Airbus Invests in Medicine Hat Drone Simulator Firm Landing Zones Canada

The two companies had already worked together. In 2023 they signed a cooperation agreement to design and deploy remotely piloted aerial systems for live training. The investment broadens that relationship and helps Airbus meet industrial spending obligations tied to its contract with the Canadian government to deliver military transport ships. Under that contract, Airbus must reinvest a portion of the value back into Canadian industry.

The announcement adds to evidence that defence technology is becoming a bigger part of Alberta's innovation economy. It followed the launch of the Banff Capital Summit, which identified space and defence as priority industries for the province's startup and tech sectors. Alberta has also seen recent investment in defence-adjacent startups and in manufacturing capacity. The province's government has pushed to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas, and defence has emerged as a focus.

Airbus did not disclose the size of its investment or the timing of the board appointment. Landing Zones Canada remains privately held. The company has previously received backing from the Canadian government and from venture investors, including a $1.1-million grant to upgrade its AI-enhanced drones.

The Farnborough International Airshow runs through the week and has been a venue for several defence and aerospace deals. Airbus also used the event to announce other partnerships and product updates in its defence portfolio.