Canadian Air Force Makes $2.49B MQ-9B Combat Drone Buy

The SkyGuardian fleet will increase interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces, defense officials said.

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 12:11 PM ET

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The Royal Canadian Air Force has ordered 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft systems as part of its ongoing military modernization effort. [Courtesy: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.]

Key Takeaways:

The Royal Canadian Air Force (CAF) is set to acquire a fleet of 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardian combat drones from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. for $2.49 billion.
The drones will enhance interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces, fulfill NORAD responsibilities, and monitor Canada's remote territories for civilian operations like wildfire and flood response.
The comprehensive purchase includes ground control stations, a new control center, hangars, weapons, sustainment services, and training support.
Deliveries are expected to begin in 2028, with full operational capability projected by 2033, as part of Canada's wider military modernization initiatives.

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The Royal Canadian Air Force (CAF) is set to buy a fleet of 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardian combat drones from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI), the country’s defense officials announced.

The $2.49 billion purchase of the fighter jet-sized drones will increase Canadian force interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces while also helping the country fulfill its North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) responsibilities, Canada’s Department of National Defense said. The aircraft will also be tasked with monitoring the country’s remote territories as part of civilian air operations during responses to wildfires and floods.