alignment and collaborative acquisition models. According to the report, 1,137 VIPs attended the exhibition, including representatives from more than 30 countries. Among them were officials from the United States, the UK, France, India, Australia, Singapore, and Germany. Japan itself fielded one of its most comprehensive delegations to date. Agencies represented included the Ministry of Defense, Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), the Joint Staff, and all branches of the Self-Defense Forces. The Japan Coast Guard and National Police Agency were also present. Senior political leaders lent weight to the event. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba delivered opening remarks emphasizing Japan's role in regional deterrence through cutting-edge technology. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and Maria Eagle, the UK's Minister for Defence Procurement, also addressed attendees. PM Ishiba (front row, second from left) visits DSEI Japan, a trade fair for defense equipment and weapons, on May 22. (©Sankei) Bilateral and multilateral panels featured speakers from the UK Strategic Command, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and the US Indo-Pacific Command. Sessions were bilingual, underscoring DSEI Japan's growing role in international coordination. Feedback from exhibitors and attendees was largely positive. According to the report, more than 80% of respondents described DSEI Japan as "vital to our business." The event's Net Promoter Score (metric for measuring customer loyalty and satisfaction) climbed to +24, a significant rise from +9 in 2023. 85% of participants indicated they would return for the next edition. Companies like Fujitsu, which exhibited at DSEI Japan for the first time, described the experience as an effective entry point into international defense markets. "We were able to connect with overseas partners and learn where we can contribute," said Keita Yashima, senior director of Global Defense Office at Fujitsu. The upcoming event, DSEI Japan 2027, is set for April 28–30 at Makuhari Messe. The organizers are expected to broaden the focus to include autonomous systems, cyber defense, and space-based platforms. Author: Kenji Yoshida
