NATO-standard solution will enable real-time intelligence sharing with allied nations OTTAWA, ON, Ju...


          
		  
          
            
            
            NATO-standard solution will enable real-time intelligence sharing with allied nations
,  /PRNewswire/ - 49North, a wholly owned subsidiary of MDA Space Ltd. (TSX: MDA) (NYSE: MDA), today announced it has been awarded a $3.7 million CAD contract by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to design, build, integrate, and test a Coalition Shared Database (CSD) for Canada's Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) program. The award is a meaningful step for 49North as it continues to establish itself as a dedicated Canadian defence integrator, delivering sovereign capabilities that strengthen decision advantage in complex and contested environments.
This contract award is an addition to the existing $74.4M RPAS contract and further strengthens 49North's role as a key member of Team SkyGuardian Canada, alongside GA-ASI, CAE, and L3Harris WESCAM, working to deliver 11 CQ-9B Guardian aircraft to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) by 2028. The Guardian is based on GA-ASI's MQ-9B, which is on order or operating for a growing list of international defence and security forces.
The CSD is a standardized, secure, and networked system based on NATO STANAG 4559 standards, designed for multinational operations to store, manage, and distribute Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) data. The system is designed to enable allied nations to share, search, and access heterogeneous sensor data in near real-time, facilitating a common operating picture while maintaining individual national control over information. The ability to be interoperable and have secure, multi-caveat-controlled real-time information flow with allies is a critical force multiplier for military operations.
Originally planned as a separate capability, the CSD was later integrated into the RPAS program at the request of the RCAF to ensure seamless operational performance. GA-ASI selected 49North to deliver the system based on its deep experience in coalition data-sharing and its ability to integrate complex systems within mission-critical environments.
Building on more than five decades of trusted Canadian defence delivery and prime contractor execution from MDA Space, 49North brings proven operational experience in coalition data-sharing solutions, including development work on the CP-140 program and implementation of Canada's and Australia's CSD interface for the NOCTUA and NANKEEN Heron UAV programs supporting the UN-mandated, NATO-led ISAF mission in Afghanistan.
The CSD award is the latest in a growing portfolio of defence capabilities that 49North is delivering for the CQ-9B Guardian program, which also includes production of Certifiable Ground Control Stations, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) Radio software, and Automated Targeting Classification image processing. Across these work packages, 49North is integrating advanced sensing technologies, autonomous systems, and secure digital mission systems—capabilities that reflect the company's broader mandate to deliver multi-domain C4ISR solutions across land, air, maritime, and joint domains for Canadian and allied defence customers.
The CSD system will reside in the main RPAS Ground Control Centre in Ottawa, with design, build, integration, and testing conducted at 49North's facility in Richmond, British Columbia. Delivery to GA-ASI is expected by August 2027.
This award further expands 49North's scope within the RPAS program and reinforces its growing role as a dedicated Canadian defence integrator of advanced C4ISR capabilities—delivering the engineering discipline, operational reliability, and mission assurance that Canada's defence modernization demands.
Quotes
"This award reflects the confidence that GA-ASI and the Royal Canadian Air Force have placed in 49North's C4ISR capabilities and our deep mission experience. 49North delivers sovereign, mission-critical defence capabilities for Canada, and coalition data sharing is exactly the type of high-assurance integration where our team excels. Interoperability with our allies is essential to Canada's defence posture, and the CSD will aim to ensure the RCAF can operate seamlessly in multinational environments."– Joe Armstrong, President, 49North 
"We're pleased to continue to build our partnership with 49North in the development and delivery of CQ-9B Guardian for Canada. This contract further strengthens the Team SkyGuardian alliance for Canada."– Dan Fritz, Senior Program Director, General Atomics 
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the company's current expectations regarding future events. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the expected scope, performance and timing of work under the contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., including the design, development, integration, testing and delivery of the Coalition Shared Database, the anticipated schedule for delivery including expected completion by August 2027, the expansion of MDA Space and 49North's roles within the RPAS program, the integration of the CSD into the broader RPAS system, the ability of the CSD to support interoperability and real-time intelligence sharing among allied nations, and the expected benefits, functionality and operational effectiveness of the system for the Royal Canadian Air Force and other defence partners. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by MDA Space and 49North in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors they believe are appropriate, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of MDA Space and 49North to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including without limitation the risks and uncertainties detailed under the "Risk Factors" section of MDA Space's annual information form dated March 4, 2026.
Although MDA Space and 49North believe that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect and there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with the forward-looking statements. There are a number of additional risks and uncertainties affecting or that could affect MDA Space and 49North, which could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those described in, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information included within this press release. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, MDA Space and 49North are not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
About 49North
49North delivers sovereign Canadian defence capabilities with a focus on C4ISR and mission critical systems, strengthening decision advantage in complex and contested environments. Building on more than five decades of trusted Canadian defence delivery and prime contractor execution from MDA Space, 49North brings engineering discipline, operational reliability, and mission assurance to large, mission-critical defence programs. 49North integrates advanced sensing technologies, autonomous systems, secure digital mission systems, defence-qualified electronics, and long-term sustainment and in-service support of complex defence platforms across land, air, maritime, and joint domains. Headquartered in Ottawa, 49North brings trusted defence capability to reinforce Canada's long-term sovereignty and security.
www.49NorthDefence.com
SOURCE 49North

