Ontario-based armoured vehicle maker Roshel has joined forces with Swedish steel producer Swebor to establish Canada’s first dedicated facility for ballistic-grade steel production — a move hailed as a major step toward strengthening the country’s defence industry and supply chain resilience.
The agreement was signed in Sweden during Canadian Industry Minister Mélanie Joly’s visit aimed at attracting investment to tariff-hit sectors and reinforcing Canada’s defense industrial base.
Ballistic steel, a lightweight but hardened steel capable of withstanding blasts and bullets, is critical for military and security applications. Until now, Canada has relied on imports to meet its needs.
“This project goes beyond steel — it is about establishing industrial sovereignty,” said Roshel CEO Roman Shimonov. “By producing ballistic steel domestically, we are reducing a critical dependency, securing our supply chains, and laying the foundation for long-term resilience in defence and manufacturing.”
Valued at C$100 million ($72.2 million), the project will unfold in multiple phases and leverage Canada’s iron ore resources alongside Swedish expertise. Roshel says the initiative will create good-paying jobs, support local supplier networks, and drive innovation in related industries.
Minister Joly praised the deal, calling it proof of Canada’s ability to integrate “from mined iron ore to domestic steel production to advanced manufacturing.” She added: “It’s creating jobs and reinforcing our economic security. At this pivotal moment of global transformation, we’re working with industry and European partners to build a stronger, more resilient economy.”
Roshel noted that while Canada already produces various types of steel, this will be the first facility fully dedicated to ballistic-grade production — marking a strategically important milestone for the nation’s defence sector.