The heart of Canada’s defence
Defence & Security is a strategic and growing sector in Kingston, where military operations, research excellence, and advanced manufacturing converge. Supported by strong institutional assets and specialized talent, Kingston supports companies working across the defence sector including advanced materials, manufacturing, cybersecurity, autonomous platforms, military health innovation, critical minerals and rare earth elements, aluminum processing and advanced alloys, shipbuilding, mission critical components and prototyping, and dual-use technologies.
The region is anchored by CFB Kingston, one of Canada’s largest Army training bases, alongside leading post-secondary institutions including Queen’s University, Royal Military College of Canada, and St. Lawrence College. Kingston is also home to the Canadian Forces School of Military Intelligence, Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics, 21 Electronic Warfare Regiment, Royal Kingston United Services Institute and the Queen’s University Centre for International Policy & Defence providing deep operational and policy expertise in intelligence, cybersecurity, and secure communications. Together with local industry partners, these assets create a collaborative environment that supports advanced manufacturing investment, strengthens supply chain capacity to support prime contractors, and enables the development of innovative dual-use technologies.
Critical Minerals & Rare Earth Elements
Kingston is emerging as a strategic hub in Canada’s critical minerals and rare earth element supply chain through the complementary strengths of Cyclic Materials and Ucore Rare Metals. Cyclic Materials is building Canada’s first circular rare earth supply chain by recovering a rare earth mixed oxide from end‑of‑life products, while Ucore is advancing domestic refining and separation capabilities for heavy rare earths such as samarium, gadolinium, dysprosium, terbium, and holmium essential to defence technologies.
Together, these companies support national objectives for secure, sustainable, and sovereign access to materials used in advanced propulsion systems, sensors, communications, and next‑generation aerospace and naval platforms, positioning Kingston as a key contributor to Canada’s defence and economic security.
Aluminum Processing & Advanced Alloys
Kingston’s aluminum processing cluster, anchored by Novelis, Kingston Metals & Materials (KM&M), and Kingston Aluminum Technologies (KAT), supports federal priorities in defence manufacturing and lightweight materials innovation. Novelis provides globally recognized expertise in high performance aluminum sheet for military and aerospace applications, while KM&M develops specialized alloys engineered for strength, corrosion resistance, and structural efficiency.
KAT expands this capability with advanced aluminum Impact extrusion which is the same technology used in ammunition manufacturing to create bullet jackets and cartridge cases. These companies and more strengthen Canada’s defence industrial base and advance domestic capacity in next‑generation materials.
Shipbuilding
MetalCraft Marine, based in Kingston, is a globally recognized shipbuilder delivering mission‑critical vessels that support defence, security, and emergency‑response operations. With decades of specialized expertise, the company designs and manufactures high-performance aluminum vessels, specializing in fireboats, patrol boats, rescue craft, and other mission-specific workboats for government, defence, and commercial clients worldwide. MetalCraft Marine contributes directly to Canada’s marine security posture and supports federal priorities related to maritime readiness, fleet modernization, and domestic shipbuilding capacity.
Mission Critical Components & Prototyping
Kingston’s advanced manufacturing cluster provides specialized prototyping, automation, and precision‑component development that directly supports federal defence and aerospace priorities. Companies such as KER-Train, Nuformex, ATS, and AST Microwave deliver capabilities across military vehicle systems, advanced gearing technologies, autonomous platforms, satellite communications hardware, and high‑precision engineered components.
This ecosystem enables rapid development cycles, short run production, and the commercialization of mission critical technologies across land, air, sea, and space domains. Kingston’s manufacturing strengths reinforce Canada’s defence industrial resilience and align with federal objectives to expand domestic capacity, reduce supply chain vulnerabilities, and accelerate innovation in strategic sectors.
COMPANIES THAT CALL KINGSTON HOME
R&D HIGHLIGHTS
Queen’s delivers defence-relevant research in artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, advanced materials, and high-performance computing. Collaborative labs and applied research centres support technology development from early-stage research through to commercialization and industry partnerships.
As Canada’s federal military university, RMC integrates defence-focused engineering, secure communications, and applied research with military education and training. Its co-location with CFB Kingston strengthens collaboration between academic research and operational requirements.
One of Canada’s largest Army bases, CFB Kingston provides secure infrastructure, advanced training environments, and real-world simulation capabilities. The presence of the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics and the Canadian Forces School of Military Intelligence support sector-relevant innovation and engagement.
The Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research is a national hub for research advancing the health and well-being of Canada’s military personnel, veterans, and their families. The institute coordinates research in operational stress injuries, rehabilitation and recovery, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, musculoskeletal health, transition and veteran health, and military family resilience.
Contact Abdul Razak Jendi
Investment Manager,
Sustainable Manufacturing
613-544-2725 x 7242
Cell: 613-532-4858
jendi@investkingston.ca
Contact Shelley Hirstwood
Director of Business Development
613-544-2725 x 7232
Cell: 613-331-1692
hirstwood@investkingston.ca
