Canada Secures MQ-9B SkyGuardian Drone Deal with GA-ASI
The Government of Canada has finalized a contract to acquire a fleet of MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). This order encompasses the related Certified Ground Control Stations and support apparatus from GA-ASI. The inaugural delivery is anticipated in 2028.
The SkyGuardian RPAS is compatible with Canada’s domestic operations and continental defense missions through NORAD, as well as seamlessly integrating with Canada’s closest allies – including the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY) and NATO – to bolster both current and future Canadian defense, civil aviation, and ground resources.
“Canada’s expansive territory and intricate landscapes, particularly in the Arctic, necessitate a cost-efficient multi-mission RPAS solution that can sustain prolonged periods on station, operate in extreme weather conditions, and safely function across all airspaces,” stated Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASI. “The MQ-9B SkyGuardian offers these essential capabilities. GA-ASI and Team SkyGuardian Canada are privileged to seize this opportunity to become a pivotal partner for Canada, ensuring long-term delivery of these indispensable defense and security outcomes.”
Team SkyGuardian Canada is a coalition of leading Canadian enterprises – such as CAE, MDA Ltd., and L3Harris Technologies – collaborating with GA-ASI on the development, delivery, and support of the MQ-9B project. Canada’s commitment to the RPAS Project and Team SkyGuardian Canada highlights its strong domestic interest in advancing cutting-edge RPAS technologies.
GA-ASI boasts a long, prosperous, and esteemed legacy with Canadian industry which continues to flourish. Nearly every system that GA-ASI has provided in its over 30-year tenure has integrated some form of Canadian content, including sensors, propulsion systems, and training/simulation products and services. CAE, MDA Ltd., L3Harris, and GA-ASI are dedicated to delivering the globe’s premier RPAS capabilities to Canada while generating local economic advantages and employment opportunities.
The MQ-9B represents the next generation of RPAS, offering exceptional endurance and range, featuring automated takeoff and landing capabilities under SATCOM-only control. It will operate efficiently in unsegregated airspace utilizing the GA-ASI developed Detect and Avoid system. Initial customer deliveries of the MQ-9B commenced in 2022 for the U.K. Royal Air Force, with contracts also finalized with Belgium and the U.S. Air Force, supporting Special Operations Command. The Japan Coast Guard is currently employing the MQ-9B for maritime missions, which has also been selected by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) RPAS Trial Operation Project. Furthermore, the MQ-9B has supported various U.S. Navy exercises this year, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.
“We eagerly anticipate collaborating with our Team SkyGuardian Canada partners to supply our industry-leading RPAS that meet Canada’s evolving mission requirements. GA-ASI is recognized as the leading provider of reliable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly remotely piloted aircraft systems. These aircraft undertake advanced interoperable and systems-of-systems operations for our esteemed clients worldwide – all while significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional manned systems conducting similar missions,” Blue added.
