“canada’s environment provides unique challenges,” the briefing pointed out.
additional challenges centre on the lack of experience among canadian military personnel in operating larger drones, the documents noted.
the drones will be able to carry different weapons, including 250- and 500-pound bombs as well as “low collateral damage” bombs, according to the briefing on the remotely piloted aircraft system (rpas) program.
canada is purchasing the general atomics mq-9b reaper for operations both overseas and domestically. the drones could be used on international missions to conduct surveillance and attack targets, while at home they would have a role on sovereignty patrols, surveillance of large events and gathering information in support of responses to natural disasters, according to the briefing.
the drones were originally expected to be delivered in 2025, but that will be delayed until 2028 as modifications are made to the aircraft to deal with arctic conditions.
“the need to operate at high northern latitudes, including in the arctic, requires the use of satellites and aircraft antennas and communication components not previously integrated on the mq-9,” national defence spokeswoman andrée-anne poulin explained in a previous email. “similarly, additional testing and qualification work will be required to ensure the rpas can be operated and maintained in canadian climatic conditions.”