MDA Space announced earlier this week that the business will be called 49North. It will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of MDA Space, a publicly traded company that builds technology such as satellite systems, sensors and robotics used in space operations.<\/p>\n
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Click here to purchase copyright and share this article<\/a>.<\/p>\n A major Canadian defence and security company is launching an Ottawa-based subsidiary aimed at developing technologies such as drones and sensors to help soldiers detect potential threats on the battlefield.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n MDA Space announced earlier this week that the business will be called 49North. It will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of MDA Space, a publicly traded company that builds technology such as satellite systems, sensors and robotics used in space operations.<\/p>\n MDA Space, whose customers include the Canadian Space Agency and Ottawa-based satellite provider Telesat, is already one of the region\u2019s biggest defence technology firms, employing about 150 people, according to OBJ\u2019s 2026 Book of Lists.<\/p>\n In a news release this week, MDA Space said the new venture will focus on \u201cdelivering secure, multi-domain C4ISR and mission-critical capabilities\u201d for the Canadian military\u2019s land, sea and air operations \u201coutside the space domain.\u201d<\/p>\n C4ISR \u2013 which stands for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance \u2013 refers to the framework that allows military equipment, from sensors to drones, to communicate with each other to help battlefield commanders make faster, better-informed decisions.<\/p>\n The subsidiary will be led by defence industry veteran Joe Armstrong, who will report to MDA Space CEO Mike Greenley.\u00a0<\/p>\n Armstrong brings more than 25 years of experience as an executive in the defence, aerospace and technology industries. Most recently, he held a number of senior leadership positions at aviation technology firm CAE, including chief operating officer for defence and security and vice-president of strategic partnerships and incubation.<\/p>\n The new organization will also develop \u201cadvanced sensing and radar technologies, autonomous systems, secure digital mission systems, defence-qualified electronics, and long-term in-service support\u201d for the Canadian Armed Forces, MDA Space said.<\/p>\n In the release, Armstrong said such technologies \u201care foundational for operational readiness and effectiveness in complex environments, and essential to giving Canadian and allied forces the enhanced situational awareness and actionable intelligence they need to succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n The announcement is the latest signal that Canadian firms are stepping up efforts to develop new technologies aimed at boosting the country\u2019s ability to defend itself against threats in areas such as the Arctic.<\/p>\n