
L3Harris Technologies will provide WESCAM CMX™-8 sensor systems for integration on new Uncrewed Aircraft Systems from MDA Space, enhancing the Royal Canadian Navy’s threat detection and surveillance capabilities.
L3Harris Technologies announced today it has been selected by MDA Space Ltd., a leading provider of advanced technology and services to the rapidly expanding global space industry, as part of the company’s contract award to equip the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN)’s Halifax-class ships with up to six new Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS).
L3Harris will supply MDA Space with WESCAM CMX-8 electro-optical/infrared sensor systems, enabling long-range surveillance, tactical threat detection and targeting imaging capabilities. The Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (ISTAR UAS) project will significantly enhance the RCN’s ability to detect and monitor potential maritime threats, both at home and abroad.
“The collaboration with MDA Space will significantly enhance the RCN’s ability to detect and monitor potential maritime threats, both at home and abroad,” said Tom Kirkland, President, Targeting & Sensor Systems, Communications & Spectrum Dominance, L3Harris. “Our technology on new UAS platforms is an example of how we are helping to advance Canada’s defence with high-performance, electro-optical/infrared imaging solutions.”
By extending the Navy’s situational awareness and operational reach, the advanced technology of the RCN-ISTAR UAS will support Canada’s naval missions and provide the RCN with critical expertise in uncrewed systems and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.


