A new trade association is giving Canadian defense technology companies — including drone and autonomous systems developers — a unified voice on policy and procurement.
The Alliance of Canadian Defence Companies (ACDC) launched on February 24, 2026, bringing together more than 25 founding members from across Canada’s defence-industrial base. The Ottawa-based association represents Canadian-owned and Canadian-controlled manufacturers, technology firms, and suppliers. Canada’s defense sector spans more than 500 companies and employs over 50,000 people nationwide.
A Unified Voice for Canadian Defence (with a C)
Eliot Pence, founder and CEO of Dominion Dynamics, and Paul Ziade, co-founder and CEO of North Vector Dynamics, serve as co-chairs of the new alliance. Both companies provided the initial organizational support to establish the group. Dominion Dynamics, which raised $21M CAD earlier this year to advance autonomous Arctic drone systems, is among the founding members alongside platform developers, software and AI companies, and systems integrators.
“Canada has exceptional defence builders, but they have not always had a unified mechanism to coordinate and advocate collectively,” said Pence and Ziade in a joint statement. “ACDC exists to strengthen domestic capability, support export-ready platforms, and ensure Canadian-controlled companies can have their voices heard and are positioned to deliver as defence investment accelerates.”
Drone and Autonomous Systems Among Key Capabilities
The alliance brings together companies across several capability areas relevant to drone and autonomous operations, including software, AI, autonomy, and sensor development. Other founding members include Remote Robotic, NordSpace, Ares Networks, and Greypoint Industries, among others working across platform development, systems integration, and dual-use technologies.
Procurement Reform and Industry Advocacy
ACDC will pursue direct advocacy on defense policy and industrial priorities, coordinated representation on procurement reform, and coalition-building opportunities for complex programs. The association plans to participate in capacity showcases and classified briefings, creating direct engagement channels between industry and government. Members will also convene at capability summits, procurement workshops, platform showcases, and coalition-formation forums.
The launch comes as Canada accelerates its Defence Industrial Strategy, with expanding investment in procurement, industrial capacity, and modernization. ACDC aims to strengthen coordination across the defence supply chain and support the delivery of integrated national capabilities.
More information on the project is available from their website.
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