A Canadian company assigned to provide the Royal Navy with unmanned aerial vehicles
The Royal Canadian Navy is set to enhance its maritime surveillance capabilities with the introduction of advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS), as part of the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (ISTAR-UAS) project.
Two contracts have been awarded to Canadian firm MDA Space, valued at approximately $39 million (including taxes) for the acquisition of the first two drones, with an option to purchase an additional four. The contracts also include a five-year in-service support contract, estimated at $27 million (including taxes), with the potential to extend the service period up to 20 years.
These UAS, designed for maritime surveillance, will be used on the Navy's Halifax-class ships. The equipment will provide long-range surveillance, targeting, and reconnaissance capabilities, improving situational awareness and threat detection both domestically and internationally.
Key technical details include the requirement for vertical take-off and landing, a range of at least 50 nautical miles, and the ability to operate day and night under challenging weather conditions.
The operational timeline is as follows: - Initial operational capability starting in 2028 - Full operational capability expected by 2032
This project marks the first time the Royal Canadian Navy will operate and support a Class-2 UAS. It is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Canada, contributing around $18 million annually to GDP and supporting 145 jobs yearly over 20 years.
The Department of National Defence has announced that this equipment will significantly enhance maritime surveillance capabilities at long range. The federal government is working with MDA Space to improve maritime surveillance capabilities for the Royal Canadian Navy, as part of a larger effort to enhance the Navy's overall capabilities.
In summary, this initiative significantly advances the Halifax-class ships' intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance functions through Canadian-developed drone technology, with a clear timeline and substantial government investment.
[1] Ottawa awards contracts to MDA Space for advanced drone technology for the Royal Canadian Navy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mdaspace.com/news/ottawa-awards-contracts-to-mda-space-for-advanced-drone-technology-for-the-royal-canadian-navy
[2] Canadian government invests $66 million in drone technology for the Royal Canadian Navy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.naval-technology.com/features/canadian-government-invests-66-million-in-drone-technology-for-the-royal-canadian-navy/
[3] Royal Canadian Navy to operate advanced drone technology for maritime surveillance. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.military-today.com/navies/royal_canadian_navy_unmanned_aerial_systems.htm
[4] Canadian firm MDA Space to supply advanced drone technology to the Royal Canadian Navy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/article163314.html
[5] Canada invests in drone technology for the Royal Canadian Navy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2021/04/canada-invests-in-drone-technology-for-the-royal-canadian-navy.html
- The investment of approximately $66 million in drone technology by the Canadian government highlights the importance of the aerospace industry and technology in enhancing the Royal Canadian Navy's capabilities in finance and the defense sector.
- The Royal Canadian Navy's acquisition of advanced drone technology under the ISTAR-UAS project showcases the integration of unmanned aerial systems in the industry, notably in the maritime surveillance sector, and underscores the significance of these systems in the future of finance, economy, and defense.
