How Calgary’s Aerospace & Defence Growth Impacts the Local Supply Chain

Calgary is fast positioning itself as a powerhouse in the aerospace and defence sector, and the ripple effects for the local supply chain are substantial. According to recent sector data, the Calgary region hosts roughly 60 % of Alberta’s 400+ aerospace and defence organisations and is forecast to see strong growth in the coming years.

In Alberta alone, the aerospace sector is projected to generate more than $4.7 billion in revenue by 2030, supported by a pipeline of talent, advanced manufacturing facilities and strategic aviation assets. Canada-wide, the aerospace industry contributed over C$27 billion in GDP and supported roughly 212,000 jobs in 2022, underscoring the broader national importance of the sector.

Why Alberta & Calgary Are Poised to Rise

A few key advantages are fueling this uptick:

• Talent and research-ready workforce. Calgary’s post-secondary institutions (like SAIT, Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary) train students in avionics, aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing, unmanned systems and more.

• Aerospace infrastructure and logistics. With the YYC Calgary International Airport offering 90+ direct routes and a global logistics park, Calgary is a major aviation and supply hub.

• Government investment & dual-use tech. Recent announcements show federal funding for aerospace & defence innovation through Alberta-based initiatives, signaling strong public-private momentum.

• Export and supply chain access. Canada’s aerospace industry is deeply integrated into global supply chains; ~80 % of manufacturing revenues are export-oriented.

This momentum is also reflected in recent industry announcements, including new funding from Boeing, Ottawa, and Calgary Economic Development to accelerate Canadian-made defence technologies and help local firms connect with clients. Alongside the launch of a national Defence Investment Agency, Boeing noted this is only the first of several Alberta-focused commitments tied to its patrol aircraft contract.

Together, these factors make Calgary not just a growing hub for aerospace and defence, but a fertile ground for supply-chain service providers, especially those in electronics manufacturing.

Why Calgary’s Aerospace & Defence Expansion Needs Local EMS Partners

As aerospace and defence activity grows in Calgary and across Alberta, the demand for electronics manufacturing, PCB assembly, and system integration is rising alongside it. Local EMS (electronics manufacturing services) providers are an important part of meeting that demand:

High-reliability electronics. Defence and aerospace programs operate under strict requirements for traceability, part provenance, and quality documentation. Meeting these standards is critical for system reliability and compliance.

PCB assembly & box builds. Many aerospace and defence firms rely on outsourcing for complex PCB assemblies, cable harnesses, subsystem integration, and final builds. Local EMS capacity helps reduce lead times and simplify supply logistics.

Dual-use technology overlap. Aerospace and defence share technologies with other industries such as energy, communications, unmanned systems, and geospatial. EMS providers already active in these adjacent markets are well positioned to adapt to defence needs.

Supply chain resilience. With increasing pressure to source within trusted or domestic supply chains, Calgary’s EMS capacity contributes to a more resilient and regionally anchored defence ecosystem.

How DSM Supports Aerospace & Defence Leaders in Their Growth

Calgary’s aerospace and defence sector is expanding, and that growth comes with heightened demand for electronics manufacturing, PCB assembly, and systems integration. DSM has been working with leading defence industry partners for years, building experience in environments that require strict compliance and reliability.

• Traceability & certifications. DSM maintains full system traceability and inspection capabilities, including X-ray and AOI, backed by certifications such as ISO 9001, and Controlled Goods compliance. These standards ensure we can support mission-critical defence programs.
• Manufacturing capabilities. Services span Tier-1 level SMT and through-hole assembly, box-builds, cable harnessing, and full test/verification, supported by advanced equipment and process controls.
• Dual-Facility advantage. With facilities in Canada and the U.S., DSM combines local responsiveness with cross-border capacity, providing flexibility for North American defence supply chains.
• Defence-focused operations. Dedicated secure environments, controlled-goods handling, and specialized logistics allow DSM to meet the unique requirements of defence and aerospace customers.

In short, DSM’s long-standing work with defence leaders, combined with its certifications and capabilities, positions it to contribute meaningfully as Calgary’s aerospace and defence industry continues to expand.

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Ready to talk about how we can support your aerospace/defense program? Contact us today and let’s build the next generation together.

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