Canadian authorities seal deal with domestic company for drone production for Halifax-class naval vessels
The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is set to bolster its long-range maritime surveillance capabilities with the acquisition of up to six advanced aerial drones, as part of the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (ISTAR UAS) project.
The federal government has awarded two contracts to Canadian firm MDA Space for the procurement and support of these drones for the Navy's patrol frigates, specifically the Halifax-class ships.
The initial procurement contract is estimated to be worth approximately CA$39 million, with options to acquire an additional four drones. An initial in-service support contract, valued at about CA$27 million, covers a five-year period, extendable up to 20 years for sustainment services.
The advanced uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) are expected to start coming online in 2028, with full operational capability anticipated by 2032.
These systems are designed to extend the RCN’s situational awareness by supporting long-range surveillance and targeting operations. They are capable of detecting and monitoring maritime threats both domestically and overseas, enhancing the RCN’s intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition expertise.
The drones will provide the navy with advanced maritime domain awareness and operational reach, enabling it to respond effectively to evolving security challenges and emerging threats at sea. These UAS capabilities are considered vital for safeguarding Canada's maritime interests.
Specific technical details about the aircraft design, sensor payloads, endurance, and flight performance have not been publicly disclosed. However, the focus is on providing the Halifax-class frigates with robust, state-of-the-art uncrewed aerial reconnaissance and targeting systems integrated into existing naval operations and command structures.
The acquisition of these drones is being managed by the Department of National Defence, with funds earmarked for the option to order more drones. The department has not disclosed any new information about the navy's plans or strategies related to these drones.
[1] Government of Canada. (2025, Aug. 5). Government of Canada awards contracts for the acquisition of uncrewed aircraft systems for the Royal Canadian Navy. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2025/08/government-of-canada-awards-contracts-for-the-acquisition-of-uncrewed-aircraft-systems-for-the-royal-canadian-navy.html [2] MDA Space. (2025, Aug. 5). MDA to provide advanced uncrewed aircraft systems to the Royal Canadian Navy. Retrieved from https://www.mda.space/news/mdas-advanced-uncrewed-aircraft-systems-to-be-provided-to-the-royal-canadian-navy [3] Department of National Defence. (2025, Aug. 5). Royal Canadian Navy to acquire advanced uncrewed aircraft systems. Retrieved from https://www.forces.gc.ca/en/news/article.page/20250805-acquisition-uncrewed-aircraft-systems-royal-canadian-navy/16365997 [4] Canadian Press. (2025, Aug. 5). Canada to buy advanced drones for navy surveillance. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/8507469/canada-navy-drones-surveillance/ [5] CBC News. (2025, Aug. 5). Canada to buy advanced drones for navy surveillance. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-navy-drones-surveillance-1.6247582
- The government of Canada has awarded contracts to Canadian firm MDA Space for the procurement of advanced uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in Toronto, enhancing the RCN's operations and safeguarding Canada's maritime interests. (Government, Toronto, RCN, UAS)
- Toronto-based MDA Space announced that they will provide the RCN with advanced UAS capabilities as part of the news about Canada's efforts to bolster its long-range maritime surveillance and response capabilities using technology. (MDA Space, Toronto, RCN, news, technology)
