Honoring a legacy of Canadian-built aircraft while advancing the future of vertical lift for Canada’s defense community
Bell will attend Canada’s leading defense, security, and technology event, CANSEC, marking a milestone year for the company and its long-standing partnership with Canada’s defense community. Held annually in Ottawa since 1998 by the Canadian Association of Defense and Security Industries (CADSI), CANSEC showcases leading-edge technology, products, and services for land-based, naval, aerospace and joint forces military units.
At this year’s event, Bell Textron Canada approaches the 40th anniversary of manufacturing in Canada. This represents four decades of delivering trusted vertical lift capabilities, advancing national and global security, and contributing to Canada’s aerospace industry. Today, Bell stands as the #8 defense company in Canada as noted in the Canadian Defense Review (CDR), a testament to its enduring commitment to innovation, readiness, and mission success for operators worldwide.
In 2025, Bell strengthened its support to the Royal Canadian Air Force through the continued sustainment of the CH-146 Griffon fleet, including progress on the Griffon Limited Life Extension (GLLE) program and the long-term CH-146 In-Service Support contract. These programs represent one of the most comprehensive sustainment efforts of its kind, ensuring Canada’s Griffon fleet remains mission-ready for years to come.
Bell Textron Canada also celebrated the production of its 6,000th aircraft in Canada last year, an achievement made possible by Bell’s highly skilled workforce. Bell’s export success continued as well, with significant deliveries to defense forces around the world, expanding Canada’s footprint in global security.
“As we mark four decades of manufacturing in Canada, our mindset remains the same: stay ahead, stay curious, and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in vertical lift,” said Michael Nault, general manager, Bell Textron Canada Ltd. “The missions our operators face evolve quickly, and so must we. That constant need for speed, adaptability, and forward thinking is what fuels our teams and shapes the solutions we bring to Canada’s defense and security community.”
At CANSEC, Bell will highlight its legacy of Canadian manufacturing excellence, continued investment in modernized capabilities for the Canadian Armed Forces, and its vision for the future of vertical lift in Canada.