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Why this organization matters now
Dated Jul 14, 2026
On July 14, 2026, the Department of National Defence launched NEXUS, the Uncrewed Systems Defence Innovation Secure Hub, operating primarily from YMX Innovation Centre. The initiative provides a secure path for development, testing, validation and integration of uncrewed systems across five published defence use-case areas.
Source: Defence priorities for uncrewed systems integration (opens in a new tab)Technologies and services
A closer look at the products, services, operating features, and documented applications that shape the organization’s role.
Secure uncrewed-systems development and test hub
NEXUS Uncrewed Systems Defence Innovation Secure Hub
What it enables
NEXUS is the Espace Aéro-led UxS Defence Innovation Secure Hub consortium operating primarily from YMX in Mirabel. DND’s two-year establishment programme supports development, testing, validation and integration across five operational use cases.
Evidence strength: ModerateLast reviewed Sep 18, 2026
Operating context
Maturity
Government-selected establishment programme announced July 14, 2026; access and project-specific readiness remain separate.
Availability
Participation and facility access require programme arrangements; inspected public pages do not publish full booking terms or fees.
Decision-useful features
- Secure collaboration and regulated-airspace access at the primary YMX site
- Counter-UxS; sensor integration/continental defence; general-purpose UxS; crewed-uncrewed teaming; contested logistics
- CAD 29.6 million over two years to establish the consortium-led hub
Technical detail and applications
Documented applications. Uncrewed-system testing and integration · Operational-user and industry collaboration · Prototype maturation and demonstration
- DISH maturation objective spans TRLs 4–9 and is not a facility readiness rating
Public record
Public programs and contracts
Dated participation, delivery roles, partnerships, and disclosed funding provide the operating context behind the profile.
Programs and deployments
Airbus Protospace at YMX Innovation
host facility · Announced 2026
Sponsor or operator: YMX Innovation Centre
Organization role. Airbus Protospace is a YMX Innovation partnership for experimentation, productivity, and training, with a related automated drone-surveillance project at the Mirabel site.
Program. Airbus Protospace is a YMX Innovation partnership for experimentation, productivity, and training, with a related automated drone-surveillance project at the Mirabel site.
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Questions for a first conversation
What are the NEXUS admission, security, airspace booking and data-handling terms for an external Canadian supplier?
DND describes secure collaboration and regulated-airspace access, but the inspected pages do not publish a complete access process or fees.
Which facilities and instrumentation are installed now and which are configured for individual projects?
ADM describes an 18,000 m² hub and adaptable infrastructure, including potential vertiport, UTM and energy installations.
Geography
Mirabel, Quebec
The map is centred on Mirabel. It does not imply a street address or exact facility location.
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Sources behind this profile
Open the original record, then expand the source details to see which parts of the dossier it informs.
Public sources cited · Facts and assessments kept separate · Human review
Public sources
9
Last reviewed
Sep 18, 2026
Identity and profile
- Open source: Defence priorities for uncrewed systems integration (opens in a new tab)
Defence priorities for uncrewed systems integration
National Defence · Jul 14, 2026
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