The annual Best Defence Conference is presented by the London Economic Development Corporation and is now in its fourth year. We are proud to have the continued support of CADSI, our many sponsors, and the companies that attend.
The Best Defence Conference has become a leading defence and security-related event that provides information and opportunities for national and international companies. Last year, we attracted over 320 leading defence industry company representatives from across Canada and the USA.
New this year will be the opportunity for companies to purchase display tables at the event. We will also be offering tours of the acclaimed Fraunhofer Project Centre for Composites Research and Western University’s state-of-the-art WindEEE Dome.
Defence in London, Ontario
The London region is a hub for a growing defence cluster that employs more than 12,000 highly skilled people at more than 45 defence-related companies. The London Economic Development Corporation works with SMEs and prime contractors to provide relevant and timely information on Canadian and global opportunities in the defence marketplace.
London-located General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada landed a 14-year multibillion dollar export win bringing more than 3,000 jobs to the region and making London the centre of national supply chain including more than 500 firms.
Industry Highlights
- Pool of highly trained people working in military specifications, quality assurance, and skilled in composites
- Close proximity to US Army's major development centres in Warren, Michigan (TACOM and TARDEC)
- Canada-USA Joint Certification Office (JSO) in Battle Creek, Michigan assists with security and clearance issues
- Proximity to Wright Laboratories in Dayton, Ohio - one of the U.S. Air Force's largest R&D facilities
- Two-hour drive to Litton Canada and Honeywell Aerospace in Toronto area
- Access to internationally renowned facilities including the Fraunhofer Project Centre, which focuses on applied research in developing composite materials for advanced manufacturing
