Built for the North: Why Aerospace & Defence Innovation Thrives in Newfoundland & Labrador’s Capital Region

In Newfoundland and Labrador’s Capital Region, we don’t just talk about resilience—we engineer it. From the icy waters of the North Atlantic to the rugged terrain of the Arctic gateway, our companies and researchers are building technologies that perform where others falter. For global defence firms seeking reliability, innovation, and strategic access, we offer something rare: a region that understands the mission because it lives the reality.

Take Kraken Robotics, for example. Born here and now operating on a global scale, Kraken’s synthetic aperture sonar systems are redefining subsea surveillance and mine-hunting. Their pressure-tolerant batteries and autonomous platforms are tested in labs and then proven in the unforgiving waters off our coast. It’s this kind of real-world validation that defence clients—from NATO navies to Arctic operators—are looking for.

But it’s not just about the tech. It’s about how we build it. At The Launch, Memorial University’s living lab for ocean innovation, industry collaborates with researchers from C-CORE to simulate lifeboat launches in sub-zero seas. Then we have Virtual Marine who is simulating lifeboat launches, fast rescue craft rescues and polar ice code training from a warehouse in Paradise. At Avalon Holographics, teams are developing holographic displays that could transform mission planning and battlefield visualization. And at SubC Imaging, subsea cameras are capturing data that supports both environmental monitoring and infrastructure protection.

This is a region where collaboration is a way of working. Industry, academia, and government come together to solve problems that matter. Supported by programs like ACOA, and the Foreign Attraction Fund, companies here have the tools to scale, export, and partner globally.

And the location? It’s unmatched. St. John’s is the closest North American city to Europe, with two year-round ice-free ports and direct access to Arctic routes. For defence firms focused on cold-weather operations, maritime security, or northern logistics, it’s convenient and strategic.

We know the North because we build for it. If your mission demands precision, durability, and Arctic readiness, come see what’s happening in Newfoundland and Labrador’s Capital Region. We’re ready.

Key Factors that reflect the Aerospace & Defence Sector in Newfoundland & Labrador.

Oceans: St. John’s – Canada’s Ocean Tech Powerhouse

St. John’s is widely recognized as Canada’s Ocean City, home to the country’s largest ocean economy. The sector spans marine technology, fisheries, offshore oil and gas, ocean observation, and defence. The global ocean economy is projected to double to $3 trillion by 2030, and St. John’s is poised to lead.

Kraken Robotics, headquartered in Mount Pearl, is a global leader in 3D imaging sensors, power solutions, and robotic systems with clients across more than 30 countries worldwide. Their Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) is used by NATO navies and offshore energy companies. In 2020, Kraken secured a $40 million contract with the Royal Danish Navy for KATFISH towed SAS systems, reinforcing its international reputation.

SubC Imaging, headquartered in Clarenville with team members based in St. John’s, develops integrated underwater imaging systems and software that help teams collect high-quality subsea data. Their technology supports marine research, deep-sea exploration, and offshore energy, with clients in over 30 countries.

Virtual Marine, a local leader in simulation technology for over 20 years, designs advanced training systems focused on marine safety. Their lifeboat simulators are used by offshore oil crews and naval personnel, helping to reduce training costs while enhancing safety and preparedness.

The region’s strength is amplified by Memorial University’s- Fisheries and Marine Institute, the National Research Council’s Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering Research Centre, and the Ocean Supercluster, which has invested over $91 million in collaborative ocean tech projects in the St. John’s Region