Build. Test. Fly.
Medicine Hat-based aerospace and defence companies are strategically positioned between Canadian Forces Base Suffield, Defence and Research Development Canada, and Canada’s first Transport Canada-approved beyond-line-of-sight UAV range.
Offering no equipment tax, 330 days of sunshine, and affordable greenfield airside and groundside development opportunities at the Regional Airport, Medicine Hat is a prime location to build, test and fly, in Canada.
Aerospace and defence companies can take advantage of two globally competitive test ranges, federal and provincial innovation fund programs, and talent to compete in a global market.
UAV
Production
Medicine Hat produces more drones/UAVs than any other city in Canada
5,100
Kilometers
Of restricted Class F airspace within a 10-minute flight
330+
Days of Sunshine
Offers ideal aerospace training, flight, and test conditions year-round
Sector Spotlight
Canada’s largest military training ground offers the opportunity to test UAVs from surface to unlimited altitude. CFB Suffield controls 2,700 square kilometers of restricted airspace, making it the largest live-fire testing area in the Commonwealth.
One of only two Canadian BVLOS restricted airspace is located 100 km southwest of Medicine Hat at the Foremost UAS Test Range. The 2,400 square kilometers of controlled airspace provides companies with the ability to test technology (3,000-foot paved runway, 90% VFR weather, 0.62 population density/km).
“Medicine Hat is the perfect epicenter for aerospace to build, grow and become the hub for the industry”
Corrie Dale
Managing Director, QinetiQ Target Systems - Canada
A Growing Industry Cluster
Medicine Hat aerospace and defence companies are part of a growing industry cluster strategically positioned between Canadian Forces Base Suffield (Defence and Research Development Canada), and Canada’s first beyond-line-of-sight UAV range in Foremost. This enables rapid research, design, and testing of aerospace and defence equipment, particularly UAV and RPAS.
Local high growth industry opportunities include:
- BVLOS testing, validation, and Transport Canada certification via the Foremost Test Range.
- Partnerships on UAV research, design, software, testing, and integration.
- RPAS research and development collaboration with DRDC on defense applications.
- CUAS prototyping and testing at DRDC Suffield’s controlled live-fire and/or chemical environments.
- Partnerships to supply sensors, radar, and intercept technologies.
- Innovations to aircraft training and aircraft protocols and equipment with local virtual, augmented and mixed reality initiatives.
Reports and Resources
View our Interactive Aerospace and Defence Map of Southeast Alberta assets
Read the BREIS State of the Industry report on Aviation, Aerospace and Defence
Discover why Southeast Alberta is the Corner of Opportunity for Aerospace and Defence
Fly with us.
Affordable airside development, access to thousands of square kilometers of restricted defence and UAV ranges, experienced manufacturing, engineering, and trade expertise. Medicine Hat is Canada’s Defence and UAV Hub.
Innovative Talent Pipeline
Innovative Labour and Talent Pipeline
Through Medicine Hat College, nearby post-secondary institutions, and public-private partnerships, local students interested in aerospace and aviation have several pathways to begin building their careers.
One such program is the partnership between Prairie Rose School Division, Super T Aviation, and the Southern Flight Academy, which enables more than 50 high school students each year to start their careers in aviation at less than half the typical cost.
Beyond the local training ecosystem, Alberta’s post-secondary institutions – including the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and Mount Royal University – provide a steady pipeline of graduates in fields such as aerospace, electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering.
Together, these workforce development pathways help ensure that firms across southeastern Alberta can meet current and future labour needs with skilled, qualified, and locally trained professionals.
You're in Good Company
Here's a look at just a few of the amazing companies you'd join in our growing aerospace and defence industry cluster:
A Bright Future
From UAVs and aerospace to innovative high school training programs, Medicine Hat offers world-class aerospace and defence opportunities. Let’s take flight together!
Contact Economic Development Medicine Hat to find out more.
Stay up to date.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay connected with Economic Development news, activities, events, programs, operations and more.
Address
533 First Street SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta
T1A 0A9
Contact Us
Email: opportunity@medicinehat.ca
Phone: 403-977-0146
The City of Medicine Hat acknowledges that we live and work on treaty territory. The City pays respect to all Indigenous Peoples and honours their past, present and future. We recognize and respect their cultural heritages and relationships to the land. Medicine Hat is situated on Treaty 7 and neighbour to Treaty 4 territory, traditional lands of the Siksika (Blackfoot), Kainai (Blood), Piikani (Peigan), Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina (Sarcee) as well as the Cree, Sioux, and the Saulteaux bands of the Ojibwa peoples, and homelands of the Métis Nation District 2 Battle River Territory. Learn more.