The Canadian Armed Forces recently conducted a comprehensive evaluation of nearly 20 drone manufacturers in a secluded area west of Ottawa. The purpose was to explore various types of unmanned systems and forge partnerships with companies capable of swift adaptations.
The event, named RED COBALT Uncrewed Systems Accelerator 2026, allowed military personnel to test 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 significance of the demonstration held in Killaloe, Hagarty, and Richards, Ont., with the participation of 20 companies, mostly Canadian.
Criteria for company selection emphasized Canadian ownership or collaborations, aligning with the federal government’s defense industrial strategy. While Canadian suppliers are known for innovation, substantial drone expertise and technology reside in Ukraine and Eastern Europe.
During an interview, Molstad expressed confidence in Canadian companies’ ability to meet military requirements, emphasizing the need for agile partners due to the rapid evolution of drone technology. The military is particularly interested in aerial reconnaissance, surveillance drones, ground drones for complex terrain navigation, and maritime platforms for surface and subsurface warfare.
Notably, the military is seeking precision deep-strike capability akin to Ukraine’s successful use in targeting Russian facilities. Despite a slow adoption of dedicated drone capabilities, the Canadian military is progressing, having recently secured contracts for long-range MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones and purchased a fleet of Teal 2 micro drones for surveillance purposes.
Furthermore, the government announced plans to establish a $30 million military drone research and development facility in Mirabel, Que., further solidifying Canada’s commitment to advancing drone technology.