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

Feb. 19, 2026

 MDA Space formally launched 49North, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MDA Space exclusively focused on delivering secure, multi-domain C4ISR* and mission-critical capabilities for Canada's national defence priorities outside the space domain.

Headquartered in Ottawa and building on more than five decades of trusted Canadian defence delivery and prime contractor execution from MDA Space, 49North offers the engineering discipline, operational reliability, mission assurance and program execution needed for large defence programs. The same deep mission experience and complex defence capability that has supported Canadian and allied operations at home and abroad for generations is now embedded in 49North.

"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," said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. "By bringing together proven defence and mission-critical systems expertise developed within MDA Space under a dedicated organization, 49North enhances domestic industrial capacity and investment, and delivers the disciplined execution required to support Canada's sovereignty, security, and trusted allied partnerships."

To lead this new organization, MDA Space has appointed Joe Armstrong as President of 49North. Based in Ottawa and reporting to Mike Greenley, Mr. Armstrong will oversee the development and delivery of defence solutions for land, air, maritime, and joint operations, including multi-domain C4ISR integration, advanced sensing and radar technologies, autonomous systems, secure digital mission systems, defence-qualified electronics, and long-term in-service support.

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

Mr. Armstrong brings to 49North more than 25 years of experience in the Canadian defence, aerospace, and technology sectors. Prior to joining 49North, he held successive senior executive leadership roles at CAE, including Chief Operating Officer for Defence & Security and Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Incubation. In these roles, Mr. Armstrong had operational responsibility for CAE's global defence portfolio, overseeing programs delivered to military customers in more than 40 countries and leading defence programs worldwide.

*Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR). More information is available at 49North Operational Experience and Heritage.