Québec Strengthens Its International Standing in Aerospace and Defense at the 2025 Paris Air Show
A mission marked by strategic partnerships, major investments and record ecosystem engagement
MONTREAL, June 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Organized by Investissement Québec International, the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy, and the Québec Government Office in Paris, in collaboration with Aéro Montréal, the Québec economic mission to the 2025 Paris Air Show – Le Bourget showcased the province's ability to position itself as a key player in the global aerospace, defense and security value chain.
With more than 175 participants from businesses, institutions, research centers and government bodies, the Québec delegation demonstrated unprecedented cohesion around a shared ambition: to strengthen Québec's influence in strategic international markets.
Defense and Security: Québec Steps onto the Global Stage
The 2025 Paris Air Show confirmed Québec's growing role in global defense supply chains:
Safran and Bombardier signed a letter of intent to accelerate the development and industrialization of innovative technology solutions for the defense sector.
Leonardo and Bombardier Defense announced a non-exclusive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to evaluate the integration of Leonardo mission systems aboard Bombardier's Global 6500 jet platform.
C3RiOS Systems signed:
a cockpit modernization contract with Ukrainian manufacturer Antonov for the iconic AN-124 strategic heavy cargo aircraft;
a strategic partnership with JetZero to develop the avionics system for a new-generation blended wing aircraft.
Bell Textron Inc. announced an order for 12 SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters from the Tunisian Air Force — the first order for this model in the region.
The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) and Saab signed a joint declaration of intent for the future acquisition of two GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft, with an option for two more. The aircraft use the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 platform equipped with active and passive sensors. A formal contract is expected to follow in the coming months.
Industrial Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing
The mission also highlighted Québec's strengths in applied innovation, robotics and intelligent manufacturing:
Watch Out, in partnership with ADM Aéroports de Montréal, Espace Aéro, and Aéro Montréal, announced the opening of a new R&D and assembly center for AI-powered autonomous micro-factories at the YMX Innovation Hub in Mirabel. These micro-factories are designed for the aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing sectors.
AV&R, a specialist in robotic surface finishing systems, and Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions, a global leader in high-performance abrasives, announced a strategic alliance to develop next-generation robotic finishing solutions for aerospace turbine components.
Mecachrome Canada was awarded several key contracts by MDA Space to manufacture high-precision metallic panels for major satellite programs, including Telesat Lightspeed and MDA CHORUS.
Mecachrome also secured a new serial production contract with Héroux-Devtek for landing gear components for the Airbus A330 program, following successful prototype development.
Global Recognition for Québec's Aerospace Expertise
Québec's leadership in regional aviation was further confirmed with LOT Polish Airlines' order of 40 A220 aircraft (assembled in Mirabel) — the Polish national carrier's first-ever Airbus order. The agreement could grow to 84 aircraft, further solidifying the international footprint of the A220 program.
A further step toward sustainable air mobility
Delastek has signed an exclusive 20-year contract with Flying Whales Québec to develop and manufacture the gondola of the LCA60T airship, including the cockpit, living area, and piloting interface. This partnership strengthens Québec's role in sustainable air mobility by leveraging top-tier local expertise.
Workforce Forecasts: Preparing for the Future
At the show, CAE released the 2025 edition of its Aviation Talent Forecast, projecting a need for 1.5 million civil aviation professionals worldwide by 2034, including:
267,000 commercial pilots
347,000 aircraft maintenance technicians
678,000 cabin crew members
71,000 air traffic controllers (included in the forecast for the first time)
These projections highlight the urgent global need for talent development and advanced training in the aviation sector.
"The 2025 Paris Air Show confirms that Québec is not just an innovation ecosystem — it's a strategic partner for leading global industrial powers seeking to invest in resilience, technological sovereignty, and the future of defense."
— Mélanie Lussier, President, Aéro Montréal
Save the Date: Montréal 2026
The industry's next major gathering will take place on April 13–14, 2026, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, for the 10ᵗʰ edition of the International Aerospace Innovation Forum, which will also celebrate Aéro Montréal's 20ᵗʰ anniversary.
