The Canadian government has signed a contract to purchase a fleet of MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. The contract also includes associated ground control stations and support equipment. The first delivery is expected in 2028.
The SkyGuardian RPAS meets Canada’s domestic needs, but also fulfills its continental defense missions through NORAD and is interoperable with Canada’s closest allies – including the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY) and NATO. The MQ-9B is the next generation of RPAS, offering high endurance and range, automatic take-off and landing, and controlled exclusively by SATCOM. The first MQ-9B customer deliveries began in 2022 to the British Royal Air Force. Subsequently, contracts were signed with Belgium and the US Air Force to support the Special Operations Command. The Japanese Coast Guard is currently using the MQ-9B for maritime operations. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has also selected it for its medium-altitude, long-range (MALE) RPAS test project. The MQ-9B has also supported various US Navy exercises this year, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem and Group Sail. https://militaeraktuell.at/bundeswehr-erhaelt-neue-iris-t-lenkflugkoerper/ “Canada’s vast territory and complex terrain, including the Arctic, require a cost-effective multi-mission RPAS solution that can remain deployed for long periods of time, fly in harsh weather conditions and operate safely in all airspaces. The MQ-9B SkyGuardian provides these critical capabilities,” said Linden Blue, CEO of General Atomics. Team SkyGuardian Canada is an alliance of leading Canadian companies – including CAE, MDA Ltd. and L3Harris Technologies – working with General Atomics to develop, deliver and maintain the MQ-9B.
