Canada Acquiring Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems for the Canadian Armed Forces
Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of National Defence, and Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings—Hants, announced a major investment in the Royal Canadian Air Force on behalf of Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
Madame Lalonde and Mr. Blois announced that the Government of Canada will invest C$2.49 billion (approx. $1.87 billion–Ed.) to acquire a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) capability. The acquisition will be completed through a direct commercial sale contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc, with some specific components acquired through a Foreign Military Sale with the United States government.
The Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) will provide the CAF with a large and sophisticated remotely piloted aircraft, roughly the size of a fighter jet. Unlike small drones, these Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems will be designed and certified to the rigid airworthiness standards applicable to crewed aircraft.
This acquisition includes:
— eleven remotely piloted aircraft;
— six ground control stations;
— a new ground control centre;
— two new aircraft hangars;
— initial weapons;
— sustainment services;
— a training solution that includes training devices, mission crew and technician courseware;
— supporting information management and technology; and
— associated work and equipment.