The government of Canada has signed a contract to purchase a fleet of MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), the system’s manufacturer, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI), reported on 19 December 2023.
Although GA-ASI did not specify the contract value or the number of RPAS and ground control stations (GCSs) ordered, the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) website states, “This project will acquire 11 long-range, long-endurance armed remotely piloted aircraft and six ground control stations along with associated equipment, weapons, infrastructure and in-service sustainment capability that will support up to three concurrent lines of tasking, domestic or international.”
The DND has estimated the project cost at CAN 2.49 Bn (EUR 2.88 Bn).
First deliveries are expected in 2028, with an initial operational capability set for 2027-2030 and a full operational capability due to be delivered between 2030 and 2033.
The SkyGuardian RPAS is interoperable with Canada’s domestic missions and its continental defence missions through the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), as well as with Canada’s closest allies – including the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY) and NATO – for seamless integration with current and future Canadian defence, civil air, and ground assets, GA-ASI noted in a press release.
“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,” Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASI, was quoted as saying. “MQ-9B SkyGuardian delivers those critical capabilities. GA-ASI and Team SkyGuardian Canada are honored by this opportunity to become a key partner to Canada for the very long term in delivering these no-fail defence and security outcomes.”
Team SkyGuardian Canada is a coalition of leading Canadian businesses – including CAE, MDA Ltd and L3Harris Technologies – that are working with GA-ASI on MQ-9B development, delivery and sustainment.
“Canada’s investments in the RPAS Project and Team SkyGuardian Canada are a direct reflection of Canada’s vested domestic interest in pursuing leading-edge RPAS technologies,” GA-ASI stated.
The Canadian SkyGuardians will be stationed with the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 14 Wing at Greenwood, Nova Scotia, and 19 Wing at Comox, British Columbia. They will also be operated from a forward operating location when supporting missions in northern Canada, while the ground control centre hosting the aircraft’s flight controls will be located in Ottawa, according to the DND.
GA-ASI bills the MQ-9B SkyGuardian as “the next generation of RPAS, delivering exceptionally long endurance and range, with auto take-off and landing under SATCOM-only control”, noting that the system will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using a GA-ASI-developed detect-and-avoid system.
The first customer deliveries of the MQ-9B began in 2022 to the UK Royal Air Force, where the system is known as the Protector RG Mk 1, while contracts have also been signed with Belgium and the US Air Force (in support of Special Operations Command).
Meanwhile, the Japan Coast Guard began operating the MQ-9B for maritime operations from October 2022 and the Japan Maritime Defense Force has also selected the system for its medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) RPAS Trial Operation Project.
The MQ-9B also supported various US Navy exercises throughout 2023.
