The Canadian Armed Forces recently conducted a comprehensive assessment of nearly twenty drone manufacturers in a secluded area west of Ottawa. This evaluation, named RED COBALT Uncrewed Systems Accelerator 2026, allowed military personnel to test various types of aerial, ground, and maritime drones, along with long-range precision strike systems. Lt.-Gen. Darcy Molstad, overseeing the military’s joint forces command, mentioned that twenty companies, predominantly Canadian, participated in the demonstration at a test site in Killaloe, Hagarty, and Richards, Ont.
A key criterion for selecting participating companies was their Canadian ownership or partnerships, aligning with the federal government’s defense industrial strategy. While Canadian suppliers are known for their innovation, significant drone expertise and technology are concentrated in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Molstad expressed confidence in Canadian companies’ ability to meet military requirements, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in the rapidly evolving drone technology landscape.
The military’s specific focus is on acquiring aerial reconnaissance and surveillance drones, ground drones capable of navigating complex terrain, and maritime platforms for surface and subsurface warfare. Additionally, they are interested in precision deep-strike capabilities, similar to those utilized by Ukraine in targeting Russian oil facilities.
Despite a historical lack of dedicated drone capabilities, the Canadian military is now transitioning to incorporate advanced drone systems. In 2023, the government signed a contract with General Atomics for the procurement of 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones, with delivery expected to commence in 2028. Furthermore, the military recently acquired a fleet of 50 Teal 2 micro drones for local surveillance purposes. To enhance drone research and development, a $30-million facility is being constructed in Mirabel, Quebec.
Overall, the Canadian Armed Forces are actively exploring partnerships with drone manufacturers to enhance their operational capabilities and stay abreast of evolving technologies and tactics on the battlefield.