CANADA’S UNCREWED SYSTEMS REPORT
Canada’s Uncrewed Revolution
BY JAMES CARELESS
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’ll detail the CAF’s current and future uncrewed systems priorities and highlight what major Canadian defence companies are doing to address them.
Acquiring uncrewed systems is a top priority for the CAF, which “recognizes the increasing value of remotely operated weapons systems, such as small drones, in improving the effectiveness of its Forces for missions such as intelligence, surveillance, combat operations, logistics, engineering, security, and much more,” said Nick Drescher Brown, a spokesperson with the Department of National Defence (DND). “The CAF acknowledges that uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) now play an integral role in modern defence; the rapid evolution of these technologies has necessitated a significant shift in modern warfare tactics.”
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.
Canadian UAVs is the only company in Canada that has been federally authorized to
operate 24/7 BVLOS drone flights. In the defence sector, “we provide COCO (Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated) services for a wide range of UAVs to the Canadian Forces,” said John Molberg, Canadian UAVs’ Vice President of Military Programs. “We also build and supply the Sparrowhawk Radar, which is a low cost detect and avoidance radar system that can be used for base protection, and countering the UAV threats down range. Lastly, we sell Tasker Fleet – a complete management portal for coordinating and deploying the use of UAVs throughout their lifecycle.”
When it comes to the evolution of uncrewed systems, “the trend for decades has been embedding more technology into smaller drones,” Molberg told CDR. “The major innovations have been in power density, optics, and communications. With major advances in these areas, much smaller drones can take on more significant tasks. On-demand 3D printing of drones-for-purpose is also a major turning point in the dynamics of drone warfare. Ultimately, these innovations change the economics of war, where offensive weapons become much cheaper than defensive ones. It has yet to be played out how this changes warfare, but it will be significant.”
As for future CAF uncrewed systems projects? “We are focused on the AOPS (Arctic Off-Shore Patrol Ship) procurement of UAVs for the Arctic and beyond,” said Molberg. “We are also playing a role in the future of Land ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), which could include manned/unmanned teaming. Counter UAS (uncrewed aerial systems) is also a major area of growth.”
“Conflict is ultimately a human endeavor,” he added. “However, we will download the responsibility more and more to uncrewed systems. What remains to be seen is how that accountability changes our resistance or acceptance of conflict in the first place.”
The CAF’s purchase of 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardians is a major achievement for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). “MQ-9B is GA-ASI’s next-generation RPAS, delivering exceptionally long endurance and range in the most demanding weather, with auto takeoff and landing under SATCOM-only control, and will be able to operate over civilian airspace using the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system,” said Michel Lalumiere, GA-ASI’s International Strategic Development Director for Canada. “SkyGuardian RPAS is interoperable with Canada’s domestic missions and its continental defence missions through NORAD, as well as with Canada’s closest allies for missions abroad. It will seamlessly integrate with current and future Canadian defence, civil air, and ground assets.”
In addition to Canada, GA-ASI has contracts in place for MQ-9B with the United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, Poland, Japan, Taiwan, India and the U.S. Air Force’s Special Operations Command. The MQ-9B has also been featured in various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, RIMPAC and Group Sail.
The acceptance of RPAS aircraft is picking up around the globe. “Earlier this year, the United Kingdom granted Military Type Certification to its MQ-9B aircraft, which opens the door for flying in congested airspace,” Lalumiere told CDR. “We recently notched another historic first when in August this year, we began flight testing the new YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) for the U.S. Air Force. USAF is developing the CCA – an uncrewed fighter jet – to maintain its air superiority.”
Like the MQ-9B, GA-ASI’s YFQ-42A is designed to integrate seamlessly with current and next-generation crewed aircraft, to expand overall mission capabilities while ensuring continued air dominance. “Because the goal of these systems is to generate mass, we designed it for high-rate, affordable production,” said Lalumiere. “The U.S. Air Force is aiming to produce more than 1,000 CCAs quickly, which will help achieve that affordable mass we’re aiming to deliver.” For more information about the MQ-9B, turn to page 30.
