International

National Defence is uniquely placed to contribute to whole-of-government efforts to promote and facilitate Canadian defence exports, always keeping in mind the operational needs of the Canadian Armed Forces and Departmental priorities. In collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, along with other government departments and agencies, National Defence assists with engagement with foreign defence counterparts, facilitating visits to Canadian defence companies or Canadian Armed Forces facilities, and other defence specific support as appropriate.

For more information on how National Defence can assist in connecting Canadian industry to foreign markets, please contact DGIIP@forces.gc.ca.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Business Opportunities

The Defence Resources Team at the Canadian Joint Delegation to NATO, together with the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service in Belgium and Luxembourg, keeps Canadian companies informed of business opportunities at NATO.  The team also provides advice and support to Canadian industry on how to do business with NATO.

NATO Security Investment Program (NSIP)

The NATO Security and Investment Programme (NSIP) is a key mechanism to deliver capability via NATO Common Funding, while directly contributing to improving NATO's defence capabilities and promoting interoperability between the 28 Allies. NSIP finances the provision of key military capabilities in support of: 

  • Article 5 requirements;
  • NATO Crisis Response Operations such as ISAF and KFOR;
  • NATO Command Structure;
  • NATO-wide Communications and Information Systems (NCI);
  • Air Command & Control (Air C2); and
  • Reinforcement and logistics.

NSIP is implemented under the supervision of the Investment Committee (IC) within an annual contribution ceiling approved by the North Atlantic Council (NAC). The IC screens and authorizes projects designed to meet those operational requirements of the NATO Strategic Commands, Allied Command Operations (ACO) and Allied Command Transformation (ACT), which exceed the national defence requirements of individual member nations. The IC also approves the procurement strategy for individual NSIP projects.

For information on NSIP business opportunities, please contact the Canadian Permanent Delegation to NATO.

NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA)

The NATO Communications and Information (NCI) Agency connects forces, NATO and Nations, where and when required by providing interoperable Communications and Information Systems and services.

The NCI Agency is the provider of NATO-wide IT services and C4ISR capabilities including cyber and missile defence.  The Agency applies industry best practices and provides a full life-cycle approach:  from analysis and concept development, through experimentation and capability development, to operations and maintenance for both missions and exercises.

The Office of the Canadian National Technical Expert (NATEX) at the NCIA serves as an interface/liaison between Canadian defence industry and the NCIA to raise awareness in a timely fashion to Canadian industry of planned NATO and/or Multinational Programmes and Projects.

For information on NCIA business opportunities, visit the Canadian Industry Doing Business with NATO Frequently Asked Questions, or contact the Canadian National Technical Expert to the NATO Communications and Information Agency, Lieutenant-Colonel James Bates, at James.Bates@ncia.nato.int.  

NATO Support Agency (NSPA)

National Defence can facilitate Canadian industry's access to business opportunities with the NATO Support Agency (NSPA).

Based in Luxembourg in the heart of Western Europe, NATO Support Agency (NSPA) is the executive arm of the NATO Support Organisation (NSPO), which was created in 1958 by a North Atlantic Council decision.

NSPA provides logistic services in peacetime as well as in wartime in support of weapon and equipment held in common by NATO nations, the aim being to promote materiel readiness, to improve the efficiency of logistics operations and to affect substantial savings through consolidation of procurement.  Other activities include codification/identification services and arranging contracts for the disposal of all types of ammunition.

If you are looking for business opportunities with the NSPA, please refer to the NSPA Supplier Registration web page where you can register your company among the potential suppliers.

National Defence contributes to the NSPA registration process by delivery certificates of eligibility to validate Canadian companies. 

Canadian Defence Attaché Network

Canadian Defence Attachés are an essential part of Canada's effort to promote international peace and security. Canada has Defence Attachés in 30 countries around the world. In addition to their country of residence, they are responsible for a number of surrounding countries in which they hold cross-accreditation.

Canadian Defence Attachés are the Canadian Armed Forces' official representatives abroad. Attachés advise their ambassadors on defence matters that might have a bearing on Canada's relations with the countries to which they are accredited. They provide support to Canadian Armed Forces operations, manage military bi-lateral assistance programs, and in cooperation with Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service, assist Canadian defence manufacturers in understanding and accessing foreign defence markets.

To connect with National Defence’s network of Canadian Defence Attachés, you can visit the Canadian Representatives Abroad web page or you can contact DGIIP@forces.gc.ca.