Introduction
Canada and Israel maintain close cooperation in areas of Industry, Research and Development, Security and Military, and are collaborating around cyber technology development. Israel supplies Canada with a wide range of arms, including drones, radars, surveillance systems, prison security systems and cyber security.
Israel – Canada Relations
In 2021, trade between Canada and Israel totaled nearly $1.8 billion, reflecting strong economic ties supported by agreements like the Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Fund (CIIRDF) and the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA). These frameworks have driven collaboration in innovation, cybersecurity, and trade.[1]The Times of Israel, Canadian trade minister lauds ‘productive’ Israel trip, touts science, tech collab. 16.3.2022
The Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Fund (CIIRDF) The CIIRDF was established through a “Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Cooperation in Private Sector Industrial R & D Entered into by The Government of Israel and The Government of Canada” that was signed in August 1994 and was renewed in 2004. CIIRDF has financed more than 110 bilateral technology partnerships that engage more than 200 Canadian and Israeli companies,[2]CIIRDF Website, About page including arms companies like Aeronautics Groups and Elbit[3]CIIRDF Website, Compenies. It enabled the joint development of more than 60 products since 2000. A number of them focused on the development of cyber technologies.[4]GoC, Launch of Canada-Israel cybersecurity program for energy sector, 06.09.2018
Another important institutionalized framework for cooperation is provided by the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA), which is a goods-only based agreement and Canada’s only FTA with a partner outside the Western hemisphere.[5]Canadian and Israeli defense, industrial and homeland security ties The agreement was signed in 1996 and was amended in 2015. In 2018, an updated free trade agreement was signed, improving access to the Israeli market for Canadian companies.[6]The Times of Israel, Canadian trade minister lauds ‘productive’ Israel trip, touts science, tech collab. 16.3.2022 CIFTA applies to all areas under Israeli customs laws, potentially including the Occupied Palestinian Territories, unlike Israel’s FTA with the European Union, which excludes territories occupied in 1967.[7]The New Transparency, Canadian and Israeli Defense – Industrial and Homeland Security Ties: An Analysis, November 2008
In 2016, a delegation from Ontario traveled to Israel and signed agreements exceeding $100 million, primarily focused on cybersecurity, financial services, and information and communications technology.[8]Times of Israel, Ontario delegation signs business agreements in Tel Aviv, 19.06.2016
In 2021 and 2022, Canada continued to deepen its ties with Israel through high-level visits by the Minister of Foreign Affairs[9]Government of Canada, Minister Garneau concludes official visit with the Government of Israel, 04.07.2021 and the Minister of International Trade[10]Times of Israel, Canadian trade minister lauds ‘productive’ Israel trip, touts science, tech collab, 16.03.2022. These visits focused on enhancing technological and commercial partnerships, emphasizing collaboration in science, innovation, and trade.
Military Relations
Over the years, Israel and Canada have cultivated robust military and security relations, marked by significant arms deals, technological cooperation, and joint military exercises. A large amount of arms and security technologies have been supplied by Israel to Canada since 2021 (See Deal List).
The military and security ties between the states began to deepen under Prime Minister Paul Martin’s tenure (2003–2005). During that time a number of important mutual visits by Canadian and Israel security establishment representatives took place:
- Delegation from Canadian Space Agency (CSA) visited Israel and signed a “Technology and Science Cooperative Agreement” with the Israel Space Agency (ISA).
- More than 70 police-chiefs visited Israel in 2005.
- The Israeli Air Force took part in 2005 in Canada’s annual “Maple Flag” exercise.
