MDA Space Launches 49North to Strengthen Canada’s Sovereign Multi-Domain Defense Capabilities

Image credits: MDA Space

In a decisive move that signals Canada’s intent to reinforce its sovereign defense posture, MDA Space has officially launched 49North, a wholly owned subsidiary focused exclusively on delivering secure, mission-critical, multi-domain C4ISR capabilities for Canada’s non-space-domain national defense priorities.

Headquartered in Ottawa, 49North builds on more than five decades of operational heritage in Canada’s defense ecosystem. While MDA Space remains globally recognized for its leadership in space robotics, satellite systems, and geointelligence, 49North represents a strategic evolution, extending that same mission assurance, engineering rigor, and program execution discipline into land, air, sea, and joint operational domains.

From Space Heritage to Multi-Domain Execution

For generations, MDA Space has supported Canadian and allied operations at home and abroad. Now, through 49North, those deep-rooted capabilities are being consolidated into a dedicated defense entity designed to deliver:

• Multi-domain C4ISR integration

• Advanced detection and radar technologies

• Autonomous systems

• Secure digital mission systems

• Defense-certified electronics

• Long-term in-service support

C4ISR, command, control, communications, information technology, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, forms the backbone of modern military effectiveness. In increasingly contested and complex operational environments, these systems are essential for providing real-time situational awareness and actionable intelligence.

Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space, described 49North as the “natural extension and evolution” of the company’s longstanding commitment to sovereign defense capability.

By consolidating mission-critical defense systems under a dedicated structure, 49North strengthens Canada’s industrial base, reinforces national investment in advanced defense technologies, and enhances the execution rigor required to safeguard national sovereignty while supporting trusted allied partnerships.

Joe Armstrong Appointed President of 49North

To lead this new chapter, MDA Space has appointed Joe Armstrong as President of 49North.

Based in Ottawa and reporting directly to Mike Greenley, Armstrong will oversee the development and delivery of integrated defense solutions across land, air, sea, and joint operations. His mandate includes advancing multi-domain integration strategies that align with Canada’s evolving operational requirements and allied interoperability standards.

Armstrong brings more than 25 years of experience across Canada’s defense, aerospace, and technology sectors. Prior to joining 49North, he held senior leadership roles at CAE, including Chief Operating Officer for Defence and Security and Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Incubation. In those positions, he managed CAE’s global defense portfolio, overseeing programs delivered to military clients in more than 40 countries.

Under Armstrong’s leadership, 49North is positioned to become a cornerstone of Canada’s next-generation defense architecture, bridging operational readiness with advanced digital and electronic systems integration.

A Strategic Signal for Canada’s Defense Future

The launch of 49North reflects a broader trend reshaping allied defense landscapes: the integration of space-proven engineering discipline into multi-domain military capabilities. As geopolitical competition intensifies and operational complexity increases, governments are prioritizing secure, domestically anchored industrial capabilities.

By establishing 49North as a dedicated defense subsidiary, MDA Space is not merely expanding its portfolio; it is reinforcing Canada’s sovereign defense ecosystem with a structure designed for mission assurance, lifecycle reliability, and long-term national resilience.

For Canada and its allies, the message is clear: mission-critical integration across domains is no longer optional. It is foundational.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and are based on assumptions and analyses informed by management’s experience and assessment of historical trends, current conditions, and anticipated developments. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Except as required by law, MDA Space undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements.