Minister for Defence Industry visits Canada

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, travelled to Canada this week to further strengthen the Australia-Canada defence industry relationship and promote Australian defence export opportunities, particularly highlighting the strengths of home grown innovations such as the CEA radar.

Minister Pyne said the visit helped to strengthen the existing strong relationship between the two great nations.

“Australia enjoys a very close and broad defence relationship with Canada,” he said.

“It is vital for Australia and Canada to continually collaborate and ensure a level of engagement and interoperability that will meet future security challenges.”

During his visit to Canada, Minister Pyne met with senior members of the Canadian Government including the Minister of National Defence, the Hon Harjit Sajjan, and the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, the Hon Judy Foote.

“Australia, much like Canada is about to embark on a massive renewal of naval capabilities through a continuous shipbuilding program,” Minister Pyne said.

“I welcome any opportunities for our two countries to collaborate in the development of these capabilities and deepen our bilateral ties through stronger industrial partnerships.

“Home grown innovations such as the CEA Radar or the Nulka are excellent examples of world leading technologies that Australia can make available to Canada as they embark on the renewal of their navy.”

“The security of our nation is dependent on the ability of the Australian Defence Force to continually evolve to meet contemporary threats.

“Close and continued engagement with our allies is vital to ensuring our capability program—including acquisition, development, training and sustainment, will continue to meet our requirements as we embark on future successes,” he said.