A number of senior Canadian cabinet members visited Israel between 2006-2019 in order to attend specialized “security conferences”, among them: Foreign Affairs Minister, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency.[11]The New Transparency, Canadian and Israeli Defense – Industrial and Homeland Security Ties: An Analysis, November 2008
In 2008, the “Declaration of Intent on Public Safety” was signed in Tel Aviv by Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Israel’s Minister of Public Security. The agreement includes a commitment to share knowledge, expertise, and research, as well as to facilitate technical cooperation through education, training programs, and joint exercises.[12]CJPME, Canada-Israel ‘Public Safety’ Cooperation, May 2008[13]Government of Canada, Canada and Israel Sign Declaration to Cooperate on Public Safety, 23.03.2008
Since 2011, Israel has stationed a Defense Attaché in Ottawa, Canada, who represents the Israeli military and serves as a liaison to the Canadian Armed Forces. Canada also maintains its own Defense Attaché in Tel Aviv, Israel. In an Interview, Israel’s Defense attaché in 2019 said that “Israel defence industries sell to Canada an annual average of a little under US$100 million ($133 million) in military hardware, mostly radar and electronic warfare equipment”..[14]The Canadian Jewish News, Israeli defence attaché cultivates ties with Canadian military
In 2012 the Chief of General Staff of the Israeli Army, L.G. Benny Gantz, visited Canada and met his Canadian counterpart and discussed “the importance of strengthening the security cooperation between the two countries”.[15]IDF Chief of the General Staff Concludes Official Visit to Canada
In 2013 and 2016 Commanders of the Royal Canadian Air Force traveled to Israel and visited the Israeli Air Force. They visited different air bases, hold official meetings and witnessed different exercises.[16]RCAF Commander Visits Israel [17]Commander of Canadian Royal Air Force Visits Israel
Arms Deals:
Israel has supplied Canada with advanced military technologies, including radar systems, electronic warfare equipment, drones, and missiles (See Deal List). Israeli defense exports to Canada have averaged nearly $100 million annually.[18]The Canadian Jewish News, Israeli defence attaché cultivates ties with Canadian military
In 2020 Canada made a $36m deal with Elbit to purchase Hermes-900 drones for maritime activity in Canada’s Arctic. The Hermes 900 StarLiner, a civilian version of Elbit’s medium-altitude long-endurance military drones, will join Transport Canada National Aerial Surveillance Program aircraft fleet. It is expected to be delivered by December 2022. In addition to the drone itself, the $36.16‑million contract includes communication links, ground control stations, sensor packages, training and the optional purchase of spare parts.[19]Canada buys Israeli drone for Arctic maritime surveillance
In March 2022 Canada made a $8.6m deal with Elbit to purchase TORCH-X based Battle Management Application (BMA) for Canada‘s Airspace Coordination Centre Modernisation (ASCCM) Project.[20]Globes, Elbit to provide battle management system to Canada, 14.03.2022[21]Elbit Systems, Elbit Systems UK to Supply TORCH-X Battle Management Solution for Canada‘s Air Co-ordination Modernisation Project, 14.03.2022
In June 2022, Elbit Systems announced it had signed a MoU with Rheinmetall Canada for developing a solution for Canada’s Joint Fire Modernization (JFM) project.[22]Elbit, Rheinmetall Canada sign MOU for Canada’s Joint Fire Modernization Project
In November 2023 Canada made a deal with Elbit systems to purchase Direct Infrared Counter-Measures (DIRCM) and Infrared (IR) Missile Warning Systems for installation on the MRTT A330 refueling aircraft. The contract will be performed over a period of five years.[23]Israel Defense, Elbit Secures Contract to Equip Airbus MRTT A330s with Advanced DIRCM Suites for Canadian Defense, 28.11.2023
In December 2023 Canada made a $32m deal with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to purchase LR2 Spike anti-tank missiles for its troops in the Baltic country Latvia. The first of these systems is expected to arrive by mid-2024.[24]Government of Canada, Minister Blair announces measures to strengthen Canada’s military presence in Latvia, 15.12.2023[25]Defense News, Canadian NATO troops in Latvia get air-defense, anti-tank upgrades, 15/02/2024
According to Israeli media reports Israeli drone manufacturer Xtend is selling its products in Canada.[26]The Marker, The deal between Extend and the Ministry of Defense raises the question: An operational drone for 3,500 shekels — is it realistic?, 20.08.2025
In July 2026, Canada was listed as a Foreign Military Sales customer for Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System spare parts and repair services under a Pentagon contract involving Elbit Systems.[27]Defence Blog, Pentagon spends $333 million to keep fighter pilots’ helmets combat ready, 25.07.2026
Joint Ventures:
Israel and Canada have collaborated on several defense projects, supplying military equipment to third-party nations.
In 2013, General Dynamics Land Systems Canada secured contracts to produce light armored vehicles (LAVs) equipped with remote-controlled weapon stations developed by Rafael, an Israeli defense company. The vehicles were designated for the U.S. Marine Corps and Colombia.[28]Military Aerospace, General Dynamics to produce light armored vehicles for Marine Corps and Columbia, 16.01.2023
In 2020, Elbit Systems of Israel and Rheinmetall Canada Inc. were involved in a deal to supply Hungary with 11 ELM-2084 multi-mission radars. These systems, part of Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system, were procured by the Hungarian Defence Forces to enhance their operational capabilities. [29]Hungarian Conservative, New Israeli Multi-Mission Radar Spotted in Hungary, 27.03.2024
In 2022, CAE, a Canadian company, partnered with Elbit Systems to pursue Canada’s Land Vehicle Crew Training System (LVCTS) program. CAE acted as the prime contractor, while Elbit provided key vehicle training tools and technologies.[30]Canadian Defense Review, CAE & Elbit Systems to Pursue Canada’s Land Vehicle Crew Training System, 28.11.2022
Joint Training:
2022 – Israeli and Canadian Air Forces conducted together with other countries a joint training at the Palmachim Air Base in Israel and over the eastern Mediterranean Sea.[31]Israeli Air Force conducts joint training with different countries
2022 – Cyber divions of the armies of Israel, Canada, the U.S. the U.K and Australia held a joint cyber exercise in Israel called “TECHFLAG 2022”.[32]TechFlag 2022
2015 – Royal Canadian Air Force participated as observer in “Blue Flag”, Israel’s joint International Aerial Exercise.[33]RCAF Commander Visits Israel
2014 – Israel, the U.S and Canada held a joint aerial drill.[34]Israel, U.S., and Canada to Hold Joint Aerial Drill This Summer
2013 – Canadian and Israeli navies participated in joint training exercises in the Gulf of Aqaba. Israel used the Sa’ar 4.5-class missile boat (manufactured by Israel Shipyards Ltd.) for the training.[35]Canadian, Israeli navies team up for joint exercise
Arms Fairs:
CANSEC 2023 – Elbit[36]Vanguard Canada, Elbit Systems Showcases Solutions in Canada’s North at CANSEC 2023, 01.06.2023
IMCS 2021 – In 2021 Canada participated in the Israel Maritime Cybersecurity Summit 2021 in Tel Aviv, Israel.[37]IMCS 2021 Panel
CANSEC 2019 – Elbit
CANSEC 2018 – Elbit, Embassy of Israel
Cybertech 2016 – Israel organized a cyber tech fair in Canada in 2016.[38]Twitter, Amir Rapaport and Cybertech in Canada 31.10.2016
Cyber Relations
A number of CIIRDF projects have focused on the development of technologies relevant to the Homeland Security sector, including in the fields of surveillance and cutting-edge robotics. Israel companies that are involved in partnerships with Canadian companies: InfoWarp Systems, IAI Lahav, ODF Optronics, Visual Defence, Opteam X, Hi-G-Tek, A.G.M, Green Vision Systems, OzVision, NICE Systems.