          
        

49North Awarded $3.7M Contract from General Atomics to Deliver Coalition Shared Database for Canada's Guardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Program

49North Wins CAD 3.7M CSD Contract, Extending MDA Space's Canadian C4ISR Role

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>NATO-standard solution will enable real-time intelligence sharing with allied nations OTTAWA, ON, Ju...</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>49North, a unit of MDA Space, secured a CAD 3.7 million contract to design and test the Coalition Shared Database for Canada&#039;s RPAS program. The NATO-standard CSD enables near real-time, secure data sharing among allied forces, boosting interoperability and sovereign control. This award complements the existing CAD 74.4 million RPAS program and targets delivery by August 2027, potentially strengthening MDA Space&#039;s Canadian government backlog and long-term defense exposure.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>49North (MDA Space unit) wins CAD 3.7M contract for Coalition Shared Database.</li><li>CSD enables near real-time ISR data sharing among NATO allies for RPAS.</li><li>Delivery by August 2027; expands Team SkyGuardian Canada involvement.</li><li>RPAS program now CAD 74.4M; 11 CQ-9B Guardian aircraft due by 2028.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>MDA Space Ltd. (MDA)</strong>: Parent of 49North; gains from expanded Canadian defense backlog and C4ISR growth.</li><li><strong>49North Defence (N/A)</strong>: Canadian defence integrator; awarded CAD 3.7M for CSD; potential for further RPAS-related work.</li><li><strong>General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (N/A)</strong>: GA-ASI is customer; collaboration validated; potential to win more work on SkyGuardian program.</li><li><strong>Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF (government entity))</strong>: End user; program anchor for sovereign, multi-domain ISR capabilities.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Industry News</h3>
    <p>Industry News; highlights a government defense contract that reinforces MDA Space&#039;s C4ISR footprint via its Canadian subsidiary and supports a longer-term backlog trajectory.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>New CSD contract signals growing Canadian RPAS backlog and sovereign capability demand.</li><li>Delivery by August 2027 sets a multi-year work schedule.</li><li>Strengthens Team SkyGuardian Canada alliance; potential for additional awards.</li><li>Contract size CAD 3.7M is modest but strategic within a larger RPAS program.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>CAD 3.7M contract awarded to 49North by GA-ASI.</li><li>RPAS program total now CAD 74.4M.</li><li>11 CQ-9B Guardian aircraft to RCAF by 2028.</li><li>CSD uses NATO STANAG 4559 standards for ISR data sharing.</li><li>Delivery to GA-ASI expected by August 2027.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Bullish near-term for MDA Space on sovereign C4ISR backlog expansion through 2027–28.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<article>
  <h2>49North Awarded $3.7M CAD Contract from General Atomics to Deliver Coalition Shared Database for Canada's Guardian RPAS Program</h2>

