Canadian aerospace company Volatus Aerospace has finalized the acquisition of advanced remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) technologies from UK-based Caliburn Holdings for 2 million Canadian dollars ($1.4 million). The strategic purchase includes aircraft designs, engineering documentation, flight-test data, and support assets that will accelerate the development of a next-generation long-endurance fixed-wing drone platform.
Volatus stated that the acquisition supports Canada’s ambition to strengthen its sovereign aerospace and defense manufacturing ecosystem while expanding the use of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) for public security, surveillance, and infrastructure protection. The move positions the company as a key domestic player in the long-endurance drone segment, vital for both defense and civil applications.
The newly acquired portfolio features three scalable UAS platforms with maximum takeoff weights ranging from 100 kilograms (220 pounds) to 265 kilograms (584 pounds). Each model can carry payloads between 15 kilograms (33 pounds) and 50 kilograms (110 pounds) and sustain flight durations from 12 hours to seven days, depending on mission requirements.
Designed for border monitoring, Arctic and maritime patrol, persistent surveillance, and critical infrastructure inspection, the modular drones can operate individually or in coordinated swarms for enhanced situational coverage. Volatus emphasized that the technology will play a pivotal role in developing Canada’s autonomous aerial capabilities, serving both military and commercial markets.
