General Atomics began manufacturing the first two new MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones for the Canadian Air Force
Within the framework of the unmanned aerial vehicle system (RPAS) program, the first MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) have already begun to be manufactured by General Atomics, as was learned through official networks. of the Canadian Department of Defense. Likewise, it was announced that the units could begin the critical testing phase in 2026, to complete the first deliveries in 2028.
As signed in an agreement with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems in 2023 worth USD 2.49 billion, the Canadian Air Force expects to incorporate a total of 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones in the coming years. In addition to the aircraft, the program includes the provision of six ground control stations, a larger ground control center, two hangars, maintenance services and training solutions for crews and technicians. In December 2024, General Atomics was awarded another $107.9 million contract to deliver hardware and components that will further support the development of the Canadian SkyGuardian.
In that sense, thanks to a series of images published by the Canadian Department of Defense, it announced that the manufacturing of the first unmanned aircraft is progressing at the manufacturer’s facilities in San Diego, California. In them you can see the fuselage of one of them in the assembly phase, along with others that show the wings separated from the main body. As for the destination of the drones, Ottawa noted that the units will be deployed at Canadian Forces Base Greenwood in Nova Scotia and Comox in British Columbia.
As for the missions they will perform, the most important thing is that the MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned aerial vehicles will allow the RCAF monitor the Canadian national territory, including coasts; as well as serve as support for relief operations in flood and forest fire scenarios. In the case of international missions, the idea is that the system provides commanders with expanded situational awareness of the terrain of operations. In the same way that it has the ability to recognize, detect, identify and attack enemy targets; fundamental fact considering the complex environments in which the Royal Canadian Air Force generally operates.
Likewise, it is essential that the system makes its contribution to optimally fulfill the missions of NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense) and those of NATO to strengthen the cooperation and coordination of the Canadian Armed Forces with other allied forces. Internationally, the MQ-9B is already being operated by the UK Royal Air Force, the Japan Coast Guard and the US Air Force Special Operations Command. It has also participated in multiple military exercises in collaboration with the US Navy
In the context of the signing of the contract in 2023, Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASIexpressed: “Canada’s vast territory and complex terrain, including the Arctic, requires a multi-mission RPAS solution that can withstand long periods on station, fly in harsh climate environments, and operate safely in all airspaces.” For her part, Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary of the Minister of National Defense, added that the acquisition of this type of systems is extremely relevant to help keep civilians safe since the more investment in military equipment, the more security for all citizens.
Broadly speaking, the RPAS MQ-9B SkyGuardian is a next-generation unmanned aircraft with great autonomy and long range, also having the capacity for automatic takeoff and landing under exclusive control of SATCOM. Likewise, it may operate in non-segregated airspace, with the use of the collision detection and avoidance system.
Another particular feature of this MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned aerial vehicle system is that, differentiating itself from other drones, it has a design and certification that is governed by the airworthiness standards applicable to manned aircraft. In addition, its size is similar to that of a combat aircraft, specifically it has a wingspan of 24 meters and an autonomy of 28 hours. Likewise, its maximum speed is 390 km/h and the remote cabin has capacity for 6 people. In this sense, it is expected that, in addition to improving the capabilities of the Royal Canadian Air Force in general, the purpose of the acquisition of this drone system is to reduce the risk for personnel involved in its operation.
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