Canada Orders MQ-9B SkyGuardian Drones

The Government of Canada has officially entered into a contract to procure a fleet of MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI).

The comprehensive order encompasses the acquisition of Certified Ground Control Stations and associated support equipment from GA-ASI, with the anticipated commencement of deliveries in 2028.

The MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS is designed to be interoperable with Canada's domestic and continental defense missions through NORAD. Additionally, it is configured for seamless integration with Canada's closest allies, including the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY) and NATO, enhancing compatibility with current and future Canadian defense, civil air, and ground assets.

According to Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASI, the vast territory and complex terrains of Canada, including the Arctic, necessitate a cost-effective multi-mission RPAS solution. The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is positioned to meet these requirements, offering long endurance on station, the ability to operate in harsh weather environments, and safe operation across all airspaces.

Team SkyGuardian Canada, a collaborative effort involving prominent Canadian businesses such as CAE, MDA Ltd., and L3Harris Technologies, is actively contributing to MQ-9B development, delivery, and sustainment. Canada's investments in the RPAS Project and Team SkyGuardian Canada reflect the country's strategic interest in advancing RPAS technologies domestically.

GA-ASI has established a longstanding history of collaboration with Canadian industry, incorporating Canadian content into various systems delivered over its more than 30-year history. The partnership with CAE, MDA Ltd., L3Harris, and GA-ASI aims to provide Canada with premier RPAS capability while fostering domestic economic benefits and work opportunities.

MQ-9B represents the next generation of RPAS, offering exceptional endurance and range, auto takeoff and landing under SATCOM-only control, and the ability to operate in unsegregated airspace with the GA-ASI developed Detect and Avoid system. Customer deliveries began in 2022 to the U.K. Royal Air Force, with contracts signed for Belgium and the U.S. Air Force in support of Special Operations Command. The MQ-9B is operational with the Japan Coast Guard for maritime operations, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has selected it for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) RPAS Trial Operation Project. MQ-9B has also participated in various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.