RCN ISTAR PROGRAM
Short for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance, the RCN ISTAR program is meant to acquire UAVs to be launched from the RCN’s Halifax-class ships. The Canadian government also wants the option to operate ISTAR drones from Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS), Joint Support Ships (JSS), and Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC)/River-Class Destroyers (RCD) ships, as necessary.
The RCN ISTAR UAV program will provide the Navy with an unmanned embarked capability to provide near real-time, ISTAR information. This capability will provide critical over–the-horizon situational awareness and generate an operational advantage for commanders while minimizing the risk to the frigate or maritime helicopter in support of simple to multi-threat operations.
READ: MDA Space Awarded RCN-ISTAR Contract to Equip RCN’s Halifax Class Ships
Canada announced the award of two UAS contracts to MDA Space to equip the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN)’s Halifax-class ships with up to six state-of-the-art Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). The initial acquisition contract for two UAS is valued at approximately $39 million (including taxes) and the initial in-service support contract has an estimated value of $27 million (including taxes) for a period of five years and could be extended up to 20 years. These UAS will enhance the RCN’s ability to conduct long-range surveillance and targeting operations.
Schiebel S-100 Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS)
Schiebel has been selected by MDA Space, as part of the company’s contract award to equip the RCN’s Halifax-class ships with up to six CAMCOPTER® S-100 Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS).
Schiebel will provide the CAMCOPTER® S-100, a maritime-proven solution designed to fully meet the rigorous RCN’s Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) UAS requirements. As a Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) platform capable to operate day and night in all-weather conditions, it will deliver real-time ISTAR situational awareness out to 100 nautical miles from the ship. The system supports a comprehensive suite of maritime payloads, including Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors, Maritime Radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS), and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponder technology. The ISTAR UAS project will significantly enhance the RCN’s ability to detect and monitor potential maritime threats, both at home and abroad.
READ: UVAD Included in MDA Space Solutions for RCN’s ISTAR Program
UVAD Technologies Inc. (UVAD) announced that its wholly owned subsidiary UVA Dynamics Inc., has been selected by MDA Space Ltd., as part of the company’s contract award to equip the RCN’s Halifax-class ships with up to six new Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS).
READ: Arcfield Canada included in MDA Space Solution for RCN ISTAR Program
Arcfield Canada selected by MDA Space Ltd. to provide specialized airworthiness expertise to ensure that the UAS meets all Department of National Defence (DND) airworthiness requirements. This includes supporting the achievement of technical, operational, and investigative airworthiness clearances.
