Canada buys weaponised MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian was identified as the likely winner of the Canadian RPAS contract more than 18 months ago. (Photo: GA-ASI)
The deal signed between Canada and General Atomics included ground control stations and initial weapons for the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, with deliveries expected to commence in 2028.
Canada has officially signed a C$2.49 billion (US$1.82 billion) contract to purchase 11 armed MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI). The deal included six of GA-ASI’s certified ground control stations, support equipment and initial weapons for the UAS.
The initial delivery for the Canadian RPAS programme has been scheduled for 2028, marking a one-year delay from the original projection. The Department of National Defence (DND) approximated the overall contract value to range between C$1 billion and C$5 billion (US$790 million to $3.9 billion).
Considering this, Shephard previously estimated that Canada could acquire up to
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![T-6 Texan II trainers deepen their footprint in Asia]()
T-6 Texan II trainers deepen their footprint in Asia
Textron Aviation Defense has said it is confident it can continue to grow orders across Asia as Japan selects the T-6 Texan II to replace the Fuji T-7.
-
![Northrop gets $3.5 billion contract to integrate mission systems for E-6B successor]()
Northrop gets $3.5 billion contract to integrate mission systems for E-6B successor
The E-130J aircraft will take over the E-6B for the US Navy’s Take Charge and Move Out system.
-
![Bell selects Fort Worth site to build V-280s for the FLRAA programme]()
Bell selects Fort Worth site to build V-280s for the FLRAA programme
The facility will work towards readiness for Low-Rate Initial Production on the V-280 by 2028.
