MDA Space Launches 49North, a Canadian defence business delivering multi-domain and mission-critical capabilities

Executive Summary

• MDA Space announced the launch of 49North, a wholly‑owned subsidiary focused on secure multi‑domain C4ISR and mission‑critical defence capabilities for Canada’s national defence priorities.
• Joe Armstrong was appointed President of 49North, reporting to CEO Mike Greenley, bringing more than 25 years of senior leadership experience in Canadian defence, aerospace and technology.
• The new entity expands MDA Space’s portfolio beyond space into land, air, maritime and joint‑operations defence solutions, enhancing domestic industrial capacity and sovereign capability.

Key Details

• Subsidiary Creation: 49North is a wholly‑owned subsidiary of MDA Space, headquartered in Ottawa, dedicated to delivering C4ISR integration, advanced sensing, radar, autonomous systems, secure digital mission systems, defence‑qualified electronics, and long‑term sustainment for large defence programs.
• Strategic Rationale: Provides an “addition” to MDA Space’s space capabilities, extending its mission‑critical expertise into non‑space defence domains to support Canada’s sovereignty, security and allied partnerships.
• Executive Appointment: Joe Armstrong named President of 49North; will oversee development and delivery of defence solutions across land, air, maritime and joint operations.
• Armstrong Background: >25 years in Canadian defence, aerospace & technology; former COO for Defence & Security at CAE and VP of Strategic Partnerships & Incubation, with responsibility for global defence portfolio serving customers in 40+ countries.
• Reporting Structure: Armstrong reports directly to MDA Space CEO Mike Greenley.
• Quote – CEO Mike Greenley: Highlights 49North as a natural evolution of MDA Space’s commitment to sovereign defence capabilities and domestic industrial capacity.
• Quote – President Joe Armstrong: Emphasizes the foundational nature of C4ISR and related technologies for operational readiness, situational awareness and actionable intelligence.

Notable Quotes

“An addition to our well‑known space capability, 49North is a natural extension and evolution of our commitment to provide urgently needed sovereign defence capabilities across all defence domains.” – Mike Greenley, CEO, MDA Space

“These capabilities are foundational for operational readiness and effectiveness in complex environments… giving Canadian and allied forces the enhanced situational awareness and actionable intelligence they need to succeed.” – Joe Armstrong, President, 49North