The Canadian Armed Forces recently conducted a comprehensive evaluation of nearly twenty drone manufacturers at a remote site near Ottawa to explore various unmanned systems and potential collaborations with adaptable companies. The event, known as RED COBALT Uncrewed Systems Accelerator 2026, provided military personnel with hands-on experience testing aerial, ground, and maritime drones, along with long-range precision strike systems. Lt.-Gen. Darcy Molstad, overseeing the military’s joint forces command, highlighted that twenty companies, with the majority being Canadian, participated in the demonstration held in Killaloe, Hagarty, and Richards, Ont.
Emphasizing Canadian ownership or partnerships, a key factor in selecting participating companies aligns with the federal government’s defense industrial strategy. While Canadian suppliers showcase innovation, the practical drone expertise and technology are concentrated in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Molstad expressed confidence in Canadian companies’ ability to meet military requirements, stressing the need for agile partners due to the rapid evolution of drone technology.
The military’s specific interests include aerial reconnaissance and surveillance drones, ground drones capable of maneuvering through challenging terrain, and maritime platforms for surface and subsurface warfare. Additionally, there is a focus on acquiring precision deep-strike capabilities similar to those effectively utilized by Ukraine in targeting Russian oil facilities. Despite a delayed adoption of dedicated drone capabilities, the Canadian military has taken steps, such as signing a contract with General Atomics in 2023 for MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones and procuring micro drones for surveillance purposes.
The federal government’s commitment to enhancing drone capabilities is further evident through the planned construction of a $30-million military drone research and development facility in Mirabel, Quebec. This investment underscores Canada’s strategic efforts to bolster its defense capabilities through advanced unmanned systems technology.