Province gives DAIR nearly $2.6M to strengthen aerospace supply chains and defence readiness

What happened

• Ontario announced nearly $2.6 million in funding from the Trade-Impacted Communities Program (TICP) to Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR). The announcement was made at the Farnborough International Airshow in London, England.

Who this affects

• Ontario aerospace and defence small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), research and academic partners, and local supply chains.

By the numbers

• Nearly $2.6 million awarded to DAIR.
• The award supports a broader $3.2 million initiative.
• The TICP is a $40 million program to help communities and sectors hit by trade disruptions.
• Ontario’s aerospace sector employs more than 25,000 people across 200+ companies and supports nearly 24,000 indirect jobs (figures stated in the release).

What the funding will support

• DAIR Green Fund for collaborative R&D on new aerospace technologies.
• Supplier Development Initiative to help SMEs improve technology, operations and workforce skills.
• Defence Readiness Program to help businesses meet requirements for defence contracts and secure global supply chains.

Why it matters

• The funding aims to boost supply-chain resilience, help local companies pursue defence opportunities, and reduce vulnerability to trade disruptions and tariffs.