  <p><strong>49North, a wholly owned subsidiary of MDA Space Ltd. (TSX: MDA) (NYSE: MDA), has been awarded a <strong>$3.7 million CAD</strong> contract by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to design, build, integrate, and test a Coalition Shared Database (CSD) for Canada's Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) program.</strong> The award strengthens 49North's position as a dedicated Canadian defence integrator and supports sovereign capabilities that improve decision advantage in complex and contested environments.</p>

  <section id="contract-details">
    <h3>Contract Details and Scope</h3>

    <p>The award adds to the existing <strong>$74.4M RPAS contract</strong> and further strengthens <strong>49North's</strong> role as a key member of <strong>Team SkyGuardian Canada</strong>, alongside GA-ASI, CAE, and L3Harris WESCAM, working to deliver <strong>11 CQ-9B Guardian aircraft</strong> to the <strong>Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)</strong> by <strong>2028</strong>. The Guardian is based on GA-ASI's MQ-9B, which is on order or operating for a growing list of international defence and security forces.</p>

    <ul>
      <li><strong>Coalition Shared Database (CSD)</strong> is a NATO-standard, secure, and networked system to store, manage, and distribute <em>ISR</em> data.</li>
      <li>The system enables allied nations to <em>share, search, and access heterogeneous sensor data in near real-time</em>, facilitating a common operating picture while maintaining individual national control over information.</li>
      <li>The ability to be interoperable and have secure, multi-caveat-controlled real-time information flow with allies is a critical force multiplier for military operations.</li>
      <li>The CSD is based on <strong>NATO STANAG 4559</strong> standards and will reside in the main RPAS Ground Control Centre in <strong>Ottawa</strong>, with design, build, integration, and testing conducted at <strong>49North's facility in Richmond, British Columbia</strong>.</li>
      <li><strong>Delivery to GA-ASI</strong> is expected by <strong>August 2027</strong>.</li>
    </ul>
  </section>

  <section id="background">
    <h3>Background and Experience</h3>

    <p>GA-ASI selected <strong>49North</strong> to deliver the system based on its deep experience in coalition data-sharing and its ability to integrate complex systems within mission-critical environments.</p>
    <p>Building on more than five decades of trusted Canadian defence delivery and prime contractor execution from <strong>MDA Space</strong>, 49North brings proven operational experience in coalition data-sharing solutions, including development work on the <strong>CP-140 program</strong> and implementation of Canada's and Australia's CSD interface for the <em>NOCTUA</em> and <em>NANKEEN</em> Heron UAV programs supporting the UN-mandated, NATO-led ISAF mission in Afghanistan.</p>
  </section>

  <section id="portfolio">
    <h3>Broader Portfolio and Capabilities</h3>

    <p>The CSD award is the latest in a growing portfolio of defence capabilities that <strong>49North</strong> is delivering for the <strong>CQ-9B Guardian</strong> program, which also includes production of <strong>Certifiable Ground Control Stations</strong>, <strong>Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) Radio software</strong>, and <strong>Automated Targeting Classification image processing</strong>.</p>

    <p>Across these work packages, 49North is integrating advanced sensing technologies, autonomous systems, and secure digital mission systems—capabilities that reflect the company's broader mandate to deliver multi-domain <strong>C4ISR</strong> solutions across land, air, maritime, and joint domains for Canadian and allied defence customers.</p>
  </section>

  <section id="logistics">
    <h3>Operational Details and Schedule</h3>

    <ul>
      <li>The <strong>CSD system</strong> will reside in the main RPAS Ground Control Centre in <strong>Ottawa</strong>.</li>
      <li>Design, build, integration, and testing will be conducted at <strong>49North's facility in Richmond, British Columbia</strong>.</li>
      <li>Delivery to GA-ASI is expected by <strong>August 2027</strong>.</li>
    </ul>
  </section>

