The Canadian Armed Forces recently conducted a rigorous evaluation of nearly twenty drone manufacturers in a remote location west of Ottawa. The purpose was to explore various types of unmanned vehicles and establish partnerships with adaptable companies. The event, dubbed RED COBALT Uncrewed Systems Accelerator 2026, allowed military personnel to test 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, with eighteen being Canadian, participated in the demonstration held in Killaloe, Hagarty, and Richards, Ont. A key criterion for selecting these companies was Canadian ownership or partnerships, aligning with the government’s defense industrial strategy. While Canadian suppliers are innovative, much of the cutting-edge drone technology and battlefield experience is concentrated in Ukraine and Eastern Europe.
Molstad expressed confidence in Canadian companies’ ability to meet military requirements, emphasizing the need for agility due to the rapid evolution of drone technology. The military is particularly interested in acquiring aerial reconnaissance, surveillance drones, ground drones for intricate terrains, and maritime platforms for surface and subsurface warfare. They are also exploring precision deep-strike capabilities, akin to Ukraine’s successful use in targeting Russian oil facilities.
Despite a delayed adoption, the Canadian military is now advancing its drone capabilities. Notably, a contract was signed in 2023 with General Atomics for the purchase of 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones, scheduled for delivery starting in 2028. Additionally, the military recently procured a fleet of 50 Teal 2 micro drones for local surveillance purposes. The federal government has further announced the development of a $30-million military drone research and development facility in Mirabel, Quebec.
This strategic move aligns with the military’s evolving needs and aspirations for enhanced unmanned systems capabilities.