Aegis Critical Energy Defence Corp. and Malahat Energy Systems Complete Registrations to Participate in Canadian Federal and Provincial Procurement Opportunities

CSE: QESS | OTCQB: QESSF | FSE: JG6

Overview

Aegis Critical Energy Defence Corp. ("Aegis" or the "Company") announced that it has completed a series of procurement, supplier and portal registrations across multiple Canadian jurisdictions, according to the company. These registrations enable Aegis and its Indigenous-led partner, Malahat Energy Systems Inc. ("Malahat Energy"), to participate in government contracts for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous opportunities, with a key focus on the defence sector, the company stated.

According to the company, Aegis is focused on Canada's North and the federal government's commitment to improving infrastructure in the Arctic to protect Canada's sovereignty. The release notes that in 2026, Prime Minister Carney stated: "We are taking full responsibility for our security and sovereignty in the Arctic."

Key Highlights

Malahat Energy Systems Inc. has completed registration with MERX, a pan-Canadian electronic procurement platform used by federal, provincial and municipal buyers to post opportunities and receive supplier responses, according to the company.
Malahat Energy Systems Inc. has completed additional procurement program registrations and supplier qualification processes to support participation in relevant procurement processes across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario, as previously announced by the company.
Aegis Critical Energy Defence Corp. and Malahat Energy Systems Inc. have established Business BCeID accounts, providing access to British Columbia's online government services, including BC Bid, the province's electronic procurement system.
Aegis Critical Energy Defence Corp. and Malahat Energy Systems Inc. have completed organization registration with Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and are progressing through the applicable Participation Agreement process.
Malahat Energy is a designated Indigenous business, is a member of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB), and is listed in the Indigenous Business Directory, according to the company.

The company stated that these registrations are administrative in nature and do not yet represent project awards, purchase commitments or future revenue. However, according to the company, they position Aegis and Malahat Energy as battery energy storage system suppliers across multiple provinces, which is often a pre-condition to submitting proposals for public-sector projects.

Strategic/Operational Context

According to the company, the Government of Canada's official 2026-27 Departmental Plan for National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces outlines a $51.7 billion plan that distributes funding across eight core responsibilities:

Ready Forces: $14.6 billion
Procurement of Capabilities: $12.8 billion
Sustainable Bases & IT Infrastructure: $7.28 billion
Defence Team (personnel): $5.38 billion
Operations: $5.0 billion
Marine Operations & Response: $3.65 billion
Future Force Design: $1.45 billion
Internal Services: $1.22 billion

"Aegis and Malahat are focused on the North and Canada's investments in its forward bases and see these budget allocations as aligned with Canada's modernization priorities: Arctic sovereignty, continental defence, cyber capabilities and force readiness," as noted by David Parry of Malahat Energy Systems.

Aegis is a minority shareholder of Malahat Energy Systems Inc., an Indigenous-led company majority owned by the Malahat Nation, according to the company. This positions the partnership to participate in procurements that include Indigenous participation targets and criteria, the company stated.

"Achieving certified Indigenous supplier status and securing registration on MERX, BC Bid, IESO, and other procurement portals is a major milestone for Aegis and Malahat. With technology-ready systems already performing in the field and now eligible for government acquisition, we are positioned to participate meaningfully in upcoming defence programs. Canada's $150 billion defence commitment over the next five years includes a mandated 5% Indigenous participation requirement, representing roughly $7.5 billion in opportunities for qualified Indigenous suppliers. Malahat is now directly aligned to compete for that work," says Chris McGillivray, Vice President Client Relations.

Aegis and Malahat Energy offer a portfolio of battery energy storage systems designed for demanding environments and mission-critical uses, including the PWR-FLEX 261Q, Tough Bhoy, and a 5 MWh Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage System, according to the company. These systems are engineered for commercial and industrial facilities in Canada's North, as well as for utilities, mining operations, telecommunications, defence installations, remote communities and other critical infrastructure, the company stated.

Aegis and Malahat Energy Systems continue business development activities with utilities, EPC contractors, project developers, electrical distributors, Indigenous communities, commercial and industrial customers, and technology partners regarding battery energy storage opportunities in Canada, according to the company. These activities are intended to support the company's ongoing proactive engagement and potential participation in procurement and project opportunities.

What to Watch Next

Progress through the applicable Participation Agreement process with Ontario's IESO, as noted by the company.
Continued business development activities with utilities, EPC contractors, project developers, electrical distributors, Indigenous communities, commercial and industrial customers, and technology partners regarding battery energy storage opportunities in Canada.
Potential participation in procurement and project opportunities across the jurisdictions where registrations have been completed.

About Malahat Energy Systems Inc.

Malahat Energy Systems Inc. is an Indigenous-led enterprise affiliated with the Malahat Nation, will play a leading role in system development, manufacturing, and Indigenous participation across defence and clean energy. For more information, visit www.malahatenergysystems.com.

About Aegis Critical Energy Defence Corp.

Aegis Critical Energy Defence Corp. (CSE: QESS) (OTCQB: QESSF) (FSE: JG6) is a Canadian-based energy technology company focused on the development of secure and resilient energy systems for critical infrastructure. The Company's integrated platform combines advanced energy storage, hybrid and distributed generation systems, intelligent control architectures and cybersecurity to deliver high-reliability solutions for applications across defence, marine, remote and industrial sectors. For more information, visit www.aegiscriticalenergy.com.

Read full press release here.

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