On August 19, 2025, Canadian armored vehicle manufacturer Roshel and Swedish steel producer Swebor signed a strategic agreement in Stockholm to establish Canada’s first dedicated ballistic steel facility. According to Roshel, the project aims to close a longstanding gap in high-performance protective materials and represents a significant milestone in strengthening Canada’s defense industrial independence.
By combining Swedish technical know-how with Canadian resources, the partnership creates a new manufacturing capability with both national and transatlantic significance. The facility will focus on advanced ballistic steel, including high-hardness alloys, quenched and tempered plates, and armor-grade materials tested to NATO STANAG standards. Roshel stated that this move will make the company the first armored vehicle manufacturer globally to manage the full production cycle in-house, from raw steel to final vehicle assembly. This vertical integration enhances resilience in a sector where precision, durability, and rapid delivery are critical.
The facility’s intellectual property will be jointly owned, ensuring long-term collaboration and shared innovation between Canadian and Swedish partners. Roshel’s Senator series vehicles have built a strong international reputation, widely deployed by Ukrainian forces since Russia’s large-scale invasion in 2022. With over 1,800 vehicles delivered to Ukraine, including 1,500 produced at the Ontario plant in 2024 alone, Roshel has become a key industrial supporter for Kyiv.
The strategic impact of the new ballistic steel plant goes beyond production efficiency. Canada will reduce reliance on imported armor materials, enhancing supply chain security amid geopolitical risks. For Sweden, the partnership showcases how its industry can export expertise while strengthening ties with a NATO ally.
While project budget details remain undisclosed, the presence of Canadian officials such as Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Mélanie Joly and Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr at the signing highlights strong governmental support, framing the initiative as both an industrial and strategic investment.
By creating Canada’s first dedicated ballistic steel capability, Roshel and Swebor are reshaping North America’s defense industry. The project boosts economic security, supports skilled employment, and ensures operational independence in armored vehicle production. In a time of growing pressure on defense supply chains, this initiative represents a decisive step to anchor sovereignty and resilience at the heart of Canada’s defense sector.
