Ontario-based defense contractor MDA Space has secured contracts worth a total of 66 million Canadian dollars ($48 million) to supply unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class guided missile frigates.
The first agreement, valued at 39 million Canadian dollars ($28.3 million), covers the purchase of two drones, with the option to acquire up to four additional platforms. A separate 27 million Canadian dollar ($19.6 million) contract will provide long-term in-service support and maintenance, potentially extending over a 20-year period.
According to the Canadian Department of Defence, these acquisitions are intended to improve the Halifax-class warships’ situational awareness and reduce operational risk by integrating advanced intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) drones.
The ISTAR UAS must feature a shipborne vertical takeoff and landing capability, function alongside maritime helicopters, and operate effectively in all weather conditions at ranges of at least 50 nautical miles (93 kilometers) from the ship. It will also carry a modular sensor suite, including electro-optical/infrared imaging, radar, an Automatic Identification System, and an Identification Friend or Foe transponder.
