Program Overview

The Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI) has three main objectives:

  • to encourage strategic research and development (R&D) that will result in innovation and excellence in new products and services;
  • to enhance the competitiveness of Canadian A&D companies;
  • to foster collaboration between research institutes, universities, colleges and the private sector.

Strategic R&D projects under SADI will use technologies that either:

  • support the development of next-generation A&D-related products and/or services;
  • build on existing Canadian strengths in A&D technology development;
  • enable Canadian companies to participate in major platforms and supply chains; or
  • assist the A&D industries in achieving Canada's international obligations (e.g. development programs supported by Canada).

Types and Amounts of Contributions

SADI provides Canadian aerospace and defence (A&D) industries with repayable contributions for strategic R&D projects.

ITO calculates the contribution amount for each project on the basis of it being the minimum amount of assistance required to ensure that the project proceeds successfully and generates benefits for Canadians.

Contributions to SADI projects will equal approximately 30 percent of a project's total eligible costs. ITO is not required to distribute specific amounts of funding or percentage funding levels by region.