General Dynamics Mission Systems—Canada (GDMS-C) is both an OEM and a subsystem provider for uncrewed platforms and systems. “Our ENVOY Remotely Piloted Helicopter is a NATO Class-2, heavy-lift and multi-role UAS that is well-suited to a broad spectrum of missions, including ISR, logistics, and communications support that can be deployed from ships or from shore-based operating sites,” said Andrew Carryer, the company’s Technical Director of Autonomous Systems. “This product is designed for naval and overland operations.”
GDMS-C has successfully demonstrated “our distributed ASW [Anti-Submarine Warfare] capability and the ability to launch kinetic effects from many uncrewed air platforms, while deploying various sonar technologies for USVs and towed arrays,” he told CDR. “General Dynamics has developed a variety of uncrewed maritime and land systems including Bluefin UUV [Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle], Knifefish autonomous UUV, GHOST USV, Multi-Utility Tactical Transport UGV, and ENVOY UAV. We have also supported various sonars and towed arrays for USVs.”
As for future CAF uncrewed systems procurements? “With the Canadian Coast Guard being integrated into the Department of National Defence, we see strong potential in leveraging Coast Guard platforms as motherships to deploy uncrewed systems — including surface, subsurface, and aerial — for extended maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance [ISR],” Carrier replied. “With pending amendments to the Oceans Act, and the growing need for expanded ISR in areas like the Arctic, there is a clear opportunity to deploy a set of uncrewed capabilities – from either Coast Guard or Navy vessels and provide real-time data to maritime operations centres through a tactical network. Using a model like GDMS-C’s DIGITALspine, the Coast Guard and Navy fleets could contribute significantly to continental defence.”
“There is no denying that the future is uncrewed,” he concluded. “More accurately, though, the future is going to be about rebalancing the force structure: Crewed, uncrewed, and autonomous platforms and systems working in concert.”
Kongsberg in Canada is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, which was originally founded in 1814. “Kongsberg in Canada represents the entire breadth of our defence solutions from sea floor to space that are developed both in Canada and in Norway for NATO customers worldwide,” said Jordan Freed, President of Kongsberg Geospatial (representing Kongsberg in Canada). Its activities include everything from the company’s BVLOS UAV flight operations systems to the HUGIN Superior Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) being built for the U.S. Navy, and Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASV) being developed for mine counter measures.
“In Canada, we are working to demonstrate how we can partner with the Canadian Armed Forces to address immediate and longer-term priorities including Arctic sovereignty and border security with safe and effective uncrewed operations that can be deployed reliably alongside other assets,” Freed told CDR. “We also deployed our Prosecutor Underwater ROVs in the 2025 CAF OP NANOOK in the High Arctic on an Arctic sovereignty operation.”
At present, Kongsberg in Canada is working on multiple developments that could provide uncrewed system capabilities to the CAF on land, at sea and in the air. “For example, at CANSEC earlier this year, we featured our Border Surveillance-As-A-Service collaboration with Volatus Aerospace that features our Made-in-Canada IRIS Terminal platform,” said Freed. “Part of our Ottawa-based team is currently in Portugal at REPMUS (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping using Maritime Uncrewed Systems), an annual experimentation exercise for uncrewed systems hosted by the Portuguese Navy, NATO and the University of Porto, co-organized with the European Defence Agency.” For more on the REPMUS exercise, turn to page 98.
L3Harris is actively supporting the CAF’s uncrewed systems initiatives in the air, on the ground, and on the sea.
“In the air, L3Harris provided WESCAM MX-20D EO/IR [Electro-Optical/Infrared] sensor systems to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. for Canada’s fleet of MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS),” said Richard Foster, Vice President of L3Harris Technologies Canada. “Canada’s fleet of MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS equipped with the WESCAM MX-20D will provide a significant advancement in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities across Canada’s vast and harsh territorial landscape and environments, including the Arctic.”
On the ground, L3Harris put its WESCAM MX-10 RSTA EO/IR imaging system to the test in Polaris’ MRZR X Uncrewed Ground Vehicle. This UGV was operated in tandem with Rheinmetall’s Mission Master CXT, which was equipped with a Dillon Aero Twin M134D Minigun Fire Support Module.
