Airbus and Landing Zones sign strategic partnership for advanced UAS in Canada
Farnborough, United Kingdom, 22 July 2026 – Airbus Defence and Space has entered a strategic partnership with Landing Zones aimed at advancing uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in Canada. The signing of this agreement occurred at the Farnborough International Airshow and includes a significant investment from Airbus, along with a seat on Landing Zones’ board of directors. This collaboration seeks to enhance competitive simulation capabilities and training services within the Canadian market.
“Landing Zones is thrilled to welcome Airbus as a strategic partner alongside the Business Development Bank of Canada’s investment through the StrongNorth Fund,” stated Spence Fraser, Founder and CEO of Landing Zones. “This strategic investment accelerates our world-leading threat emulation technologies focused on modern drone threats proliferating on today’s battlefields. By combining Airbus’s global expertise with our agile Canadian capabilities, we will provide highly realistic and relevant, large-scale simulation solutions for Canada and its allies — enabling rapid development of complex and representative battlefield scenarios while strengthening sovereign Canadian capabilities.”
Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, expressed pride in collaborating with Landing Zones, noting that this investment marks the latest addition to Airbus’s extensive footprint in Canada. “This collaboration brings new strategic live training simulation capabilities with advanced glide targets and expands our training services across North America. Together, we will deliver essential, advanced real-world system verification capabilities against emerging threats, directly supporting Canada and its allies in preparing for the complex, drone-heavy battlefields of today and tomorrow.”
This partnership is set to streamline solution development by merging European expertise with Canadian local presence, enabling the simulation of intricate, large-scale battlefield scenarios across Canada. Additionally, Landing Zones will act as a dedicated representative for Airbus Defence and Space Services in the country.
The investment reflects Airbus’s commitment to Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy as part of the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) acquisition programme, which encompasses the procurement of four new Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft alongside the conversion of five used A330-200s.
With a workforce exceeding 5,300 employees, Airbus has maintained robust industrial operations in Canada for over 40 years, spanning the commercial aircraft, helicopters, defence, and space sectors. For additional information regarding Airbus’s activities in Canada, visit our website.
@Airbus @AirbusDefence #UAS #FIA26
Source: Airbus Defence and Space (2026-07-22)
