Canada Procures Leonardo’s Falcon Shield Counter-Drone System

Leonardo has been awarded a contract by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) to supply the Falcon Shield Counter-Uncrewed Aerial System (C-UAS) for use by the Canadian Armed Forces.

The agreement includes the provision of multiple systems and a 10-year sustainment package, offering options for additional equipment and the ongoing development of new capabilities.

Delivery of the initial Falcon Shield C-UAS systems is anticipated later this year.

Falcon Shield, originating from the United Kingdom, addresses the threat posed by Group 1 to 3 Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), known for their smaller size, slower speed, and lower flying altitudes, making them challenging to detect using conventional air surveillance equipment. The system employs a mix of sensors from Leonardo and industry partners to detect, track, and prioritize threats, providing operators with effective means to neutralize them.

Previous deployments of Falcon Shield include instances where the U.K. Royal Air Force utilized Leonardo's counter-UAS technology during the 2021 G7 summit in Cornwall and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Additionally, Falcon Shield demonstrated its utility during Christmas 2018 when deployed at London Gatwick and Heathrow airports following suspected drone sightings, allowing the resumption of air operations.