GDLS-Canada Named Top Defence Firm Amid Global, Domestic Triumphs

MARKHAM, ON – April 29, 2026 – General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada (GDLS-Canada) has been named the nation's number one defence company for 2026 by Canadian Defence Review (CDR), a recognition that highlights the company's pivotal role in both national security and Canada's industrial base. This marks the third time the London, Ontario-based manufacturer has secured the top spot in the 22-year history of CDR's prestigious annual ranking of Canada's Top 100 Defence Companies.

The award acknowledges a landmark year for the company, defined by major progress on domestic vehicle programs, significant contributions to Canada's international commitments, and a nearly five-decade legacy of supplying the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

A Legacy of Armoured Excellence

For nearly 50 years, GDLS-Canada has been a cornerstone of Canada’s defence sector, specializing in the design, manufacture, and full life-cycle support of advanced light and medium armoured combat vehicles. This enduring presence has cemented its status as a critical driver of sovereign defence manufacturing capability.

"GDLS-Canada represents the very best of Canada's defence industry," said Peter Kitchen, Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Defence Review, in a statement accompanying the announcement. "With nearly 50 years of continuous support to the CAF, combined with its ability to deliver advanced, combat-proven platforms at home and abroad, the company exemplifies operational excellence and industrial strength."

This sentiment is echoed within the company, where a deep-rooted culture of pride and commitment is a key element of its success. The workforce in London often includes multiple generations from the same families, a testament to the company's long history of continuous production in Canada since the late 1970s.

"We are honoured to receive this recognition by CDR," stated Dave Haggerty, GDLS-Canada's Vice President and General Manager. "To be named Canada's Top Defence Company for 2026 is especially meaningful for our employees, who take great pride in what they do... That continuity among employees brings a deep sense of ownership and commitment to the vehicles we build."

Delivering on Critical Defence Programs

A primary factor in this year's top ranking was the company's tangible progress on two of the Canadian Army’s most important vehicle modernization projects: the Armoured Combat Support Vehicle (ACSV) and the Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) programs.

The ACSV program, which will see the delivery of 360 new vehicles based on the LAV 6.0 platform, achieved a major milestone with its Initial Operational Capability on January 15, 2025. These vehicles are replacing the CAF's aging LAV II Bison and M113 Tracked LAV fleets. Key variants, including the Troop/Cargo Vehicle, Ambulance, and Command Post, are now being delivered to the Canadian Army, with Full Operational Capability for the entire fleet expected by the end of 2028.

Progress on the LVM project has also been significant. As the prime integrator for the "Power Team," GDLS-Canada is leading the effort to replace the CAF's logistics fleet, some of which dates back to the 1980s. The project, underpinned by a $1.5 billion vehicle acquisition contract and a long-term support contract, will supply over 1,500 new light and heavy trucks. Partnering with Marshall Canada, Mercedes-Benz, Soframe, and Manac Inc., the team will deliver a modern, standardized vehicle chassis with interchangeable mission modules, dramatically improving the military's logistical capabilities.

Bolstering Alliances and Supporting Ukraine

Beyond its domestic mandate, GDLS-Canada's work has had a profound international impact. The newly delivered ACSV variants are already in service with Canadian troops contributing to NATO's enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia, reinforcing Canada's commitment to allied deterrence on Europe's eastern flank.

The company has also been instrumental in Canada's military aid to Ukraine. Following Russia's full-scale invasion, the Canadian government committed to donating a total of 89 ACSVs manufactured by GDLS-Canada. These vehicles, particularly the ambulance variants designed for medical evacuations, have provided a life-saving capability on the front lines. The company is not only supplying the hardware but also providing crucial training support, and is now producing replacement vehicles to ensure the CAF's own procurement is not impacted.

This global reach extends beyond direct Canadian government initiatives. Through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, the company recently secured a significant contract to supply Stryker armoured vehicles to Bulgaria, further cementing its reputation as a world-class manufacturer of combat-proven platforms.

Driving Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy

The recognition from CDR comes at a time when the strategic importance of a robust domestic defence industry has never been clearer. With the launch of Canada's new Defence Industrial Strategy in February 2026, the government has signaled a decisive shift towards prioritizing domestic production to enhance national security and economic resilience.

The strategy's ambitious goals—including increasing the share of defence acquisitions awarded to Canadian firms to 70% and creating 125,000 high-paying jobs—rely heavily on companies like GDLS-Canada. The London facility directly employs around 1,800 people and supports thousands more across a vast Canadian supplier network, making it a powerful economic engine. The Canadian defence industry as a whole contributes over $12 billion to the economy annually, and GDLS-Canada is a leading contributor to that figure through its focus on advanced manufacturing and high-tech innovation.

As Peter Kitchen noted, "From the success of the ACSV program to its leadership in sustaining Canada's armoured fleet and enabling future capabilities, GDLS-Canada has clearly earned its position as Canada's Top Defence Company for 2026." In an era of increasing global instability, the company's ability to deliver for both domestic and allied partners underscores its critical importance to Canada's strategic posture on the world stage.