SkyGuardians for Canada
The Canadian Government will purchase an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
A contract has been signed with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc, for the purchase of eleven MQ-9B SkyGuardians for a total investment of CAD 2,5 billion. Some specific components will be acquired through a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) with the US Government.
Beside the SkyGuardians, this acquisition includes six ground control stations, a new ground control centre, two new aircraft hangars, initial weapons, sustainment services, a training solution that includes training devices, mission crew and technician courseware, supporting information management and technology, and associated work and equipment.
The MQ-9Bs will allow monitoring of Canada’s large territory and long coastline. It will support civilian aid operations such as responding to forest fires and floods and will provide commanders an overview of operational situations with near real-time information. The system will be capable of detecting, recognising, identifying, tracking, and engaging targets in complex environments. It will also enable Canada to optimally fulfill its North American Aerospace Defence (NORAD) and NATO missions while increasing interoperability with US and NATO forces.
The SkyGuardians will be based on the East Coast with 14 Wing Greenwood (N.S.), and on the West Coast with 19 Wing Comox (B.C.). They will also be operated from a Forward Operating Location when supporting missions in Northern Canada. The ground control centre, which will house the aircraft cockpits, will be located in Ottawa. New infrastructure will be built in Ottawa to house the ground control centre.
First deliveries are expected in 2028 and the full operational capability is planned for 2033.
Credit image: General Atomics via RCAF