MDA SPACE SELECTED BY MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY FOR SHIELD PROGRAM
Press Release + Noah Note
January 8, 2026 (BRAMPTON, ON) – MDA Space Ltd. (TSX:MDA), a trusted mission partner to the rapidly expanding global space industry, today announced it has received an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract from the Missile Defense Agency for the Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) program.
This contract award positions MDA Space to bid on future tasks and services that support the expansive US defence initiative, which covers a broad range of work to strengthen defence against threats from land, sea, air, cyberspace, and space.
“As a long-time trusted mission partner to space and defence organizations worldwide, MDA Space is committed to delivering mission-critical solutions and strategic operational capabilities,” said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. “Our selection for the Missile Defense Agency SHIELD IDIQ is a recognition of the technology, talent and expertise MDA Space offers to meet defence, security and sovereignty requirements.”
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains certain statements that may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements"), including the MDA Space’s qualification to bid on future tasks and programs and the scope of the applicable IDIQ. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by MDA Space in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of MDA Space to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including without limitation the risks and uncertainties detailed under the "Risk Factors" section of MDA Space’s annual information form dated March 7, 2025.
Although MDA Space believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect and there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with the forward-looking statements. There are a number of additional risks and uncertainties affecting or that could affect MDA Space, which could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those described in, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, MDA Space is not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
ABOUT MDA SPACE
Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 3,800 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there. For more information, visit mda.space.
Noah Note: MDA secures its spot on the SHIELD roster. Hardly surprising given the company’s noted capabilities and the administration's seeming obsession with space-based assets. MDA had been leveraging hard to get on, and while this does not guarantee future contracts, it does give them the opportunity to at least participate.
Over 2,100 firms have now been qualified to participate in future SHIELD contracts. Some might consider that fairly broad and so of little importance; however, it's best to remember that SHIELD is a wide-scale initiative with dozens of potential projects related to Space-Based Infrastructure, Constellations, Ground-Based Sensors, Aircraft, Unmanned Systems, Construction, etc., all under its belt.
So yes, there are many firms participating; however, it is for good reason. From here, qualified firms will have the opportunity to participate in potential future contracts. As of right now, no contracts have been awarded; however, with the U.S. government designating SHIELD as a priority project, we should expect to see some movement soon.
Telesat is also trying to get onto SHIELD. As of right now, Canada has yet to join the wider Golden Dome initiative that SHIELD is part of. While officials have been discussing the possibility and trying to clarify where Canada might participate, there has been no solid commitment to participating.
Canada is already engaged in its own study on the future of Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) through the RCAF's Canadian Shield Initiative as outlined in Our North Strong & Free. That study is currently ongoing with the express goal of creating a wider IAMD strategy after the end of the Federal Government's longstanding policy against Ballistic Missile Defence.
As of right now, I can't say much on Canadian Shield other than that it is an ongoing study. Hopefully, by the end of the year, we have some more concrete details. All I can say is that the current outlook is very much looking at Golden Dome and taking note of just how similar our concept aligns.
While it is unlikely that Canada would participate 100%, it is very likely that a focus on commonality and select alignment/participation will be dominant in this discussion. Obviously, Canada and the United States already try to align on capabilities, doubly so for things related to Continental Defence.
Canada will still maintain its own constellations, Ground-Based Sensor Systems, and Interceptors (which many people don't seem to know fall outside NORAD), even if participating in Golden Dome to some extent. While there will likely be alignment and potential for joint procurements, I don't think it will be under the purview of a fully integrated, shared Golden Dome.
That's just me, though. I expect participation to be more on alignment and specific capabilities rather than building a joint network. Canada already has its own space-based plans that we've talked extensively about over the last few months. You can find that here, here, here, and especially here. It's actually very impressive what we are planning. I should compile it soon.
Yes, let’s keep our systems separate and firewalled.