The Canadian Armed Forces conducted a comprehensive evaluation of nearly twenty drone manufacturers on Wednesday at a remote site west of Ottawa, aiming to explore various types of unmanned vehicles and foster rapid adaptation through partnerships with capable companies.
Dubbed RED COBALT Uncrewed Systems Accelerator 2026, the event offered military personnel the opportunity to test a variety of aerial, ground, and maritime drones, along with long-range precision strike systems. Lt.-Gen. Darcy Molstad, overseeing the military’s joint forces command, highlighted the participation of twenty companies, with the majority being Canadian, at a test location in Killaloe, Hagarty, and Richards, Ont.
The selection criteria included a focus on Canadian ownership or partnerships, aligning with the federal government’s defense industrial strategy. While Canadian suppliers exhibit innovation, the practical experience and technology related to battlefield drones are predominantly concentrated in Ukraine and Eastern Europe.
Molstad expressed confidence in the ability of Canadian companies to meet military requirements and emphasized the importance of agility in chosen partners due to the rapid evolution of drone technology. The military’s specific needs include aerial reconnaissance and surveillance drones, ground drones capable of maneuvering complex terrain, maritime platforms for both surface and subsurface warfare, and precision deep-strike capability akin to Ukraine’s successful use against Russian targets.
Despite a historical lag in dedicated drone capabilities, the Canadian military is making strides. Notably, a contract was signed in 2023 with General Atomics for the procurement of 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardian (CQ-9B Guardian) long-range armed remotely piloted aircraft systems, expected for delivery from 2028 onwards. Additionally, the military recently acquired a fleet of 50 Teal 2 micro drones for local surveillance. The government’s commitment to advancing drone capabilities is underscored by the forthcoming construction of a $30 million military drone research and development facility in Mirabel, Quebec.