Government of Canada launches Defence Drone Initiative to strengthen Canada’s sovereign defence capabilities
Press Release + Noah Note
July 23, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, the Government of Canada launched the Defence Drone Initiative (DDI), a new initiative that will accelerate the development, testing and production of Canadian uncrewed and autonomous systems to help provide the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) with access to the sovereign capabilities they need in an increasingly complex security environment.
Recent conflicts have underscored how rapidly drone technologies are transforming modern warfare and are central to modern military operations. These technologies can provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, support logistics, protect personnel, counter hostile drones, and perform a range of operational tasks. Success increasingly depends on the ability to innovate, adapt and field new capabilities at speed. Canada must be prepared to do the same.
Led collaboratively by the Department of National Defence and the Defence Investment Agency (DIA), the initiative will create a faster pathway for promising Canadian technologies to move from concept to operational testing and, where they meet defence requirements, into production. This will help provide Canadian personnel with the capabilities they need while creating new opportunities for Canadian industry. The initiative will engage broadly with the Canadian defence ecosystem, from start-ups to medium-sized enterprises and established defence manufacturers.
The DDI will connect CAF and CCG operational requirements with Canadian expertise in drones and drone-related technologies, including robotics, artificial intelligence, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, sensors, secure communications, navigation, propulsion and advanced materials. It will enable promising technologies to be tested, refined through operational feedback, accelerating their transition to production.
Initial areas where these capabilities could support CAF and CCG operations include:
low-cost tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance drones;
uncrewed ground vehicles for logistics and complex terrain;
uncrewed maritime surface and underwater systems;
low-cost, low-collateral counter-drone interceptors;
standardized drone munitions and explosive payloads; and
deep precision strike systems.
The Request for Supply Arrangement (RFSA) is open on CanadaBuys until August 14, 2026. The DIA will host a virtual information session to provide interested suppliers with additional information on the process and submission requirements on July 30.
Qualification under the RFSA will not necessarily result in a contract, but will allow successful suppliers to compete for future work, including testing, prototype development, limited acquisitions and potential production opportunities.
Quotes
“The future of defence will belong to those who can innovate and adapt the fastest. Uncrewed and autonomous systems are already transforming modern military operations, and Canada must be ready to develop, test and field these capabilities at speed. The Defence Drone Initiative will connect the operational needs of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard with the ingenuity, talent and industrial capacity that exist across Canada—strengthening our security while creating new opportunities for Canadian innovators.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“The Defence Drone Initiative will enable Canadian industry to develop sovereign capabilities that support military operations. This approach will help us operationalize the Defence Industrial Strategy and strengthen Canada’s defence industrial base. By engaging Canadian innovators, we are deepening our domestic defence supply chain and delivering critical capabilities to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard.”
The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)
"The character of warfare is changing, and military advantage will depend on how quickly we can adapt. The Defence Drone Initiative will strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces by connecting operational requirements with Canadian innovation so we can field the capabilities our personnel need for future operations."
Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Acting Chief of the Defence Staff
“Building Canada's uncrewed systems ecosystem goes beyond acquiring new equipment. It strengthens national security, improves operational readiness, supports innovation, grows the defence industry, and creates jobs. The initiative demonstrates Canada's commitment to building security through Canadian expertise, with the Defence Investment Agency helping accelerate procurement through the Build-Partner-Buy approach.”
Doug Guzman, Chief Executive Officer, Defence Investment Agency
Quick facts
The Defence Industrial Strategy identifies uncrewed and autonomous systems as a key sovereign capability for Canada. The Defence Drone Initiative supports this objective by strengthening Canada’s domestic capacity in these systems, reducing critical supply-chain dependencies, and creating opportunities for Canadian companies, researchers and workers.
The RFSA will be made available through CanadaBuys, the Government of Canada’s official electronic tendering service. Periodic updates to the Supply Arrangement are anticipated, allowing additional suppliers to apply and qualify over time.
Successful applicants may be notified as early as September, subject to the evaluation process.
Noah Note: This is what we were discussing on Monday, now aptly named the Defence Drone Initative. Not my favourite name, but whatever. I should make a note that this procurement is separate of MINERVAs work, and includes the Maple List as discussed last week as well.
We will be going over the RFI itself later tonight, when I have time to go through and digest it. However, it is looking very interesting. More details will obviously be there.