The Canadian Armed Forces conducted a comprehensive evaluation of nearly twenty drone manufacturers on Wednesday in a secluded area west of Ottawa, seeking diverse types of unmanned systems and potential collaborations with adaptable companies. Known as RED COBALT Uncrewed Systems Accelerator 2026, the event 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, highlighted the participation of twenty companies, with a majority being Canadian, at a test site in Killaloe, Hagarty, and Richards, Ont.

The selection process prioritized Canadian ownership or partnerships, aligning with the federal government’s defense industrial strategy. While Canadian suppliers are innovative, the practical battlefield experience and technology for drones are concentrated in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Molstad expressed confidence in the ability of Canadian companies to meet military requirements, emphasizing the necessity for agile partners due to the rapid evolution of drone technology.

The military’s focus includes the acquisition of aerial reconnaissance, surveillance drones, ground drones for complex terrain navigation, and maritime platforms for surface and subsurface warfare. Additionally, there is interest in precision deep-strike capability, akin to Ukraine’s successful utilization against Russian oil facilities. Despite a delayed uptake, the Canadian military is moving towards dedicated drone capabilities, with recent acquisitions such as the MQ-9B SkyGuardian systems from General Atomics and the Teal 2 micro drones for local surveillance.

Furthermore, the government’s commitment to advancing drone technology is evident through the planned construction of a $30-million military drone research and development facility in Mirabel, Que. The ongoing efforts reflect a strategic approach to enhancing Canada’s unmanned systems capabilities in alignment with evolving defense needs.