Canada’s Department of National Defence plans to establish a new fleet of tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to boost the operational capacity of its armed forces. Designed to complement the F-35 fighter jets, the new system is expected to significantly enhance Canada’s defence capabilities.
According to publicly available documents obtained by The Canadian Press, Ottawa has already begun preparing infrastructure to assess and select platforms that meet military requirements.
Massive Investment, High Expectations
The project is expected to be allocated a budget of 16 billion Canadian dollars (approximately 11.6 billion USD) and employ hundreds of expert personnel. The goal is to strengthen national defence and improve interoperability with allied nations.
David Perry, President of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, emphasised the strategic significance of the programme:
“Integrating unmanned systems with manned aircraft creates a critical advantage in force multiplication on the battlefield.”
Targeting 2030
Daniel Norton, a senior systems analyst at the RAND Corporation, predicts that Canada will favour more compact and cost-effective combat UAVs over full-scale fighter jets. These platforms are expected to be equipped with jammers, precision munitions, and sensors—and could serve as decoys when necessary.
However, Norton added: “It’s unlikely these systems will be fully operational in active combat roles before 2030,” highlighting the ongoing technological and operational development process.
Global Competition Heats Up
Canada’s initiative comes amid a growing global race in tactical drone development. The U.S. is advancing its “Loyal Wingman” programme to digitally support manned aircraft, while Japan, Australia, Turkey, and India are also developing similar systems.
China joined the race in December 2024 by unveiling its Feihong FH-97A combat UAV, which is expected to operate alongside its J-20 fighter jets.
