Canada’s defence community is grappling with an increasingly complex security landscape, where threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace. From cyber risks and data sovereignty concerns to the need for faster, more informed decision-making, defence organizations are under pressure to modernize while maintaining readiness, resilience, and trust. To address these challenges, IBM Canada is bolstering its defence-specific technology capabilities, integrating AI, quantum computing, cyber resilience, and secure infrastructure with deep industry expertise and collaborative frameworks.
At the heart of this effort is the newly established IBM Defence and Intelligence Centre in Ottawa. This secure space is designed for defence organizations, industry partners, and IBM experts to co-develop, test, and apply mission-specific solutions aligned with Canadian defence priorities. The centre embodies IBM’s commitment to governance and transparency, ensuring systems and data are managed in accordance with national requirements.
“By combining advanced technologies with secure collaboration, IBM is helping defence organizations adapt to new challenges and seize opportunities in a rapidly evolving global landscape,” said Rob Wilmot, General Manager of IBM Consulting Canada.
IBM Canada’s expanded defence technology resources and collaborative capabilities are designed to enhance operational readiness and resilience. One standout innovation is the new IBM Defence Model, an AI-powered solution developed in collaboration with Janes, a global leader in defence intelligence. This solution combines IBM’s enterprise-grade AI expertise with Janes’ trusted defence intelligence to help Canada’s defence community accelerate planning, improve analytical accuracy, and respond confidently to evolving threats.
Addressing Canada’s defence priorities, IBM’s capabilities focus on several key areas:
1. **Operational Readiness**: Leveraging advanced technologies like AI and quantum computing to modernize systems, improve decision-making, and enhance readiness.
2. **Sustaining Critical Capabilities**: Supporting the sustainment, maintenance, and optimization of defence infrastructure, platforms, and systems to ensure availability and resilience.
3. **Advancing Digital Transformation**: Strengthening cybersecurity and using data-driven insights to enhance coordination, protect critical systems, and address emerging threats.
4. **Building Secure Infrastructure**: Developing resilient, interoperable systems to ensure reliable defence capabilities.
5. **Fostering Innovation and Economic Growth**: Enabling collaboration and enhancing domestic capacity to support national priorities, with governance and transparency practices that align with Canadian-approved standards to help protect sovereignty.
IBM’s longstanding commitment to Canada’s defence community is evident in its over 85 years of support for Canadian defence operations. With expertise in AI, quantum, cybersecurity, cloud, and systems integration, IBM’s Canada-based teams are well-equipped to meet evolving mission needs. By combining advanced technologies with secure collaboration and deep industry expertise, IBM is providing essential components to strengthen Canada’s defence capabilities today while building the foundation for mission-critical innovation in the future.
Deb Pimentel, President and General Manager of Technology at IBM Canada, and Scott Jones will discuss Canada’s innovation advantage at AccelerateGOV on December 9th. Attendees are also invited to visit the IBM booth to explore IBM Orchestrate and experience a unique blend of technology, speed, and precision.