Canadian Army looking for surveillance, cargo-drop drone suppliers
The Canadian government has released a shortlist of requirements for new drones to be supplied to the Canadian Army. These drones are intended for various purposes, including land and aerial delivery, cargo supply, munitions, and surveillance. The list also includes drones specifically designed to operate in extreme cold environments, such as those found in the Arctic.
The initiative falls under the Minerva program, aimed at integrating drones into the Canadian Army's operations. A key concern is the increasing complexity and danger of the battlefield due to the proliferation of multi-spectral sensors and precision weapons, which put Canadian troops at risk of being targeted and attacked.
Alexander Salt, a senior researcher at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute's defence think-tank, believes that surveillance and logistics drones are a sensible starting point for Canada to build up its drone reserves. He notes that the Russian military has been targeting convoys and unprotected military assets, and that using robotics for cargo delivery can significantly reduce the risk of casualties.
Canada's military is currently lagging behind in drone procurement, but the government is taking steps to catch up. Army Commander Lt.-Gen. Michael Wright has expressed the desire to "flood" the army with drones as part of its modernization plan. The federal government is also creating a pool of pre-qualified suppliers to facilitate closer collaboration between industry and the military in developing drone technology.
The Liberal government's defence industrial strategy considers uncrewed and autonomous systems as a "sovereign capability," with the government favoring domestic production. One of the tenders mentions that companies will need to demonstrate their prototypes at CFB Suffield, an extensive training area spread across 2,700 square kilometers in Alberta. This site is set to become a major testing ground for drones, including those used by the British military.
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