Vancouver Island Goes Global: Defence Opportunities from MSPO 2026

Canada was the lead nation at MSPO 2026 in Poland—one of Europe’s largest defence industry exhibitions. Kurt Salchert, Vice-President, Defence & Security at Shift Coastal Technologies, joins John Juricic to share what he learned representing Vancouver Island as part of Team Canada. With some 1,200 companies from 43 countries and 45,000 attendees, MSPO provided Canadian companies with access to European defence leaders, decision-makers and potential partners. Kurt discusses: • Why Canada’s lead-nation status mattered • The growing presence of B.C. and Western Canada • Opportunities for Vancouver Island manufacturers and technology companies • The role of the Trade Commissioner Service, PacifiCan, B.C. government and ABCDMI • How the new VIMEA–VIATEC alliance can help Island businesses navigate defence procurement • Why relationships—not simply watching RFPs—are essential to winning business The message for Vancouver Island companies is simple: the country does not stop at the Rockies. And for companies wondering how to enter the defence and dual-use market, building the right networks may be the best place to start. #Defence #Manufacturing #VancouverIsland #VIMEA #VIATEC #MSPO2026 #TeamCanada #DualUse #BCManufacturing #DefenceProcurement