ACOA announces $4M investment in for defence projects in NS

    ACOA announces $4M investment in for defence projects in NS
    Categories, ,
    Industries, ,
    Provinces
    From the Springboard Content Lab

    The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) has announced an investment of more than $4 million to support nine defence-related projects in Nova Scotia under the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII).

    Sean Fraser, Minister responsible for the ACOA, was in Nova Scotia to make the announcement.

    “Good jobs here at home and Nova Scotia helping build the future of Canada’s Armed Forces. That is the real impact of this $4 million investment, creating 24 skilled jobs across our province. We could not be prouder of the role Nova Scotia is playing in strengthening Canada’s defence capabilities. Through Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy, local companies are growing, innovating, and building more of what Canada needs at home to stay secure, sovereign, and economically strong.”

    Sean Fraser, Minister responsible for the ACOA

    24 skilled jobs created to support defence

    The federal funding will help the following organizations to develop and manufacture critical equipment and technologies here in Nova Scotia. Twenty four new and highly skilled jobs will be created, strengthening local companies within Canada’s defence and security supply chains:

    Sensor Technology Ltd., Dartmouth
    To design and build software and hardware for its AI Thinline Towed Array, hiring eight skilled engineers, and project and export specialists.
    $1,300,000 (repayable)

    Mathers Logistics Ltd., Dartmouth
    To purchase specialized heavy-lift equipment to move and stack shipping cargo more efficiently, creating three jobs and supporting growth in defence logistics.
    $956,250 (repayable)

    Salient Energy Inc., Dartmouth
    To develop Canada’s first commercial-grade zinc-ion battery cell for marine defence and clean energy applications, while also creating five jobs.
    $843,531 (repayable)

    AML Oceanographic Ltd., Dartmouth
    To expand into a new production facility where it will design, manufacture and test its ocean data collection system, increasing production capacity and creating one job.
    $387,500 (repayable)

    GALAXIA Mission Systems, Halifax
    To grow the engineering team and upgrade its facility to expand satellite manufacturing and grow exports.
    $218,750 (repayable)

    Marine Thinking Inc., Halifax
    To design and bring to market a launch and recovery system for remotely operated vehicles.
    $179,836 (repayable)

    Atlantic Hardchrome Limited, Dartmouth
    To hire expertise to develop a product plan for manufacturing, testing, and repairing specialized components for submarine control systems.
    $50,000 (non-repayable)

    L & M Highland Outfitters Limited, Dartmouth
    To purchase automated sewing equipment to boost productivity, lower costs, and fulfill a significant Canadian defense contract, resulting in four new jobs.
    $50,000 (repayable)

    Leeway Marine, Bedford
    To hire expertise to develop a strategic plan and roadmap for its new unmanned surface vehicle.
    $45,000 (non-repayable)

    Total: $4,030,867

    Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) is pillar of Canadian Defence Industrial Strategy

    As a pillar of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, the RDII is building a strong, resilient defence industrial base by helping small and medium-sized businesses scale up and adopt advanced technologies. These investments are strengthening Atlantic Canada’s industrial capacity, growing Nova Scotia’s role in Canada’s defence industry, and ensuring Canada has the capabilities it needs to respond to evolving global security challenges while supporting long-term economic growth.

    Quick facts

    • The $379.2 million Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) is a three-year initiative delivered by Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs). 
    • Today’s announcement is part of ACOA’s $38.2 million allocation, over three years, under the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII). 
    • This announcement builds on the $997,000 Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) investment announced for Vimy Forge on February 9, 2026.
    • With more than 200 firms in the defence industry, Atlantic Canada delivers advanced shipbuilding, aircraft and engine maintenance, sonar and acoustic systems, training and simulation, ground vehicle technologies and cyber resilience. 
    • Atlantic Canada is home to nearly 10,000 direct aerospace and defence jobs, representing 20% of national defence industry employment.

    Springboard Atlantic is a Network of 19 post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada. Our mission is to grow the economy through research commercialization and industry collaborations. We are powered by ACOA.