CME Defence
CME Defence helps Canadian manufacturers participate in and strengthen Canada’s defence industrial base.
As Canada increases defence investment, manufacturers—especially small and mid-sized firms—have an opportunity to play a much larger role in supplying equipment, components, and advanced technologies. For manufacturers, defence procurement can be a powerful growth opportunity—but one that is often complex, fragmented, and difficult to access.
CME Defence is designed to help Canadian firms in defence-relevant fields including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, shipbuilding, electronics, cyber technologies, quantum, sensors, advanced materials, and other dual-use industries, navigate that environment and compete successfully.
Why This Matters
Defence spending is increasingly tied to economic growth, innovation, and supply-chain resilience. A strong domestic defence industrial base helps Canada:
- Strengthen national security and sovereign capability
- Protect existing and create new high-quality manufacturing jobs
- Accelerate innovation in advanced and dual-use technologies
- Enhance our Canadian capacity to produce and strengthen domestic supply chains
Why CME Has Created CME Defence
CME represents manufacturers in every region and across every major industrial sector. As defence investment grows, CME is establishing a dedicated platform to:
- Support manufacturers entering or expanding in defence supply chains by delivering programs that build capacity, productivity, and readiness
- Improve visibility of Canadian industrial capabilities, particularly among Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers
- Help connect government, prime contractors, and domestic manufacturers
What CME Defence Does
CME Defence’s initial focus is on program delivery, supply chain development, and capacity building, including:
Industry Coordination & Insight
Helping manufacturers understand defence priorities and procurement expectations, while improving awareness of Canadian industrial capabilities across regions and sectors.
Program Delivery
Designing and delivering programs that help manufacturers adopt new technologies, improve productivity, meet certification requirements, and commercialize dual-use technologies, including through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII).
Supply Chain Development & Matchmaking
Connecting Canadian Tier 2 and Tier 3 manufacturers with prime contractors and OEMs to help identify capabilities, close gaps, and build domestic supply chains.
Capacity Building & Readiness
Supporting manufacturers with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to participate in defence procurement and meet evolving requirements.
RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION
Working in collaboration with aligned industry associations, regional organizations, and ecosystem partners, CME Defence will complement existing efforts to strengthen Canada’s defence manufacturing capacity and ensure defence investment supports economic growth, long-term industrial resilience, and national security.