In 2017 the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) concluded an agreement with Israel Advanced Technology Industries for their members to collaborate in areas of joint interest, including in cybersecurity.[39]IT World Canada, Canadian cyber security providers facing well-armed Israel competitors, 02.02.2017
In 2018 the Royal Bank of Canada invested $2 million in research at Ben Gurion University’s Cybersecurity Research Center.[40]Calalist Tech, Royal Bank of Canada Invests $2 Million in Israeli Academic Cybersecurity Research, 26.06.2018
In 2020, the Israeli company Corsight AI, that develops facial recognition technologies raised $5 million from Awz Ventures, a Canadian fund focused on intelligence and security technologies.[41]Corsight makes its industry debut with launch of global operations The president of Awz Ventures is Stephan Harper, former Canadian Prime Minister and big supporter of Israel.[42]Former Canadian PM promotes Israel investments Awz, founded by Yaron Ashkenazi, a former Israel Security Agency operative, specializes in investments in Israeli security startups, and manages over $100 million through two funds that it has launched. It invested in over 12 Israeli companies including Corsight, Pcysys, MinerEye, NanoLock, Octopus, Cervello, Assac, Valire, EnsureDR.[43]Former Canadian PM promotes Israel investments
According to reports, Vivian Bercovici, Canada’s former ambassador to Israel, worked for the Israeli intelligence firm Black Cube after her diplomatic tenure ended.[44]Former Canadian ambassador to Israel worked for Black Cube, an Israeli intelligence firm
In December 2022 Canadian and Israeli Cyber Force delegations made an official meeting in Canada.
In December 2025, the Edmonton Police Service in Canada conducted a trial of bodycam facial recognition technology provided by Corsight AI.[45]CBS, Edmonton police emails, documents provide new information on Canada-first AI facial recognition bodycam pilot, 13.04.2026
Usage of Israeli Arms
Heron UAV – In use by Royal Canadian Air Force, Used in Kandahar in Afghanistan since January 2009.[46]“The Israeli Heron UAV Helps Us Greatly in Afghanistan”
Skylark mini-UAV – In use be Royal Canadian Air Force. Designated: CU-168, 5 in service since 2006
EL/M-2084 multi-mission radar – in Canadian service since 2017
EL/M-2022A advanced surveillance sensors – are used on Canada’s C295 MSA Aircraft for the detection, localisation, classification and tracking of targets over water and land.
ELSAT 2100 SATCOM – In use of Canadian Armed Forces since 2014
SPS-65 RLWR – in use on CH146 Griffon helicopter, Royal Canadian Air Force.
Elbit’s Off board Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) Payload – supplied for the Hammerhead Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) as part of its Naval Off-Board Anti-Missile Active Decoy (NOMAD) Program.
Pegasus – according to Citizenlab, Pegasus infections were identified in Canada between 2016-2018.
UFED – Royal Canadian Mounted Police uses Cellebrite’s UFED to break into locked phones [47]When Canadian cops need to break into an encrypted cellphone, they use this technology
BriefCam – Police in Thundar Bay, Canada, acquired BriefCam’s software in 2021. The software will be integrated into Thunder Bay’s Eye on the Street program, an expansion of the city’s closed-circuit camera surveillance system approved in 2022.[48]BriefCam video search with limited facial recognition licensed by Canadian police force [49]Eye on the Street software upgrade uses AI to speed up searches in Thunder Bay
Typhoon naval gun system – The Typhoon system by Rafael is said to be integrated on Canadian Navy’s platforms.[53]Defence Blog, Rafael’s naval gun system reaches its 1,000th delivery, 29.07.2026