Horizon Aircraft Ltd. (NASDAQ: HOVR) announced it has advanced the dual-use certification pathway for its hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, the Cavorite X7, through its partnership with Cert Center Canada.

The Toronto-based company has been working with Flight Centre of Excellence, operating as Cert Center Canada, which is Canada's only independent flight test and certification Design Approval Organization approved by Transport Canada. The partnership aims to integrate dual-use certification considerations into the aircraft's design from the initial stages.

"The dual-use certification pathway requires specific considerations such as design for compliance to applicable military and civilian standards as well as development testing and evaluation tailored to unique military operational scenarios," said Dr. John Maris, founder of Cert Center Canada.

The certification development comes as the Government of Canada prioritizes national security and sovereignty through procurement of Canadian aircraft and technologies, as outlined in its Defence Industrial Strategy launched in February 2026.

Horizon Aircraft Co-Founder and CEO Brandon Robinson said the partnership with Cert Center Canada will help ensure the company remains on track for dual-use certification. The company is developing what it describes as a hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft designed to fly most of its mission in traditional wing-borne flight.

Cert Center Canada specializes in flight test, certification, research and development, and emerging aerospace technology innovation for both civilian and defense aerospace markets. The organization provides end-to-end flight testing and certification solutions.

Horizon Aircraft intends to scale unit production to meet expected demand from regional operators, emergency service providers, and military customers upon successful completion of testing and certification of its full-scale aircraft.