“In a real-world desert environment, the WESCAM MX-10 RSTA was able to track and identify drone targets first detected by the MRZR’ s integrated radar,” Foster told CDR. “Operators were able to control the MRZR and the EO/IR system and move the Mission master CXT to an effective position to engage and neutralize the threat. Whether targets are airborne or land-based, the WESCAM MX-10 RSTA can accurately identify and track each target.”
On the sea, L3Harris’ WESCAM MX-10 MS camera turret system has been configured to handle the turbulence of water-based operations on Uncrewed Surface Vessels. “An example of this integration is the WESCAM MX-10 MS aboard L3Harris’ Shadow Fox ASV (Autonomous Surface Vehicle),” said Foster. “WESCAM MX-Series turrets not only capture but seamlessly communicate full-motion video intelligence by integrating with leading maritime mission systems.”
As for counter-drone defence? “L3Harris already has established and proven counter-uncrewed systems such as VAMPIRE, CORVUS-RAVEN, Nimble Finch and Drone Guardian,” he concluded. “The new effort provides expanded and customized C-UxS offerings by combining existing solutions with other key battlefield technologies,”
As was noted above, MDA Space has been selected to equip the RCN’s Halifax-class ships with up to six Schiebel Camcopter S-100 drones, as part of the RCN ISTAR UAS program.
“Our company is also proud to support Team SkyGuardian on the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) program,” said Dr. Minda Suchan, MDA Space’s Vice President of Geointelligence.
Both of these CAF projects are major wins for MDA Space, which is a big believer in this technology. “Supporting essential intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, uncrewed systems are a critical element and enabler of the CAF in their mission to protect Canada’s sovereignty, ensuring Arctic security and supporting deployed operations,” Dr. Suchan told CDR. “With Canada’s enormous landmass, extensive coastlines, and large Arctic and Northern regions, ensuring situational awareness and surveillance across all our vast territory is difficult and inefficient with crewed systems alone. Uncrewed systems are a force multiplier that can help monitor remote and harsh environments more persistently, more cost-effectively, and with less need for or risk to personnel. They also offer the advantage of extending operational persistence, reach, and sensor coverage by providing platforms that can carry sensors, radars, EO/IR payloads, among others.”
READ: REPORT ON UNMANNED SYSTEMS – UAV UGV RPAS AUV UAS UUV UMS C-UAS
The CAF’s widespread adoption of uncrewed systems is occurring at the right time, she added. “Over the last couple of decades, uncrewed systems certainly have become an integral capability and component of modern defence, and they are helping to transform surveillance, deterrence and operational effectiveness,” said Dr. Suchan. “Moreover, UAS innovations in Ukraine have underlined the fact that uncrewed systems will continue to play an increasingly prominent role on the modern battlefield.”
As for MDA Space’s future plans with respect to the CAF’s future uncrewed systems procurements? “Without getting into detail, we see increasing opportunities on a range of programs for UAS and other capabilities,” Dr Suchan replied.
With over 45 years of experience to its name, QinetiQ Target Systems Canada (QTSC) is a proven provider of advanced uncrewed systems for the Canadian and global defence markets. “We specialize in the design, development, manufacturing, and operational support of uncrewed platforms, collaborating closely with Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), the CAF, and allied military forces worldwide,” said QTSC Managing Director, Corrie Dale. “We are the only defence company in Canada to have an uncrewed coast-to-coast domestic footprint, supported by a Canadian supply chain of more than 200 businesses, strengthening both national defence and the economy.”
QTSC’s product portfolio includes the Hammerhead Uncrewed Surface Vehicle – Target (USV-T), one of the most widely adopted naval training platforms globally; the Crewed and Uncrewed Barracuda; the Barracuda Missile Target; High-Speed Inflatable Towed Targets (HSITT); and the Multi-Role Autonomous Boat (MRAB). “The MRAB is Canada’s first Arctic-capable autonomous vessel, developed in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Defence Research and Development Canada – Atlantic (DRDC-A),” Dale told CDR. “QTSC also delivers a broad range of uncrewed aerial targets such as the Banshee Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle – Target, the Vindicator Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle – Target, the Snyper Uncrewed Helicopter Vehicle – Target (UHV-T), and the Rattler Supersonic Target (ST).”
