Canada Unveils National Aerospace Industry Strategy

The Canadian government has released the National Aerospace and Defence Strategic Framework, a 20-year vision aimed at helping Canada’s leaders in the aerospace, defence and space sectors identify where and how they can be globally competitive. The document is the result of the Canadian Aerospace Partnership (CAP) process that began in April 2005 among industry, regional & national government, academia, and labour. The report addresses both global aerospace industry trends, and matters specific to Canada’s situation. Some quick findings, key thrusts, and defense contracts on the way include: Canadian Basics * The Canadian aerospace industry generated revenues of $21.7 billion in 2004, of which 84% came from exports. Defence is a $4.5 billion sub-sector, while Space is $2.4 billion. * Space has seen rapid growth, with annual revenues increasing by more than 67% from 2000-2004 ($1.4 billion to $2.4 billion). Satellite communications remains the largest revenue generator at $1.8 billion of total revenues. Other key segments include satellite navigation and space science. Exports of $1.2 billion in 2004 (50%) are the highest proportion of any space-faring nation. * Key indicators such as exports, trade balance, value-added and employment for the defence sector are trending upward – but Canada’s defense-related R&D […]