Canada’s military seeking anti-drone defences for bases, facilities

The Department of National Defence (DND) is exploring the acquisition of anti-drone defences for military installations across Canada, according to recent federal procurement documents. The DND's announcement, made in a brief online notice on Monday, indicates a need for a system capable of safeguarding personnel, equipment, and facilities at various Canadian locations from potential drone attacks.

The specifics of the sought-after system, including the threats it aims to counter, are currently limited to qualified suppliers. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has invested considerable resources over several years to enhance drone defences for personnel engaged in Operation Reassurance in Latvia, as part of NATO's strategy to reinforce its eastern border amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

While Canada's military bases are not directly threatened by active combat with advanced drone technology, experts assert that these installations face indirect risks. Dr. Stephanie Carvin, a professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Relations and a former intelligence analyst, suggests that the primary concern for the CAF might stem from hostile entities hiring individuals within Canada, possibly under direct guidance from nation-states or their proxies.

Carvin highlights the rise in such incidents in Canada, attributing them to the ease of luring operatives through social media and online recruitment. The RCMP, alongside the CAF, is reportedly intensifying efforts to counter such threats, recognizing their relevance to public events and law enforcement. Canada has previously allocated funds for a vehicle-mounted anti-drone system, allocated between $100 million and $249 million, for use by CAF personnel in Latvia.

This system incorporates detectors and jammers targeting radio frequencies and global navigation systems utilized by drones. Furthermore, the federal government's Defence Drone Initiative (DDI), launched in July 2026, aims to bolster Canada's domestic production of affordable unmanned and autonomous systems. The DDI seeks to create a flexible and responsive Canadian ecosystem, aligning with the government's commitment to advancing Canadian innovation, creating skilled jobs, and fostering economic growth.

The DDI will examine both offensive drone combat systems, including the capability to execute long-range precision strikes, and defensive drone interceptor systems designed to counter hostile uncrewed vehicles.