Defence, Security and Aerospace

With decades of experience advising major domestic and international defence and aerospace companies, McCarthy Tétrault’s national, top-ranked team of advisors understands the unique challenges facing contractors, manufacturers and suppliers in the sector. We know that navigating evolving trade, investment, and procurement regulations—while staying ahead of rapid technological advancements—requires time and focus. As trusted advisors to our clients, we align our advice with their business goals to tailor legal strategies that cut through the complexities, allowing clients to focus on what matters most. Our advice ranges from providing day-to-day support to leading complex, transformational procurements, transactions, arrangements and projects.

Defence, Security and Aerospace Industry Perspective

Trust is essential in this space. With high-level security clearances and extensive industry connections, we help sector participants build and maintain the relationships necessary for long-term success. Our multi-jurisdictional expertise and 360° defence industry insight support organizations working with all levels of government. Our team has engaged with all applicable federal government departments, including the Department of National Defence, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, including in respect of Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy.

With extensive experience advising established and emerging manufacturers and suppliers of aircrafts, ships, weapon systems, ammunition, military equipment and defence technology—along with advising government agencies on supplier arrangements—we offer unparalleled insight into emerging trends and best practices in government relations, defence technology, supply chain, procurement, trade, logistics, life-cycle management and manufacturing.

Comprehensive Legal Solutions

As Canada’s premier, full-service law firm, our lawyers work seamlessly across practices and offices to deliver strategic and innovative legal and business solutions. Our clients receive market-leading expertise in defence procurement and contracting, and related disciplines, with the support of a full team of experts in corporate/commercial matters, investment, technology, intellectual property, tax and litigation.

Recent Client Success Stories Include:

• River-Class Destroyer – Acting for Irving Shipbuilding Inc. in connection with the design and construction of up to 15 River-Class Destroyers (formerly Canadian Surface Combatant ships) for the Canadian Navy.
• Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (“AOPS”) – Acting for Irving Shipbuilding Inc. in connection with its construction of eight AOPS for the Canadian Navy and Coast Guard.
• HCM/FELEX Program – Acted for Irving Shipbuilding Inc. in connection with the Halifax Class Frigate Life Extension Project for the overhaul and upgrade of 12 frigates.
• Acted as lead counsel to Canadian Arsenals Limited in its privatization and sale to AtkinsRéalis.
• Advised Gogo Inc. in its acquisition of Satcom Direct, Inc. for US$650 million. Gogo Inc. is a leading provider of in-flight connectivity and wireless entertainment solutions for the global aviation industry.
• Controlled Goods Program – Acted as counsel to numerous firms in the aerospace and defence sectors on controlled goods program compliance, including registration, security screening, design and implementation of security plans, reporting of security breaches, voluntary disclosures and addressing enforcement action.
• Acted for Gallium Software, a Canadian provider of human-computer interface software for mission-critical display applications, in its acquisition by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
• Acted for L3 Technologies in its US$33.5 billion merger with Harris Corporation. L3 Harris provides military communication solutions focused on networking and surveillance capabilities.
• Acted for Raytheon Company in its US$135 billion merger with United Technologies, creating the world’s second largest defence company and the world's most advanced aerospace and defence systems provider.
• Acted on an international commercial arbitration against a European engineering/architecture firm flowing from errors in the design and manufacture of military hardware. The dispute involved complex issues of professional negligence, breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation.