Quantcast

Canada considers $11.6 billion drone acquisition for Royal Canadian Air Force

Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
All of the strikes at European airports this winter – find out if you are affected
Meet the CEO trying to turn around Air India, the 92-year-old airline with a pile of problems
Skiplagging: Unpacking the Risky Travel Trend That Involves Tricking Airlines
Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year
South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger
China Southern returns to Adelaide
Global Airline Industry Revenues Forecast To Top $1 Trillion For First Time In 2025
EasyJet to launch six new routes from the UK next year with £24 flights
Here's Why Analysts Say It's a Good Time to Buy Airline Stocks
A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK
EasyJet reveals plans for new flights from regional UK airport next summer
Airlines not switching quickly enough to green jet fuel, study says
Alaska Airlines tech issue briefly grounds planes in Seattle, disrupts bookings on Cyber Monday
US Senate panel criticizes rising airline seat fees, will call execs to testify
Spirit’s Demise Is a Lesson in ‘Airline-o-nomics’
Inside BA’s new first-class suites: £800 an hour for most private seat
Focus: US airline flight crews confident and angry as unions seek richer contracts
Hawaiian Airlines Eliminates Widebody Route Amid Alaska Airlines Merger
US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems?
Delta CEO says the Trump administration will reverse government ‘overreach’ seen under Biden
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy: How will it affect your travel plans?
British Airways yet to identify cause of latest IT meltdown
Delta Airlines Will Start Serving Shake Shack Cheeseburgers Next Month
Canada considers $11.6 billion drone acquisition for Royal Canadian Air Force
Policy
Webp perry
David Perry, president at Canadian Global Affairs Institute | Official Website

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) may be expanding its procurement program for the F-35A Lightning II, according to recent reports. Canada has already ordered 88 Joint Strike Fighters from Lockheed Martin, but the government is now exploring the option of acquiring unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), also known as drones.

The RCAF's F-35 procurement has faced public scrutiny due to rising costs, which were already considered high. Now, the Department of National Defense is examining how a complementary purchase of combat drones might fit into the future fleet composition of the RCAF.

The Canadian Department of Defense reportedly plans to introduce a fleet of tactical unmanned aerial systems (UAS) expected to enter service in the 2030s. The program could be valued at up to 16 billion Canadian dollars ($11.6 billion USD) if it proceeds as currently reported. These UAS would be equipped with jammers, weapons, and sensors to operate alongside crewed F-35s.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

David Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, commented on this development: “The broad thrust of the idea of having an unpiloted vehicle that would be able to operate with a piloted vehicle is that you provide additional numbers in a way that could potentially help provide enough quantity to overwhelm opposition forces.”

The United States Air Force (USAF), Navy, and Marines have been experimenting with various types of UCAV and UAS drones. Companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, General Atomics, Kratos, and Anduril are involved in developing these systems. The USAF selected Anduril Industries and General Atomics to build Increment 1 prototypes for air-to-air warfare.

Ground test assessments began in May for production test vehicles YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A by General Atomics and Anduril. These evaluations focus on propulsion systems, avionics, autonomous integration, and ground control interfaces. The systems will undergo flight testing later this year.

A CCA drone can serve as a decoy or shield for manned systems like the F-35. Drones are less expensive and time-consuming to maintain compared to sophisticated weapons systems like the fifth-generation F-35. Using UAS for high-risk operations preserves airframe life on manned jets.

As Canada invests in platforms like the F-35 for long-term use, delays in defense program development risk losing strategic advantage. The future fleet composition remains uncertain as Canada explores incorporating UCAVs into its defense strategy.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Flying Food Group has highlighted the importance of its Corporate Treasury Team in managing financial resources.

Jul 26, 2025

Etihad Airways is preparing to launch its new Airbus A321LR aircraft, which promises to enhance the narrow-body flying experience.

Jul 26, 2025

Eurowings has been recognized as one of the top airlines in Europe, according to a study by the consumer portal Flightright.

Jul 25, 2025

American Airlines is set to reintroduce its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft for domestic flights between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) this fall.

Jul 25, 2025

Southwest Airlines is in the process of introducing extra-legroom seats across its fleet, with about 25% of its planes now featuring these new rows.

Jul 25, 2025

The Ethiopian Airlines Group recently marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its expanded Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.

Jul 25, 2025