The Canadian Armed Forces recently conducted a test of nearly 20 drone manufacturers at a remote site near Ottawa, seeking diverse types of unmanned vehicles and potential partnerships with adaptable companies. The event, named RED COBALT Uncrewed Systems Accelerator 2026, allowed military personnel to explore 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 the participating companies, including 18 Canadian firms, showcased their capabilities at a testing range in Killaloe, Hagarty, and Richards, Ontario.
The selection criteria for the event emphasized Canadian ownership or collaborations, aligning with the federal government’s defense industrial strategy. While Canadian suppliers are known for innovation, the practical experience and technology related to battlefield drones are predominantly found in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Molstad expressed confidence in Canadian companies’ ability to meet military requirements, highlighting the need for agile partners due to the rapid evolution of drone technology.
The military is particularly interested in acquiring aerial reconnaissance and surveillance drones, ground drones with advanced navigation capabilities, and maritime platforms for surface and subsurface warfare. Additionally, they are exploring 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 has taken steps to enhance its drone fleet, including procuring MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones and investing in a new military drone research and development facility in Quebec.
