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BDC Boosts Defence & Space Investments

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/27/bdc-boosts-defence-space-investments.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, January 27th 2026 at 4:46 GMT by The Globe and Mail
      Locales: Ontario, Quebec, CANADA

Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 - A significant shift is underway in the Canadian economy as the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) dramatically increases its investment in the defence and space sectors. This commitment, coupled with the ambitious plans of emerging companies like Inc., signals a long-term strategy for bolstering national security, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth.

The BDC's move represents a major vote of confidence in the future of Canadian aerospace and defence capabilities. Isabelle Hudey, BDC's President and CEO, emphasizes that the recent increase in funding, more than double what it was just a few years ago, isn't a temporary measure. "We're seeing a significant evolution in the sector," she stated. "The geopolitical situation has really accelerated the importance of national security... We believe this is an irreversible trend, and BDC is committed to supporting it."

This "irreversible trend," as Hudey describes it, is driven by a confluence of factors. Heightened global instability, particularly anxieties surrounding Russia and China, has spurred the Canadian government to prioritize national security and domestic production. Beyond security, there's a clear desire to generate well-paying jobs and stimulate the development of cutting-edge technologies within Canada.

Inc. Rockets Towards Global Competitiveness

The BDC's support isn't just abstract financial backing; it's directly fueling the growth of promising Canadian companies. A prime example is Inc., a Toronto-based rocket company aiming to disrupt the global space launch market. The company is seeking a substantial capital injection from the BDC to finance the construction of a state-of-the-art launch facility in Nova Scotia. This facility will be crucial to Inc.'s ambition to provide a cost-effective and reliable alternative to international launch providers.

Inc.'s vision centers on developing a reusable, small satellite launch vehicle. This reusability is key to reducing launch costs and making space access more accessible to a wider range of clients. "We've been on a journey to build a world-class launch service from Canada," explained Darren Vanstone, CEO of Inc. "Having BDC as a partner is essential for us to make that happen." The partnership highlights the crucial role that government-backed institutions play in supporting high-risk, high-reward ventures that are vital for Canada's long-term economic and strategic interests.

Government Support and a Growing Global Market

The Canadian government's investment echoes the BDC's commitment, signaling a coordinated effort to strengthen the country's position in the aerospace and defence industries. This broader governmental strategy aims to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and build a more self-sufficient defence infrastructure. The space launch industry, in particular, is experiencing a global boom, with numerous companies competing to offer innovative and affordable launch services.

Canada possesses key advantages in this burgeoning market. These include a highly skilled workforce, particularly in engineering and technology, and a strong foundation in advanced manufacturing. By leveraging these strengths, Inc. believes it can establish a competitive edge and capture a significant share of the global space launch market. The BDC's investment is designed to accelerate this process, providing the necessary resources to scale up operations and compete effectively.

Looking Ahead: A Resilient and Innovative Canada

The BDC's increased funding and Inc.'s ambitious project are indicative of a larger trend - a renewed focus on strategic industries and domestic innovation in Canada. This shift, spurred by geopolitical realities and a desire for economic resilience, positions Canada to play a more significant role in the global aerospace and defence landscape. While challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, the commitment from the BDC and the dynamism of companies like Inc. suggest a bright future for these critical sectors.