The Canadian Armed Forces recently conducted a comprehensive evaluation of nearly 20 drone manufacturers at a remote site near Ottawa. The event, named RED COBALT Uncrewed Systems Accelerator 2026, allowed military personnel to test various types of drones, including aerial, ground, and maritime models, along with long-range precision strike systems. Lt.-Gen. Darcy Molstad, overseeing the military’s joint forces command, highlighted the importance of quickly adaptable partnerships in the drone industry.

Of the participating companies, 20 in total, 18 were Canadian-based, showcasing a preference for Canadian ownership or collaborations in line with the government’s defense industrial strategy. While Canadian suppliers are known for innovation, the practical drone experience and technology are more concentrated in Ukraine and Eastern Europe.

Molstad expressed confidence in Canadian companies’ ability to meet military requirements, emphasizing the necessity for agile partners due to the rapid evolution of drone technology. The military is particularly interested in reconnaissance and surveillance drones, versatile ground drones, and maritime platforms for both surface and subsurface operations. Additionally, they are exploring precision deep-strike capabilities, similar to Ukraine’s successful use against Russian targets.

Despite a delayed adoption of drone capabilities, the Canadian military is making strides with recent acquisitions such as the MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones from General Atomics and the Teal 2 micro drones for surveillance. The government’s commitment includes plans for a $30 million military drone research and development facility in Mirabel, Quebec, further enhancing Canada’s drone capabilities.