À propos d'Aéro Montréal
Founded in 2006, Aéro Montréal is a strategic think tank that brings together industry leaders from Québec's aerospace sector, including manufacturers, research centers, academic institutions, associations and unions. Aéro Montréal's activities are made possible thanks to the support of the governments of Canada, Québec, and the Montréal Metropolitan Community, as well as its corporate members.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cision Canada
10 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Québec Strengthens Its International Standing in Aerospace and Defense at the 2025 Paris Air Show
A mission marked by strategic partnerships, major investments and record ecosystem engagement MONTREAL, June 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Organized by Investissement Québec International, the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy, and the Québec Government Office in Paris, in collaboration with Aéro Montréal, the Québec economic mission to the 2025 Paris Air Show – Le Bourget showcased the province's ability to position itself as a key player in the global aerospace, defense and security value chain. With more than 175 participants from businesses, institutions, research centers and government bodies, the Québec delegation demonstrated unprecedented cohesion around a shared ambition: to strengthen Québec's influence in strategic international markets. Defense and Security: Québec Steps onto the Global Stage The 2025 Paris Air Show confirmed Québec's growing role in global defense supply chains: Safran and Bombardier signed a letter of intent to accelerate the development and industrialization of innovative technology solutions for the defense sector. Leonardo and Bombardier Defense announced a non-exclusive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to evaluate the integration of Leonardo mission systems aboard Bombardier's Global 6500 jet platform. C3RiOS Systems signed: a cockpit modernization contract with Ukrainian manufacturer Antonov for the iconic AN-124 strategic heavy cargo aircraft; a strategic partnership with JetZero to develop the avionics system for a new-generation blended wing aircraft. Bell Textron Inc. announced an order for 12 SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters from the Tunisian Air Force — the first order for this model in the region. The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) and Saab signed a joint declaration of intent for the future acquisition of two GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft, with an option for two more. The aircraft use the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 platform equipped with active and passive sensors. A formal contract is expected to follow in the coming months. Industrial Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing The mission also highlighted Québec's strengths in applied innovation, robotics and intelligent manufacturing: Watch Out, in partnership with ADM Aéroports de Montréal, Espace Aéro, and Aéro Montréal, announced the opening of a new R&D and assembly center for AI-powered autonomous micro-factories at the YMX Innovation Hub in Mirabel. These micro-factories are designed for the aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing sectors. AV&R, a specialist in robotic surface finishing systems, and Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions, a global leader in high-performance abrasives, announced a strategic alliance to develop next-generation robotic finishing solutions for aerospace turbine components. Mecachrome Canada was awarded several key contracts by MDA Space to manufacture high-precision metallic panels for major satellite programs, including Telesat Lightspeed and MDA CHORUS. Mecachrome also secured a new serial production contract with Héroux-Devtek for landing gear components for the Airbus A330 program, following successful prototype development. Global Recognition for Québec's Aerospace Expertise Québec's leadership in regional aviation was further confirmed with LOT Polish Airlines' order of 40 A220 aircraft (assembled in Mirabel) — the Polish national carrier's first-ever Airbus order. The agreement could grow to 84 aircraft, further solidifying the international footprint of the A220 program. A further step toward sustainable air mobility Delastek has signed an exclusive 20-year contract with Flying Whales Québec to develop and manufacture the gondola of the LCA60T airship, including the cockpit, living area, and piloting interface. This partnership strengthens Québec's role in sustainable air mobility by leveraging top-tier local expertise. Workforce Forecasts: Preparing for the Future At the show, CAE released the 2025 edition of its Aviation Talent Forecast, projecting a need for 1.5 million civil aviation professionals worldwide by 2034, including: 267,000 commercial pilots 347,000 aircraft maintenance technicians 678,000 cabin crew members 71,000 air traffic controllers (included in the forecast for the first time) These projections highlight the urgent global need for talent development and advanced training in the aviation sector. "The 2025 Paris Air Show confirms that Québec is not just an innovation ecosystem — it's a strategic partner for leading global industrial powers seeking to invest in resilience, technological sovereignty, and the future of defense." — Mélanie Lussier, President, Aéro Montréal Save the Date: Montréal 2026 The industry's next major gathering will take place on April 13–14, 2026, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, for the 10ᵗʰ edition of the International Aerospace Innovation Forum, which will also celebrate Aéro Montréal's 20ᵗʰ anniversary. À propos d'Aéro Montréal Founded in 2006, Aéro Montréal is a strategic think tank that brings together industry leaders from Québec's aerospace sector, including manufacturers, research centers, academic institutions, associations and unions. Aéro Montréal's activities are made possible thanks to the support of the governments of Canada, Québec, and the Montréal Metropolitan Community, as well as its corporate members.
