Canada is interested in obtaining information and feedback on Loitering Munitions (LM) systems that can achieve effective ranges 10 km and greater. LMs are being investigated to satisfy an urgent operational requirement (UOR) as a possible mechanism to provide a long-range precision strike capability beyond 40 km (approximate limits of M777 with precision munitions), as well as providing front line manoeuvre forces with a beyond line-of-sight solution to acquire targets and defeat threats on the battlefield.

For longer range systems, the Canadian Army LM requirement could see weapon systems deployed and commanded in a battery force structure, comprised of multiple weapon systems, a command post, local defence/self-protection capabilities, and integral fighting echelon of combat service support.

Canada is currently looking to replace its stock of loitering munitions. In a recent interview with CDR, Canada’s Army Commander, Lieutenant-General Jocelyn Paul, said “When it comes down to loitering munitions, the focus right now is specifically on Latvia because we need to bring these pieces of ordinance into the theatre. Read that full interview HERE.

READ MORE: CANADIAN ARMY – Army Modernization

LOITERING MUNITIONS:

Canada’s military, after observing the Russia-Ukraine war for almost two years, must fully appreciate the importance of and procure large amounts of loitering munitions. The continuous supply of U.S. Switchblades and Phoenix Ghosts to Ukraine has been nothing short of critical in destroying Russian armoured forces and hampering Moscow’s general advance.Furthermore, from a tactical point of view, the benefits of these weapons are not only that they are small and therefore more difficult to shoot down, but that they can easily engage beyond line-of-sight ground targets such as entrenched soldiers or high-value, mobile air defence radars and missile launchers with great accuracy. Additionally, their compact size allows for soldiers to potentially carry several of them, significantly magnifying the firepower of an infantry unit. This interesting combination of characteristics and capabilities of loitering munitions in addition to their cheap prices should be especially appealing to a country like Canada which does not spend much on defence and has a small army. Frankly, these weapons would give the CAF the most ‘bang for the buck’ as they can be procured in massive amounts and be utilized in highly effective mass attacks which can overwhelm even the most advanced GBAD systems and cause significant combat damage. Such ordinance is already available to Canada if it is willing to invest in this emerging capability and includes U.S. Switchblades, Phoenix Ghosts, and Locusts, as well as Israel’s Harpy loitering munition.