The Canadian Armed Forces recently conducted an evaluation of nearly twenty drone manufacturers in a secluded area west of Ottawa to explore various types of remote vehicles and potential partnerships with companies capable of rapid adaptation. The event, named RED COBALT Uncrewed Systems Accelerator 2026, allowed military personnel to test aerial, ground, and maritime drones, as well as long-range precision strike systems. According to Lt.-Gen. Darcy Molstad, in charge of the military’s joint forces command, twenty companies, with eighteen being Canadian, participated in the demonstration at a test range in Killaloe, Hagarty, and Richards, Ont.
The selection of participating companies was based on criteria such as Canadian ownership or partnerships, aligning with the federal government’s defense industrial strategy. While Canadian suppliers are known for innovation, much of the practical drone expertise and technology is concentrated in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Molstad expressed confidence in Canadian companies’ ability to meet military requirements, emphasizing the need for agile partners due to the rapid evolution of drone technology.
The military is specifically seeking aerial reconnaissance and surveillance drones, ground drones capable of maneuvering through complex terrain, and maritime platforms for surface and subsurface warfare. Additionally, the focus is on acquiring precision deep-strike capability, similar to the tactics employed by Ukraine against Russian targets. Despite a delayed adoption, the Canadian military is moving towards a dedicated drone capability, with plans to acquire MQ-9B SkyGuardian and Teal 2 micro drones for surveillance purposes. The federal government is also investing in a new military drone research and development facility in Mirabel, Que.