# Winnipeg Aerospace Industry Seeks Defence Contracts

Winnipeg's aerospace sector, the third-largest in Canada, is actively pursuing increased participation in federal defence procurement amid the Government of Canada's planned $48 billion defence budget for 2026-27. Manitoba's NDP government, local leadership, and industry groups are promoting initiatives to enable more local companies to compete for defence contracts, supported by a $500 million modernization project at 17 Wing, CFB Winnipeg, and a $3 million fund aimed at helping smaller firms bid on federal defence work.

- The $500 million modernization of 17 Wing at CFB Winnipeg represents a significant investment in local defence infrastructure, creating opportunities for aerospace contractors and suppliers in the region.
- A $3 million funding program is available to assist smaller Manitoba companies in preparing competitive bids for federal defence contracts, indicating a focus on expanding supplier diversity.
- Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on integrating local aerospace firms into Canadian Armed Forces supply chains, which may influence contract sourcing and evaluation criteria.
- Industry stakeholders can leverage this momentum by engaging with Manitoba government initiatives and aligning capabilities to meet federal defence modernization needs in the Winnipeg area.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Transportation
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** September 17, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of National Defence (DND)
- Government of Canada
- Manitoba NDP government
- City of Winnipeg

### Vendors
- Magellan (prime contractor)
- Standard Aero (prime contractor)
- Boeing (prime contractor)
- Micropilot (prime contractor)

### Key Quotes
> Hopefully we'll be able to find a way to participate in the federal government and the Canadian Armed Forces supply chains. But it's still very early days.
> — Howard Loewen, President of Micropilot

> We are third in Canada right now. We punch above our weight class already in aerospace.
> — David Pankratz, Military Envoy

> I think we're in a different time.
> — Doug Eyolfson, Member of Parliament

### Sources
- [Winnipeg-area aerospace industry hopes to land federal defence dollars | CBC News](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-defence-industries-pitch-9.7347388) - CBC