► CAE to lead design of YMX drone control centre

Farnborough, July 22, 2026 – CAE and ADM Aéroports de Montréal today announced the signing of an agreement to advance the development of the YMX Control Centre. The centre will be a key element of the Uncrewed Systems Defence Innovation Secure Hub (UxS DISH), recently announced by the Government of Canada at the Espace Aero Aerospace Innovation Zone in YMX.

Under the agreement, CAE will collaborate in the design of the YMX Control Centre, helping define the digital infrastructure and operational framework required for the facility. Through this collaboration with ADM, CAE is applying its systems integration expertise and proven technologies to lay the foundation for an environment where advanced technologies can be developed, tested, integrated, and transitioned to operational use, strengthening mission readiness.

Aircraft and drones typically operate in separate airspace due to safety and regulatory constraints. The YMX Control Centre is designed to help bridge the gap by enabling testing and validation in a real airport environment at operational scale. The hub will provide a secure setting where government, industry, and other stakeholders can advance emerging autonomous systems technologies and help move them from concept to practical application. Supporting applications across defence, aerospace, and advanced air mobility, the facility will help accelerate the adoption of new capabilities in operational environments.

As autonomous technologies evolve, training and simulation will play a critical role in their safe adoption. The YMX Control Centre will help lay the foundation for future training and mission readiness needs as these systems become more integrated into civil and defence operations.

“Increasingly sophisticated autonomous systems create the need for environments that reflect real operational conditions and help shape how these capabilities will be integrated,” said Pascal Grenier, President, CAE Defense & Security. “The Espace Aero Aerospace Innovation Zone, DISH and its partners will bring together the expertise, infrastructure, and partnerships needed to strengthen Canada’s defence capabilities. The project highlights the important role of systems integration in enabling the next generation of mission-critical capabilities while strengthening growth, investment, and technology development domestically.”

“YMX is built for this kind of ambition,” said Yves Beauchamp, President and CEO, ADM Aéroports de Montréal. “With its unique airport infrastructure, vast development potential, and strategic position within Québec’s aerospace ecosystem, our Tech Park offers an ideal environment to test, validate, and accelerate the next generation of aerospace technologies. By combining our infrastructure with CAE’s expertise, we are creating the conditions for industry to come together, drive innovation, and bring these technologies closer to deployment in operating environments.”

“This partnership illustrates how the Espace Aero Innovation zone fosters great collaboration between stakeholders. We already see great momentum building, ensuring a bright future for Quebec’s aerospace industry,” added Melanie Lussier, President Aero Montreal & Espace Aero.

Located within the Montréal Aerospace Innovation Zone, the project is expected to contribute to the long-term growth of Quebec and Canada’s aerospace and defence sector while creating opportunities for technology demonstration, capability development, and future operational applications. The initiative will help strengthen Canada’s aerospace and defence sector while advancing emerging aviation and autonomous systems technologies.