For the CAF, QTSC is providing products and services in support of a variety of training missions. “This includes the use of MRAB, Hammerhead USV-T, Snyper UHV-T, and Vindicator UAV-T in naval training, as well as repair and overhaul services that extend system life and ensure operational availability,” said Dale. “We also provide training for operation and maintenance, ensuring CAF personnel can effectively operate and sustain the platforms.
We continue to develop the MRAB, which is now in Phase 3. This ongoing work highlights the trusted relationship between the CAF/DRDC-A and QTSC, with MRAB advancing Canada’s ability to field advanced crewed and uncrewed maritime capabilities.”
SCHIEBEL
As was mentioned earlier by DND spokesperson Nick Drescher Brown, Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100 drone has been selected for the RCN ISTAR UAS project. “Our flagship product, the Camcopter S-100, has been in operation for more than two decades and is in service with over 45 customers worldwide,” said Michael Neufingerl-Ille, Schiebel’s Sales Director. “It is particularly renowned for its maritime performance, integrating seamlessly with naval combat systems and delivering persistent ISR in some of the most challenging operational environments.”
Modern conflict has clearly shown that uncrewed systems are no longer complementary assets, he noted: they are now integral to defence operations. “For example, the Camcopter S-100 is routinely integrated into naval combat systems, ensuring that uncrewed platforms play a central role in operational decision-making,” said Neufingerl-Ille. “They provide commanders with enhanced situational awareness, resilience in contested environments, and new mission sets that extend well beyond traditional ISR.”
Having been selected by MDA Space for the RCN ISTAR project, Schiebel is hoping to find other sales opportunities in Canada. “Beyond the RCN ISTAR program, there is strong potential for uncrewed systems to support the CAF across all domains — from land-based surveillance to Arctic operations,” Neufingerl-Ille told CDR. “Globally, demand is rising for VTOL UAS with longer endurance and higher payload capacity, which is why Schiebel is also developing the Camcopter S-300. Growth will come through expanded fleet adoption, deeper integration into command-and-control networks, and the ability to support new mission sets such as logistics and environmental monitoring.”
In January 2025, Volatus Aerospace launched its “Surveillance as a Service” solution. It combines remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), autonomous drones, fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and ground-based sensors to monitor border areas with advanced EO/IR sensors. When integrated seamlessly into Kongsberg Geospatial’s IRIS Terminal, this data provides users with real-time situational awareness and decision support.
Volatus manages this coverage through 20 redundant operator stations at its Toronto Operations Control Center. “The facility functions similarly to an airline control tower for uncrewed systems,” said Rob Walker, the company’s Chief Commercial Officer. “From here, certified operators can oversee fleets spread across North America, track missions in real-time, and collect data feeds from a wide range of sensors. The control center is also designed for resilience: backup power, redundant communications, and layered cybersecurity protections ensure uninterrupted service even in the instance of a widespread blackout.”
Today, Volatus Aerospace is helping its military clients stand up their uncrewed systems, by aiding them with drone, sensor, and infrastructure development/procurement and operational/flight training. “We provide critical skills training in applications, such as mapping and thermography, in addition to flight training and certification,” said Walker.
As for the Canadian defence market? “The growth opportunity is to leverage the robust civil drone industry within Canada to meet the growing operational needs of the CAF,” he told CDR. As such, “We are targeting projects that are looking to deploy multi-platform/multi-layered drone surveillance/overwatch programs to support border security and Canadian sovereignty, leveraging remote operation control centres to streamline, centralize, and scale drone operations domestically by placing all operations within a single secure hub. The goal being to initially provide a secure service that would lead to a full hand off, providing the CAF with a robust infrastructure for surveillance and overwatch.”
James Careless is CDR’s Ottawa Bureau Chief
