The Canadian Armed Forces recently conducted a comprehensive evaluation of nearly 20 drone manufacturers at a remote site near Ottawa to explore various types of unmanned vehicles and potential partnerships with adaptable companies. The event, referred to as RED COBALT Uncrewed Systems Accelerator 2026, allowed military personnel to test aerial, ground, and maritime drones, along with long-range precision strike systems. Lt.-Gen. Darcy Molstad, overseeing the military’s joint forces command, highlighted the participation of 20 companies, with 18 being Canadian, at the demonstration held in Killaloe, Hagarty, and Richards, Ontario.
Criteria for company selection emphasized Canadian ownership or partnerships, aligning with the federal government’s defense industrial strategy. While Canadian suppliers are known for innovation, the practical battlefield drone expertise and technology are concentrated in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Molstad expressed confidence in Canadian companies’ ability to meet military requirements, emphasizing the need for agile partners due to the rapid evolution of drone technology.
The military’s specific focus includes aerial reconnaissance and surveillance drones, ground drones for complex terrain navigation, and maritime platforms for surface and subsurface warfare. Additionally, they are seeking precision deep-strike capability, akin to Ukraine’s successful use against Russian targets. Despite the evolving battlefield landscape, the Canadian military has been slow in adopting dedicated drone capabilities, with limited deployments of surveillance drones, including leased assets during the Afghanistan conflict.
In 2023, the federal government finalized a deal with General Atomics for the procurement of 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones, set for delivery from 2028. In recent years, the military acquired a fleet of 50 Teal 2 micro drones from the U.S. for local surveillance. Furthermore, plans are underway for a $30 million military drone research and development facility in Mirabel, Quebec, aiming to bolster Canada’s drone capabilities.
The ongoing efforts underscore the importance of advancing Canada’s drone technology and operational readiness in alignment with global trends and security challenges.