The Canadian Armed Forces recently conducted a comprehensive evaluation of nearly twenty drone manufacturers at a remote site near Ottawa. This evaluation, known as 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 Canadian ownership or partnerships in line with the federal government’s defense industrial strategy.
The event, held at a test range in Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards, Ont., featured participation from twenty companies, with the majority being Canadian. Molstad expressed confidence in the ability of Canadian companies to meet the military’s technological requirements and adapt quickly to evolving drone technology. The military is particularly interested in aerial reconnaissance and surveillance drones, ground drones capable of navigating complex terrain, and maritime platforms for surface and subsurface warfare.
Moreover, the military is exploring precision deep-strike capabilities similar to those used by Ukraine in targeting Russian facilities. While the Canadian military has been slow in adopting dedicated drone capabilities, recent developments include a contract with General Atomics for MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones and the procurement of American-made Teal 2 micro drones. Additionally, plans for a $30-million military drone research and development facility in Mirabel, Que., were announced by the federal government last month.