CAE is set to partner with ADM to develop the YMX Control Centre, which will support the testing and integration of autonomous aircraft and drone operations in a real airport environment. The centre will form a key part of Uncrewed Systems Defence Innovation Secure Hub (UxS DISH), recently announced by the Government of Canada at the Espace Aero Aerospace Innovation Zone in YMX.
The agreement enables CAE to design the YMX Control Centre by defining its digital infrastructure and operational framework, whilst the company will apply its systems integration expertise and simulation technologies to create a test environment for developing, validating and transitioning autonomous aviation technologies into operational use.
“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. He adds, “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.”
The facility is intended to enable simultaneous full-scale operations of crewed aircraft and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), addressing the current separation of aircraft and drone operations caused by safety and regulatory requirements. According to the partners, the centre will provide a secure environment where government agencies, industry and research organisations can evaluate advanced autonomous systems under realistic airport operating conditions.
“YMX is built for this kind of ambition,” said Yves Beauchamp, President and CEO, ADM Aéroports de Montréal. He further highlights, “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.”
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The project, located within the Montréal Aerospace Innovation Zone, is expected to support long-term growth in Canada’s aerospace and defence sector by providing opportunities for technology demonstration, capability development and future operational deployment of autonomous aviation systems.
“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 of Aero Montreal & Espace Aero.
