DAIR

DAIR Defence Readiness Program

The DAIR Defence Readiness Program (DRP) was established to help Ontario SMEs build the organizational capabilities required to become trusted participants in Canada's defence industrial base. Through independent readiness assessments, tailored implementation roadmaps, expert guidance and funding, the program supports organizations as they strengthen their security, improve cybersecurity and organizational readiness, begin implementation of required compliance measures and ultimately position themselves to pursue new defence opportunities.

Applications will open July 20th, 2026 and will remain open until the program is fully subscribed.

Organizations may participate through one of two pathways.

Pathway 1 – Assessment and Implementation

Intended for organizations that are new to the defence sector or require assistance determining their current level of defence readiness

 

Pathway 2 – Direct Implementation

Intended for organizations that have already completed recognized readiness assessments or can demonstrate an appropriate level of existing defence readiness.

For any questions, please contact:

Verlyn Smith

Industry Development and Readiness Manager

The Defence Readiness Program offers participating companies:

  • A comprehensive assessment to evaluate current defence readiness
  • A tailored roadmap outlining the specific subsequent actions required to achieve defence readiness
  • Access to funding to support the implementation of recommended actions
  • Ongoing support from DAIR, leveraging its network of defence experts to guide SMEs through their readiness journey

Supporting organizations

DAIR has partnered with 123 Defence to support the DAIR Defence Readiness Program. 123 Defence represents an amalgamation of decades of military service, agile innovation, visualization and implementation. They enable aerospace, defence, security, and advanced manufacturing SMEs to meet security and certification requirements needed to win federal and defence contracts.

Stay up-to-date on the DAIR Defence Readiness Compliance Program, DAIR events and news by following us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.

    Partner on an R&D Project

    This will close in 0 seconds

      Inquire about memberships

      This will close in 0 seconds

        Volunteer


        This will close in 0 seconds

        Error: Contact form not found.

        This will close in 0 seconds

        This will close in 0 seconds

          Application Submission

          This will close in 0 seconds

          BMP Metals (A division of Bempro Global Group Inc.)

          Specialized in fabricated metal products with capabilities in punching, forming, welding, wet and powder coatings, milling and turning, electrical assembly, 3D plastic printing and mechanical assemblies.

          www.bmpmetals.com

          This will close in 0 seconds

          Advanced Mobility Products Inc.

          (advancedmobilityproducts.com)

          Project Title: Development of Safe and Reliable Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS) for a Solar Battery Electric UAS

          Project Description: The project is to develop Safe and Reliable RESS for Superwake's Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) commercial applications. As Superwake begins its drive towards commercialization of its product, the need for conformity to regulatory standards is critical to the success of the product. This project focuses on a product conformity related to a regulatory framework such as Transport Canada Advisory Circular (AC) No. 922-001 – Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Safety Assurance. More specifically, a more complex RESS is required in advanced operations such as beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), flying in controlled airspace and near people.

          Environmental Impact: Low carbon footprint and replacement of aero vehicles that run on fossil fuels. The use of smaller solar battery electric drones can replace some applications of small, manned utility aircraft used in commercial applications. The cost to operate these drones would be substantially lower using solar battery electric drones.

          This will close in 0 seconds

          Portrait photo of Nacy Barber

          Nancy Barber

          President

          Women in Aerospace Canada

          An aerospace senior executive with over 20 years of in-depth experience in operations, supply chain, and program management, Nancy Barber has spent much of her career in a product development environment involving large-scale clean sheet commercial and business aircraft programs. Nancy owns her own consulting business, Barber Complete Consultancy Inc, and is currently active in the aerospace industry, focused on leadership development, mergers & acquisitions, commercial strategy, product strategy and business development.

          Prior to Nancy establishing BCC Inc., she held the position of Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Business Aircraft, responsible for planning, assembly, and delivery of the Learjet, Challenger, and Global business aircraft as well as the industrialization strategy of Bombardier’s operational footprint. Nancy also held the role of Vice President, responsible for the Global 7500 and Global 8000, and New Aircraft Studies, where she led proactive management or program milestones and cost commitments supporting the ramp up of the Global 7500 aircraft, the largest purpose-built business aircraft world-wide, and its successful entry into service in 2018.
          Nancy is a passionate promoter of women in aerospace serving as a mentor, coach, and speaker. In 2020, Nancy was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, and the Northern Lights Aero Foundation awarded her with the Elsie Award for Business in recognition of her outstanding contributions to aviation and aerospace in Canada.

          In June 2022, Nancy was appointed President of Women in Aerospace Canada, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to expanding women’s opportunities for leadership and professional development as well as increasing their visibility in the aerospace community by creating a professional network in Canada and across the globe.

          Nancy graduated with an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Waterloo and has successfully completed the Queen's University Executive Leadership Program. She is published in the Journal of Sport Management as well as the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

          This will close in 0 seconds

          This will close in 0 seconds