The Government of Canada has finalised a contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) to acquire a fleet of MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).
The comprehensive order includes Certified Ground Control Stations and associated support equipment from GA-ASI, with the first delivery anticipated in 2028, GA-ASI said in a media release.
Designed to meet Canada’s diverse mission requirements, the SkyGuardian RPAS boasts interoperability with domestic and continental defence missions, aligning seamlessly with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
Furthermore, it integrates effortlessly with Canada’s key allies, including the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY) and NATO, ensuring a cohesive defence strategy alongside existing and future Canadian defence, civil air, and ground assets.
Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASI, highlighted the unique capabilities of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, stating, “Canada’s vast territory and complex terrains, including in the Arctic, require a cost-effective multi-mission RPAS solution that can endure long periods on station, fly in harsh weather environments, and safely operate in all airspaces.”
The procurement is part of Canada’s commitment to acquiring leading-edge RPAS technologies, with Team SkyGuardian Canada, a consortium of prominent Canadian businesses, collaborating with GA-ASI on MQ-9B development, delivery, and sustainment.
Team SkyGuardian Canada includes CAE, MDA Ltd, and L3Harris Technologies, contributing to Canada’s vested interest in domestic RPAS advancements.
GA-ASI has a longstanding partnership with Canadian industry, with a significant portion of its systems over the past 30 years containing Canadian content, including sensors, propulsion equipment, and training/simulation systems.
The collaboration between CAE, MDA Ltd., L3Harris, and GA-ASI aims to not only provide Canada with premier RPAS capabilities but also generate economic benefits and job opportunities domestically.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian represents the next generation of RPAS, offering extended endurance and range.
Equipped with auto takeoff and landing capabilities under SATCOM-only control, it can operate in unsegregated airspace with the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system.
Having already been delivered to the UK Royal Air Force, with contracts signed for Belgium and the U.S. Air Force, the MQ-9B is proving to be a global leader in advanced RPAS technology.
“We look forward to working with our Team SkyGuardian Canada partners to deliver our industry-leading RPAS for Canada’s dynamic mission requirements,” added Linden Blue, emphasising GA-ASI’s commitment to providing reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable remotely piloted aircraft systems with a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional manned systems performing similar missions.
