Ukraine’s Ambassador Explores Quebec’s Defence Expertise in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

Ukraine’s Ambassador Explores Quebec’s Defence Expertise in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

Drones that can inspect damaged infrastructure, autonomous ground vehicles and an armoured truck the delegation could climb aboard were among the technologies showcased at Hangar H2. On October 16, 2026, His Excellency Andrii Plakhotniuk, Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada, and his delegation visited the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu airport for a day focused on innovation in security and land defence.

The visit brought together nearly 20 companies. Christine Normandin, Member of Parliament for Saint-Jean, coordinated the invitation, and innosecur, NexDev’s innovation and research hub, organized the technology demonstrations.

Drones, autonomous vehicles and armoured trucks at Hangar H2

Despite the rain, the outdoor demonstrations went ahead. ARA Robotique showed how aerial mapping, imaging and close-range drone inspections can help assess damaged infrastructure. Cambli welcomed the delegation aboard its BlackWolf armoured truck and introduced them to the vehicle’s features.

The demonstrations also featured ARLYX, which designs electric autonomous ground vehicles, Movex Innovation, which develops compact tracked platforms for moving loads, and Rheinmetall Canada, which integrates defence systems and develops autonomous ground vehicles. Modulaire MCH International, a manufacturer of prefabricated steel structures, brought its expertise in mobile units to the event.

Meetings on tactical communications, robotics and field equipment

Individual meetings gave companies the opportunity to discuss how their technologies could be used in the field. Base Camp Connect presented its tactical communications solutions, while Mawashi Science & Technologie showcased exoskeletons that help users carry heavy loads and equipment designed to carry drone gear. Rozvelt develops modular respiratory protection, and Displaid is designing a non-invasive wearable belt to monitor people living with heart failure.

The delegation also met with Skadra, which specializes in software and artificial intelligence, Kynze, which designs and integrates smart sensors, and Tessellate Robotics, which develops autonomous navigation technologies for ground robots. Safran, an aerospace equipment and navigation systems specialist, Jaunt Air Mobility, a developer of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and Ekkinox, a logistics services provider, also took part in the meetings.

Facility tours and follow-up discussions

The delegation toured TestX Lab’s anechoic chambers, which are used for electromagnetic compatibility testing. It then met with Quaze Technologies, which develops wireless charging solutions for drones and autonomous robots, and Cadex Defence, which designs and manufactures precision equipment in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

Several discussions that began during the visit are ongoing. Innosecur and NexDev are supporting those conversations to help Quebec companies and Ukrainian counterparts develop joint projects and industrial partnerships.

Innosecur and NexDev thank the participating companies, their partners and Christine Normandin for helping bring the event together. They also recognize the contributions of the Royal Military College Saint-Jean and the Corporation du Fort Saint-Jean.