By Canadian Press

Ottawa launches long-awaited competition for armed military drones

Feb 11, 2022 | 1:20 PM

OTTAWA — The federal government has officially launched a competition for the purchase of armed drones after nearly two decades of delays and discussion.

The formal request for proposals was released today to the two companies shortlisted to bid on the $5-billion contract, though delivery of the first unmanned aerial vehicle isn’t expected until at least 2025.

The government does not say how many drones it plans to buy, and instead leaves it up to the companies to say how their bids will satisfy the military’s needs while benefiting the Canadian economy.

However, it does say the aircraft will be located at military bases in Nova Scotia and British Columbia, while a main control centre will be in the Ottawa area. 

While delivery is still years away, the fact the military has reached even this point represents a big step forward after almost 20 years of work and debate.

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Some have previously criticized the decision to buy armed drones given concerns about their potential use in Canada and numerous reports of airstrikes by other nations causing unintended damage and civilian casualties.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 11, 2022.

The Canadian Press