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
-
![EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon]()
EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon
The consortium has given details on the next-generation of sensing and jamming capabilities on the Eurofighter Typhoon without needing to update the airframe, according to the group’s partners.
-
![US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets]()
US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets
The US Air Force will transition away from its ageing A-10 aircraft in 2025, in favour of updating and enhancing its F-16, and introducing F-15EX and F-35 Lightning II jets in the region.
-
![Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped]()
Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped
BAE Systems Air business has reaffirmed its commitment to the Typhoon programme as union representatives from the company urge the UK government to order 24 Typhoon jets.
