Lt.-Gen. Darcy Molstad, the head of Canadian Joint Forces Command (CJFC), announced plans for the Canadian military to swiftly acquire more cost-effective, autonomous, and reusable weapons systems and equipment in response to escalating global threats. Speaking at the Canadian Robotics Council 2026 Symposium, Molstad addressed the tech industry in Canada, signaling an imminent surge in procurement orders as part of a significant overhaul of key platforms.
During the symposium in Toronto, Molstad commended the untapped potential of the Canadian robotics industry, emphasizing the limitless possibilities when combining robotics with artificial intelligence (AI). His advocacy for integrating AI-powered military hardware aligns with ongoing debates among world leaders and tech executives regarding the safe advancement of AI technologies.
Molstad highlighted diverse applications of autonomous technologies beyond combat scenarios, such as medical diagnostics, supply chain management in military depots, and automated vehicle inspections by military police. Emphasizing the need to modernize outdated technologies prevalent in military supply depots, Molstad stressed the importance of transitioning to more advanced systems tailored to defense requirements.
In a move towards embracing new technologies, Molstad revealed that CJFC has identified 399 pre-qualified vendors for the Defence Drone Initiative, with more formal requests for proposals (RFPs) expected to follow. The urgency to modernize the military stems from the escalating global tensions, prompting the need to equip military personnel with advanced tools for deterrence.
Collaborating with Duncan Stewart, a special executive advisor on innovation and industry to the Canadian Armed Forces, Molstad emphasized the government’s shift towards engaging with smaller, agile tech firms for innovative solutions. Stewart highlighted the challenges of dealing with the government as a customer due to its slow decision-making processes and risk aversion, underscoring the importance of supporting smaller companies driving innovation in autonomous systems.
Molstad’s call for faster responses to RFPs, akin to preparing for high G-forces in aviation, reflects the military’s urgency to adapt swiftly to evolving threats. The focus on autonomous systems, particularly drones, is seen as crucial for Canada to match adversaries leveraging similar technologies, as noted by David Perry from the Canadian Global Affairs Institute.
Looking ahead, Molstad projected a continuous stream of RFPs for robotic and autonomous systems over the next five years, aligning with Canada’s commitment to modernize its defense industry and enhance military capabilities. The recent partnership between Canada and Ukraine signifies a strategic collaboration in drone manufacturing, reflecting the evolving landscape of modern warfare where unmanned systems play a pivotal role.
In conclusion, Molstad emphasized responsible adoption of robotic and autonomous systems, highlighting the necessity of establishing robust policies and oversight mechanisms to ensure the ethical and effective utilization of these technologies in defense operations.