Canada orders fleet of General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS.

The Government of Canada has entered into an agreement to procure a fleet of MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). This contract encompasses the acquisition of Certified Ground Control Stations and associated support equipment from GA-ASI, with the initial delivery anticipated in 2028.

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The MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS is designed to seamlessly integrate into Canada's domestic and continental defense missions through NORAD, as well as collaborate effectively with Canada's closest allies, including the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY) and NATO (Picture source: GA-ASI)

The SkyGuardian RPAS is designed to seamlessly integrate into Canada's domestic and continental defense missions through NORAD, as well as collaborate effectively with Canada's closest allies, including the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY) and NATO. This compatibility ensures the smooth incorporation of the SkyGuardian into Canada's existing and future defense, civil aviation, and ground assets.

Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASI, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating: "Given Canada's expansive territory and challenging landscapes, including the Arctic, there is a need for a cost-effective multi-mission RPAS solution capable of enduring extended missions, operating in adverse weather conditions, and safely navigating all airspace. The MQ-9B SkyGuardian possesses these crucial capabilities, and GA-ASI and Team SkyGuardian Canada are proud to collaborate with Canada in delivering reliable defense and security outcomes over the long term."

Team SkyGuardian Canada is a coalition of prominent Canadian businesses such as CAE, MDA Ltd., and L3Harris Technologies, collaborating with GA-ASI in the development, delivery, and maintenance of MQ-9B RPAS. Canada's investments in the RPAS Project and Team SkyGuardian Canada underscore the nation's commitment to advancing cutting-edge RPAS technologies on the domestic front.

GA-ASI has a storied history of cooperation with the Canadian industry, spanning over 30 years. Virtually every system GA-ASI has supplied has featured some level of Canadian content, including sensors, propulsion equipment, and training/simulation systems and services. CAE, MDA Ltd., L3Harris, and GA-ASI are dedicated to delivering the world's premier RPAS capability to Canada while fostering domestic economic growth and employment opportunities.

MQ-9B represents the next generation of RPAS, boasting remarkable endurance and range, along with the capability for autonomous takeoff and landing through SATCOM-only control. It is designed to operate safely in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system. In 2022, MQ-9B deliveries commenced to the U.K. Royal Air Force, and contracts have been secured with Belgium and the U.S. Air Force, supporting Special Operations Command. The Japan Coast Guard is currently utilizing MQ-9B for maritime operations, and it has been chosen by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) RPAS Trial Operation Project. MQ-9B has also played a role in various U.S. Navy exercises this year, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.

Blue added, "We eagerly anticipate collaborating with our Team SkyGuardian Canada partners to provide our industry-leading RPAS solution to meet Canada's dynamic mission requirements. GA-ASI stands as the world leader in reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable remotely piloted aircraft systems, capable of executing advanced interoperable and systems-of-systems operations for our valued customers worldwide, all while significantly reducing the carbon footprint compared to traditional manned systems conducting similar missions."