Ottawa, Canada, September 8, 2025 – Airbus Defence and Space has unveiled a strategic investment aimed at bolstering research and development initiatives at Quebec-based IPR Innovative Products Resources Inc. (IPR). This financial commitment seeks to enhance technological innovation and create high-tech employment opportunities within Canada’s aerospace sector.
This funding aligns with Airbus’ obligations under Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy, integral to the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) acquisition program.
“Advancing innovation in Canada’s industrial base is key to our nation’s economic prosperity,” commented the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “This Airbus investment in Innovative Products Resources Inc., made under the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, will drive R&D in Canada’s aerospace sector while creating high-tech jobs and generating economic and industrial benefits across Canada.”
The STTC acquisition program will feature four new Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft alongside the conversion of five pre-owned A330-200s. This new fleet will replace the aging CC-150 Polaris (A310 MRTT) and is designed to facilitate air-to-air refueling operations, as well as the airlift of military personnel, cargo, and medical evacuations while ensuring the strategic transportation of Government of Canada officials.
“IPR’s patented structural health monitoring technologies are particularly impressive, aligning perfectly with Airbus’ mission to pioneer sustainable and safe aerospace solutions,” stated Jean-François Godbout, Managing Director, Airbus Defence and Space Canada. “This partnership, supported by our Testia subsidiary, reflects our deep commitment to engaging with Canadian industry in the development, production, and support of advanced products and services across civil and military aviation and space applications.”
Testia, an Airbus subsidiary recognized for its expertise in structural integrity services, will play a vital role in the development and certification of these aerospace solutions. This collaboration is expected to expedite the rollout of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) technologies that keep track of loading history and assess fatigue damage in aircraft, vessels, structures, and machinery.
“Taking an industry-leading role alongside Airbus and Testia is a significant step for us,” remarked Paul D. Okulov, Ph.D., President & CTO of IPR Innovative Products Resources. “Their support enables us to promote public safety in aerospace and other sectors, enhance our capacity for innovation, and translate novel ideas into viable products. This investment will accelerate our mission to provide cutting-edge structural health monitoring and sensing technologies that can benefit not only aerospace but also critical infrastructure sectors across Canada and beyond.”
In addition to aerospace applications, IPR also plans to adapt these innovations for critical infrastructure encompassing roads, bridges, power plants, railways, oil and gas facilities, heavy equipment, and machinery, while benefiting from ongoing certification guidance from Testia.
In Canada, Airbus employs over 5,000 individuals, including more than 4,000 in Quebec, across ten sites and offices, contributing over C$2.5 billion in annual revenues for more than 850 Canadian firms.
For further information on the A330 MRTT, visit our website.
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Source: Airbus Defence and Space (2025-09-08)