Cision Canada
11 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Watch Out, ADM Aéroports de Montréal, Espace Aéro and Aéro Montréal announce the opening of a new R&D and assembly center for autonomous micro-factories piloted by AI within the YMX Innovation Center. Français
Paris Air Show – Le Bourget 2025 PARIS, June 18, 2025 /CNW/ - At the Paris Air Show, Watch Out, ADM Aéroports de Montréal, Espace Aéro, and Aéro Montréal announce the opening of a new research, development, and assembly center within the YMX Innovation Center, located at YMX International Aerocity of Mirabel. This site will be operated by Watch Out, a Quebec-based builder of autonomous micro-factories piloted by AI and designed to manufacture precision parts for the aerospace, defense, and advanced industries sectors. It brings Watch Out Group's total investment in Quebec since 2023 to CAD 30 million. By year-end, the YMX site will be equipped with micro-factories dedicated to R&D programs led by Watch Out and its partners, notably to expand the micro-factory's scope to new sectors and to test new algorithms developed by Watch Out's Canadian teams. A pilot assembly line will also be installed to assemble the first Quebec-made micro-factories, with a preference for sourcing components from Canadian companies. Three initial suppliers have already been selected and have received orders from Watch Out. " The opening of this new research, development, and assembly center in Mirabel is yet another example of Québec's leadership in the aerospace sector. I am confident that it will further showcase Québec's ingenuity and leadership in technological innovation and artificial intelligence across future-oriented industries." Christine Fréchette, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development, and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region "The YMX Innovation Center is an ideal place to strengthen our collaborations with the Canadian aerospace ecosystem. We are very proud to be a driving force in the next technological transformation of Quebec's manufacturing industry." Sébastien Laporte, Founder and CEO of Watch Out "ADM is delighted to welcome this new research, development, and assembly center, led by our partner Watch Out, to its YMX site. This marks the beginning of a major collaboration between two players committed to being agents of change for the future of the aviation industry. This agreement reaffirms our Aerocity's mission to host high-tech projects, and we are proud to contribute to the growth and influence of this locally based company." Yves Beauchamp, President and CEO of ADM Aéroports de Montréal "The establishment of Watch Out within the Mirabel Innovation Center confirms the relevance of Espace Aéro as a strategic hub for breakthrough technologies in aerospace. This project strengthens our mission: to create an environment that fosters experimentation, collaboration, and the industrialization of solutions that will transform advanced manufacturing in Québec." Pascal Désilets, Executive Director of Espace Aéro "The deployment of autonomous micro-factories in Mirabel is a concrete response to the productivity and labour shortage challenges facing our entire industry. This project also brings major opportunities for Québec's defence industrial base, enabling it to gain agility, performance, and technological sovereignty. It embodies the future of smart manufacturing in support of strategic sectors." Mélanie Lussier, President of Aéro Montréal An expanding industrial footprint in Quebec Since 2023, Watch Out has been building a complete industrial ecosystem in Quebec: 2023: opening of a precision aerospace machining workshop in Dorval, supported by Investissement Québec and Canada Economic Development 2024: creation of an AI team in Montreal, in partnership with MILA 2024: establishment of the Group's headquarters, management, and support functions in Montreal 2025: integration of three Quebec-based suppliers into Watch Out's supply chain 2025: opening of the Mirabel site Watch Out micro-factories: a revolution for aerospace supply chain Watch Out is the first company to offer an autonomous micro-factory powered by AI and designed to produce high-precision metal parts for aerospace, defense, and medical sectors. These micro-factories are designed to address the critical labor shortage while delivering a leap forward in quality, cost, and environmental footprint. LISI Aerospace, a global leader in aerospace fasteners and strategic investor in Watch Out, already operates an autonomous workshop of nine Watch Out micro-factories at its European site in Saint-Ouen. About
The Market Online
11 hours ago
- The Market Online
Bombardier Defense signs two-aircraft deal with Saab
Bombardier Defense received a firm order from longtime partner Saab for two Global 6500 aircraft Bombardier designs, builds, modifies and maintains a line of jets for individuals, businesses, governments and militaries around the world Bombardier stock has added 23.01 per cent year-over-year and 552.62 per cent since 2020 Bombardier Defense, a division of jet maker Bombardier (TSX:BBD.A), received a firm order from longtime partner Saab for two Global 6500 aircraft. The Global 5000 offers a top speed of 956 km/h and a maximum range of 12,223 km and features a fixed-wing platform that flies 'faster, longer and higher than legacy airborne sensor platforms,' offering 'a significant advantage to governments and militaries,' according to Friday's news release. The aircraft's steep approach certification and advanced wing design also facilitate access to legacy commercial platforms, optimizing flexibility during mission-critical situations. Micael Johansson, president and CEO of Saab, and Eric Martel, president and CEO of Bombardier, at the Paris Air Show 2025. (Source: Bombardier) Bombardier Defense focuses on unmet needs in urgent humanitarian assistance, head of state transportation, maritime patrol and search and rescue, among other markets, leveraging a team with a skill-set spanning more than 500 special mission aircraft and over 3 million fleet hours. The order follows the companies' collaboration on the GlobalEye airborne early warning and control system, initially announced in 2016, which integrates Bombardier's Global 6000 and 6500 aircraft. Leadership insights 'Through Bombardier Defense, the Global 6500 aircraft is the go-to strategic asset for governments around the world looking to modernize and strengthen their defense capabilities,' Eric Martel, president and chief executive officer of Bombardier, said in a statement. 'Bombardier Global aircraft are ideally suited for the most demanding missions, with proven flexibility, reliability, power generation, range and ability to operate at high altitudes.' About Bombardier Bombardier designs, builds, modifies and maintains a line of jets for individuals, businesses, governments and militaries around the world. Its customers operate a fleet of more than 5,100 aircraft supported by 10 service facilities across six countries. The company operates aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Bombardier stock (TSX:BBD.A) last traded at C$106.05. The stock has added 23.01 per cent year-over-year and 552.62 per cent since 2020. Join the discussion: Find out what everybody's saying about Bombardier's deal with Saab on the Bombardier Inc. Bullboard and check out the rest of Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards. The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please click here.
