The Canadian government has launched the Defence Drone Initiative (DDI) to accelerate the development, testing and production of Canadian uncrewed and autonomous systems to help equip the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard.
Led collaboratively by the Department of National Defence and the Defence Investment Agency, the initiative aims to create a faster pathway for promising Canadian technologies to move from concept to operational testing and, where they meet defence requirements, into production.
The DDI covers drones and drone-related technologies, including robotics, artificial intelligence, aerospace, manufacturing, sensors, secure communications, navigation, propulsion and materials. It will enable promising technologies to be tested and refined through operational feedback.
The initiative lists a number of focus technologies, including low-cost, low-collateral counter-drone interceptors.
The Request for Supply Arrangement (RFSA) will open on CanadaBuys until August 14, 2026. Qualification under the RFSA will not necessarily result in a contract, but will allow successful suppliers to compete for future work, including testing, prototype development, limited acquisitions and potential production opportunities.
For more information
DDI at National Defence Canada
Image: Praveen Kumar Nandagiri / Unsplash
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