Ottawa signs contract with Canadian firm to make drones for Halifax-class ships
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.00 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.00 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/08/2025 (236 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
OTTAWA – The federal government has contracted a Canadian firm to outfit the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class ships with a small fleet of aerial drones.
Ottawa announced it has awarded two contracts to MDA Space for up to six advanced “uncrewed aircraft systems” for the Navy’s patrol frigates.
The Department of National Defence says in a news release that this will boost the navy’s long-range maritime surveillance abilities.
The department has earmarked $39 million to acquire the first two drones, with an option of ordering another four.
The initial five-year service contract is estimated to be worth $27 million and its time frame could be extended by the department to 20 years.
The new drone capability is expected to start coming online in 2028 and to be working at full capacity by 2032.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 5, 2025.