The Canadian Armed Forces recently conducted a comprehensive evaluation of nearly twenty drone manufacturers at a remote site west of Ottawa. This assessment, named RED COBALT Uncrewed Systems Accelerator 2026, provided military personnel with the opportunity to test various 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 seeking partnerships with companies capable of swift adaptation.
Among the participating companies, twenty in total, with eighteen being Canadian, showcased their capabilities at a test range in Killaloe, Hagarty, and Richards, Ont. The selection criteria emphasized Canadian ownership or partnerships, aligning with the federal government’s defense industrial strategy. While Canada boasts innovative domestic suppliers, significant drone expertise and technology are concentrated in Ukraine and Eastern Europe.
In an interview, Molstad expressed confidence in Canadian firms’ ability to meet military requirements, emphasizing the need for agile partners due to the rapid evolution of drone technology. The military’s focus includes reconnaissance and surveillance drones, ground drones for complex terrains, and maritime platforms for surface and subsurface warfare. Additionally, they are exploring precision deep-strike capabilities, akin to Ukraine’s successful use in targeting Russian oil facilities.
Despite a delayed adoption of dedicated drone capabilities, the Canadian military recently finalized a contract with General Atomics for 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones, scheduled for delivery from 2028 onwards. Notably, the military procured a fleet of 50 Teal 2 micro drones for local surveillance. The government also announced plans for a $30 million military drone research and development facility in Mirabel, Que., further enhancing Canada’s drone capabilities.
The event underscores the military’s commitment to advancing drone technology and fostering partnerships with innovative Canadian companies to enhance national defense capabilities.