DEFSEC Atlantic Showcases Canada’s Growing Defence Ecosystem

At the end of September, Lockheed Martin Canada’s team joined industry, government, and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) leaders at DEFSEC Atlantic 2025 to highlight how collaboration and innovation continue to drive national capability and economic growth. With over 400 employees based in the Atlantic provinces, the event was a key opportunity to connect face-to-face with partners from across Canada.

Among Lockheed Martin Canada’s attendees were Simon Hughes, International Business Development for Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) Canada, and Elizabeth Liddy, Country Leader for Industrial Development in Canada. We caught up with them both to hear directly what stood out at this year’s show.

Collaboration that drives Canada’s defence industry

For Simon, this year marked his 13th consecutive DEFSEC appearance – a milestone that reflects both his 30-year Royal Canadian Navy background and a decade with Lockheed Martin Canada.

“Across the Atlantic provinces, where much of our Canadian workforce lives and works, we’re seeing an incredible convergence of defence, ocean, and research activity,” says Simon. “That collaboration is creating a thriving ecosystem with real economic impact, and DEFSEC brings those connections to life.”

Elizabeth, who comes from a long career as an engineer in Canadian aerospace, attended DEFSEC for the first time and echoed Simon’s enthusiasm for the show as a forum for relationship building:

“DEFSEC creates a sense of community in Canada and reinvigorates the potential for industrial opportunities,” she says. “We have fantastic suppliers in Canada and it’s great to see this on display.”

Canadian partnerships build capability

Lockheed Martin Canada has over 1000 supplier contracts spanning from coast-to-coast-to-coast, who support projects benefitting the Canadian Armed Forces long into the future, while driving billions in economic growth in communities nationwide. It’s an expansive supply chain of innovators with potential to grow even further.  The Lockheed Martin Canada team went into the show with the goal of engaging with new suppliers from across Canada, as well as subject matter experts, Regional Development Agencies, and defence and investment agencies.

“We’re focused on growing opportunity here in Canada,” says Elizabeth. “Through our Supply Chain Resiliency plan, we’re identifying Canadian companies with the capabilities to support programs across our organization. Expanding our network of suppliers strengthens Canada’s industrial base and creates lasting economic opportunities for Canadian companies and workers.”

Showcasing Canadian-built capability and innovation

This year, the focus for the Lockeed Martin Canada team was on Integrated Air & Missile Defence and Continental Defence, including Ground Based Air Defence, new Royal Canadian Navy submarines, and the incoming River-class destroyer fleet.

The team also showcased its proven CMS 330 Combat Management System, a made-in-Canada, industry-leading technology which is not only keeping Royal Canadian Navy sailors safe on every mission, but is now seeing success internationally as well.

Looking ahead: Strengthening Canada’s defence partnerships

With this year’s DEFSEC in the rearview, Lockheed Martin Canada is building on the incredible momentum to continue working alongside Canadian partners to further its crucial role in Canada’s defence ecosystem.

“We’re always seeking news ways to engage with our Canadian partners and peers,” says Simon. “Every single Canadian employee, supplier and industry partner is key to continue building and strengthening Canada's defence capabilities.”