Canada and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announced on Tuesday (19) an agreement to purchase 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones. The purchase, valued at US$2,49 billion, comes after several years of delays and discussions within the Canadian government.
The value of the package signed by Ottawa includes six ground control stations, a large control center and two hangars, as well as weapons, technical documentation, training and other items to be provided by GA-ASI. The first delivery is expected in 2028,
“Canada’s vast territory and complex terrain, including in the Arctic, require a cost-effective multi-mission RPAS [Remotely Piloted Aircraft] solution that can withstand long periods in orbit, fly in harsh weather environments, and operate safely in all airspaces,” said Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASI. “The MQ-9B SkyGuardian delivers these critical capabilities. GA-ASI and Team SkyGuardian Canada are honored by this opportunity to become a key long-term partner to Canada in delivering these surefire defense and security results.”
With the capacity to receive various weapons and surveillance systems, combined with a long autonomy, the MQ-9 was already a desire of the Canadian Armed Forces. As noted by CBC News, the government has already been discussing the acquisition of drones like the MQ-9 for more than 20 years. At the time, Ottawa expressed interest in the Reaper/Predator, an older version of the SkyGuardian purchased this week.
“We look forward to working with our partners on the SkyGuardian Canada team to deliver our industry-leading RPAS for Canada’s dynamic mission requirements”, added the CEO of GA-ASI.
The MQ-9B is the next generation of drones, offering exceptionally long autonomy and range, with automatic take-off and landing under satellite control, and will be capable of operating in non-segregated airspace using the Detect and Avoid system developed by GA-ASI.
First customer deliveries of the MQ-9B begin in 2022 for the UK Royal Air Force, and contracts have been signed with Belgium and the US Air Force in of Special Operations Command.
The Japan Coast Guard is currently operating the MQ-9B for maritime operations, which the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has also selected for its Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) RPAS Experimental Operation Project. The MQ-9B also ed several US Navy exercises this year, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.
