The Canadian Armed Forces recently conducted a rigorous evaluation of nearly twenty drone manufacturers at a remote site near Ottawa. This event, named RED COBALT Uncrewed Systems Accelerator 2026, provided military personnel with the opportunity to test various types 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 importance of partnerships with companies that can swiftly adapt to evolving technology.
Out of the twenty participating companies at the demonstration in Killaloe, Hagarty, and Richards, Ontario, eighteen were Canadian. The selection criteria emphasized Canadian ownership or partnerships, in alignment with the federal government’s defense industrial strategy. While Canadian suppliers are known for innovation, significant drone technology advancements are concentrated in Ukraine and Eastern Europe.
Lt.-Gen. Molstad expressed confidence in Canadian companies’ ability to meet military requirements and keep pace with technological advancements. The military is particularly interested in aerial reconnaissance and surveillance drones, ground drones for complex terrains, and maritime platforms for surface and subsurface operations. Additionally, the military seeks precision, deep-strike capability similar to Ukraine’s tactics in targeting Russian facilities.
Despite a delayed adoption of dedicated drone capabilities, the Canadian military is making strides. In 2023, a contract was signed with General Atomics to acquire 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones, scheduled for delivery starting in 2028. Recent acquisitions include a fleet of 50 Teal 2 micro drones for local surveillance. The government’s investment in a $30 million military drone research and development facility in Mirabel, Quebec, underscores its commitment to advancing drone technology.
