Canada Launches Defence Drone Initiative for Military and Coast Guard

The Government of Canada launched the Defence Drone Initiative (DDI) to accelerate the development, testing, and production of uncrewed and autonomous systems. The program is designed to equip the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard with advanced technology by integrating domestic innovation in robotics, aerospace, and artificial intelligence into operational use.

Led by the Department of National Defence and the Defence Investment Agency, the initiative targets six priority areas. These include low-cost tactical reconnaissance drones, uncrewed ground vehicles for logistics, maritime surface and underwater systems, standardized drone munitions, low-collateral counter-drone interceptors, and deep precision strike systems.

To implement the program, the government opened a Request for Supply Arrangement (RFSA) that allows start-ups, research organizations, and established manufacturers to qualify for future prototyping and production contracts. The RFSA window remains open until August 14, 2026, with an information session scheduled for July 30, 2026, featuring representatives from the Canadian Joint Forces Command to address capability requirements.