The Canadian Armed Forces recently evaluated nearly twenty drone manufacturers at a remote site near Ottawa to explore various types of unmanned systems and potential partnerships with adaptable companies. The event, named RED COBALT Uncrewed Systems Accelerator 2026, 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, mentioned that twenty companies, with eighteen being Canadian, participated in the demonstration held in Killaloe, Hagarty, and Richards, Ontario.
One of the key selection criteria for participating companies was Canadian ownership or partnerships, aligning with the federal government’s defense industrial strategy. While Canadian suppliers are innovative, much of the advanced drone technology and operational expertise are concentrated in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Molstad expressed confidence in Canadian companies’ ability to meet military requirements and emphasized the need for agile partners due to the rapid evolution of drone technology.
The military is particularly interested in aerial reconnaissance and surveillance drones, ground drones capable of maneuvering challenging terrains, and maritime platforms for surface and subsurface warfare. Additionally, they are seeking precision deep-strike capabilities, similar to those utilized by Ukraine in targeting Russian oil facilities. Despite a delayed adoption of dedicated drone capabilities, the Canadian military recently secured a contract with General Atomics for the procurement of 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones, with delivery expected to begin in 2028. Additionally, the military has acquired a fleet of 50 Teal 2 micro drones for local surveillance and announced plans for a $30 million military drone research and development facility in Mirabel, Quebec.