World War II redefined Canadian industrial capabilities in flight training for nearly a century. Once again, we have a generational opportunity to show the world what we do best.Canada's contributions to World War II are etched in our collective memory as the sandy shores of Normandy, the cheering crowds at Utrecht and the tulips that line the Rideau Canal each Spring. Those images remind us of the sacrifices we made at a time when the world needed us most. As a young nation, we stood tall, dug deep, and fought alongside our allies to protect our values and national interest. In doing so, we not only contributed to victory in Europe, we also defined ourselves in the eyes of the world, set a course for prosperity for the next century, and hatched industrial capabilities that produced a legacy of Canadian jobs, skills, and expertise.While the United States brought its manufacturing might to tip the scales of history in the great wars of the last century, Canada too doubled down on what it did best. In addition to the sacrifices of the over 1 million Canadian men and women who served in uniform in World War II, Canada took on a major role in training pilots and aircrew for the air forces of Canada, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand through the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP). It was an outsized effort, with our young country punching well above its weight, coordinating over 151 locations spread over every province, and investing the majority of the $2.2 billion spent across the Commonwealth.  This herculean effort earned us high praise from then US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who famously declared Canada had become, “the aerodrome of democracy.”Since that time, our women and men in uniform and our diplomats have continued to make sacrifices in theatres around the world including in Libya, Afghanistan, Korea, and in operations like UNIFIER and NEON – all to keep us safe. All the while, Canada's economy has continued to advance; yet our industrial potential for military and industrial contributions to global security are relatively limited. In response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine, Canada quickly depleted what stores it had and is struggling to meet to the relentless need for armaments, ammunition, and supplies. The urgency has led to instances where Canadian dollars are being spent on technology like missiles and tanks not manufactured or engineered in Canada, in a manner that does nothing to maximize Canada's long-term contribution to global security, creates no jobs, and risks weakening an already stretched Canadian Armed Forces contending with its own crises of capability, recruitment and cultural change.While tanks and munitions are needed to win battles today, Canadian training, technology, and knowhow are what will help Europe win, rebuild, and contribute to global stability for generations to come.Luckily, like in  -- and thanks to -- 1939, Canada has a lot to contribute that goes well beyond munitions and heavy equipment. Now is the time to invest in our strengths and share them with the world on our terms.Conveniently, key sectors of our economy are already identified in Canada's Industrial Technological Benefits (ITB) policy as areas, like flight training and simulation, where: “Canada is globally competitive, and […] where domestic capacity is essential to national security.” To truly leave its mark, Canada needs to double down on its Key Industrial Capabilities (KICs) and share them with the world.Later this month, Canada will welcome the President of the United States on his first in-person visit. As we stare down the second year of Russia's illegal aggression and occupation in Ukraine, Air Force One will bring with it more than its typical symbolism and recommitment to friendship. It will represent an opportunity for Canada to make its mark on the global security dynamics and emerging world order well beyond the current crisis and the next. Just like Canada created the conditions necessary for victory in Europe in World War II, we can contribute meaningfully to peace and security in our time, by reclaiming the mantle as “the aerodrome of democracy.”France Hébert is Vice-President and General Manager, CAE Defence & Security (Canada).Daniel Lauzon is Director, Public Affairs and Policy, CAE Defence & Security (Canada), and former Chief of Staff to Canadian Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Economic Development.