The Canadian Armed Forces recently conducted a rigorous evaluation of nearly two dozen drone manufacturers at a remote site west of Ottawa. The purpose of the event, named RED COBALT Uncrewed Systems Accelerator 2026, was to explore various types of remote vehicles and establish partnerships with companies capable of swift adaptation.
According to Lt.-Gen. Darcy Molstad, head of the military’s joint forces command, the demonstration featured aerial, ground, and maritime drones, along with long-range precision strike systems. Twenty companies participated in the evaluation, with 18 of them being Canadian, at a test range in Killaloe, Hagarty, and Richards, Ont.
The selection criteria for participating companies emphasized Canadian ownership or partnerships, aligning with the federal government’s defense industrial strategy. While Canadian suppliers are known for their innovation, the experience and technology related to battlefield drones are predominantly concentrated in Ukraine and Eastern Europe.
Molstad expressed confidence in Canadian companies’ ability to meet military requirements and technological standards. He emphasized the need for agility in selected partners due to the rapid evolution of drone technology, particularly in regions like Ukraine where daily coding updates are essential.
The military’s specific focus areas include aerial reconnaissance and surveillance drones, ground drones capable of maneuvering through intricate terrains, and maritime platforms for surface and subsurface warfare. Additionally, they are seeking precision deep-strike capabilities similar to those utilized by Ukraine in attacking Russian oil facilities.
Despite a historical lag in adopting dedicated drone capabilities, the Canadian military recently signed a contract with General Atomics to procure 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardian (CQ-9B Guardian) long-range armed remotely piloted aircraft systems. Initial deliveries are expected to commence in 2028. Moreover, the military has acquired a fleet of 50 Teal 2 micro drones for local surveillance purposes over the past two years.
In a significant development, the federal government announced the construction of a $30 million military drone research and development facility in Mirabel, Que, last month, further underscoring their commitment to advancing drone technology and capabilities.