  <section id="implications">
    <h3>Strategic Implications for Canada and Allies</h3>

    <p>This award reinforces Canada’s defence modernization and strengthens sovereign <strong>C4ISR</strong> capabilities. By enabling secure, real-time intelligence sharing among allied nations, the CSD supports interoperability and multinational operations, helping the <strong>RCAF</strong> operate effectively within a coalition context.</p>
  </section>

  <section id="quotes">
    <h3>Leadership Quotes</h3>

    <p>"This award reflects the confidence that GA-ASI and the Royal Canadian Air Force have placed in 49North's C4ISR capabilities and our deep mission experience. 49North delivers sovereign, mission-critical defence capabilities for Canada, and coalition data sharing is exactly the type of high-assurance integration where our team excels. Interoperability with our allies is essential to Canada's defence posture, and the CSD will aim to ensure the RCAF can operate seamlessly in multinational environments."– Joe Armstrong, President, 49North</p>

    <p>"We're pleased to continue to build our partnership with 49North in the development and delivery of CQ-9B Guardian for Canada. This contract further strengthens the Team SkyGuardian alliance for Canada."– Dan Fritz, Senior Program Director, General Atomics</p>
  </section>

  <section id="forward-looking">
    <h3>Forward-Looking Statements</h3>

    <p>This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the company's current expectations regarding future events. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the expected scope, performance and timing of work under the contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., including the design, development, integration, testing and delivery of the Coalition Shared Database, the anticipated schedule for delivery including expected completion by August 2027, the expansion of MDA Space and 49North's roles within the RPAS program, the integration of the CSD into the broader RPAS system, the ability of the CSD to support interoperability and real-time intelligence sharing among allied nations, and the expected benefits, functionality and operational effectiveness of the system for the Royal Canadian Air Force and other defence partners. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by MDA Space and 49North in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors they believe are appropriate, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of MDA Space and 49North to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including without limitation the risks and uncertainties detailed under the "Risk Factors" section of MDA Space's annual information form dated March 4, 2026.</p>

    <p>Although MDA Space and 49North believe that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect and there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with the forward-looking statements. There are a number of additional risks and uncertainties affecting or that could affect MDA Space and 49North, which could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those described in, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information included within this press release. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, MDA Space and 49North are not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.</p>
  </section>

  <section id="about-49north">
    <h3>About 49North</h3>

    <p>49North delivers sovereign Canadian defence capabilities with a focus on <strong>C4ISR</strong> and mission critical systems, strengthening decision advantage in complex and contested environments. Building on more than five decades of trusted Canadian defence delivery and prime contractor execution from <strong>MDA Space</strong>, 49North brings engineering discipline, operational reliability, and mission assurance to large, mission-critical defence programs. 49North integrates <em>advanced sensing technologies</em>, autonomous systems, secure digital mission systems, defence-qualified electronics, and long-term sustainment and in-service support of complex defence platforms across land, air, maritime, and joint domains. Headquartered in Ottawa, 49North brings trusted defence capability to reinforce Canada's long-term sovereignty and security.</p>

    <p>Learn more about 49North and its role within Canada’s defence ecosystem.</p>
  </section>
</article>

49North, a unit of MDA Space, secured a CAD 3.7 million contract to design and test the Coalition Shared Database for Canada's RPAS program. The NATO-standard CSD enables near real-time, secure data sharing among allied forces, boosting interoperability and sovereign control. This award complements the existing CAD 74.4 million RPAS program and targets delivery by August 2027, potentially strengthening MDA Space's Canadian government backlog and long-term defense exposure.

49North Awarded $3.7M Contract from General Atomics to Deliver Coalition Shared Database for Canada's Guardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Program

AI Summary

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Key Facts

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