The age of uncrewed systems has arrived for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Canada’s defence industry. In this year’s CDR Uncrewed Systems Report, we detailed the CAF’s current and future uncrewed systems priorities and highlight what major Canadian defence companies are doing to address them.
CAF UNCREWED SYSTEMS REPORT
Here are the key uncrewed programs the CAF has underway across its services:
Uncrewed Aircraft Vehicles (UAVs) for Halifax-Class Ships (RCN ISTAR UAS): MDA Space has won two government contracts to provide Schiebel Camcopter S-100 drones to the Royal Canadian Navy. The S-100s will be equipped with a suite of advanced payloads, including the IMSAR NSP-5C Synthetic Aperture Radar and the Overwatch PT-6 Wide Area Search Optical Sensor, among others, offering robust surveillance and operational flexibility. (According to Schiebel, up to six S-100s will be purchased.)
Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Project (CQ-9B SkyGuardian): Now in the Implementation Phase, the CAF is acquiring a fleet of 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardian aircraft from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. The first Canadian-designated CQ-9B is slated for 2028, with Full Operational Capability (FOC) expected in 2033.
READ: Introducing the CQ-9B – Team SkyGuardian
Tactical UAS to Support F-35 Jets (Loyal Wingman Concept): “The RCAF is working with allies and industry to investigate acquiring an Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) to fly alongside the CF-35A,” Drescher Brown said. “The concept behind the aircraft is to send these less expensive, semi-autonomous, uncrewed aircraft into more dangerous areas to conduct missions.”
Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program’s Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (CUAS) Sandbox events: During these events, Canadian companies demonstrate their abilities to help the CAF defend itself against hostile drones.
Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (Army): “The Advanced Improvised Explosive Device Detection and Defeat (AIEDDD) major capital project is a CAF capability renewal initiative focused on enhancing Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operations,” said Drescher Brown. “Currently in the Definition phase, AIEDDD Phase 1 aims to replace aging Mini and Small Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (UGVs) with modern, remotely operated platforms equipped with stand-off detection and defeat tools.”
Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USV)/Uncrewed Subsurface Vehicles (USSV): The RCN is currently progressing a variety of major and minor capital projects related to USVs and USSV. Missions will include the collection of maritime domain awareness intelligence, naval mine counter measures (NMCM) operations, bottom object inspection, and hydrography work. “Regarding large USSV, the RCN, through the Uncrewed Underwater Surveillance System (UUSS) project is pursuing a near persistent underwater domain awareness capability for arctic and littoral waters,” Drescher Brown told CDR.
Looking ahead, “The Arctic Off-Shore Patrol Ship Uncrewed Aircraft System (AOPS UAS) Minor Capital Project will provide the RCN with an organic beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) air capability for the Harry DeWolf-class to enhance its Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capability,” said Drescher Brown. “[Meanwhile] The Land Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Modernization Project is enhancing the Canadian Army’s intelligence capabilities by integrating and digitizing its Command and Control (C2) systems and sensors, enabling seamless information sharing and operational planning across platforms and allies. It introduces modernized sensor technologies, including a CUAS capability and the Close Micro Uncrewed Aircraft System (MUAS) for mobile and light forces.”
Now that we know what the CAF’s uncrewed systems priorities are, it is time to look at what Canadian defence companies are doing to address them. Here’s what they had to tell us, in exclusive interviews with CDR.
FEATURING:
- CANADIAN UAVS
- GA-ASI
- GDMS-C
- KONGSBERG IN CANADA
- L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES
- MDA SPACE
- QINETIQ TARGET SYSTEMS
- SCHIEBEL
- VOLATUS AEROSPACE
