Ottawa, Ontario – August 5, 2025 – The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is set to enhance its maritime operations with the acquisition of advanced Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), marking a significant step in modernizing Canada’s naval defense capabilities. The Government of Canada has announced the award of two contracts to MDA Space Ltd., a leading Canadian aerospace and defense company, to equip the RCN’s Halifax-class frigates with up to six state-of-the-art UAS. This initiative, part of the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (ISTAR-UAS) project, underscores Canada’s commitment to strengthening its naval presence and operational effectiveness both domestically and internationally.
The contracts, valued at approximately $39 million for the initial acquisition of two UAS and $27 million for in-service support over an initial five-year period (with potential extension up to 20 years), will provide the RCN with cutting-edge tools to enhance long-range surveillance and targeting operations. These Class-2 UAS, a first for the RCN, are expected to achieve initial operational capability by 2027, with full operational capability anticipated by 2032. The systems will significantly extend the Navy’s situational awareness, enabling the detection and monitoring of potential threats across vast maritime domains.
“This investment reflects our commitment to equipping the Royal Canadian Navy with modern, adaptable, and effective tools to meet the evolving challenges of maritime security,” said a spokesperson for the Department of National Defence. “The ISTAR-UAS project will enhance our ability to protect Canada’s sovereignty and contribute to global security alongside our allies.”
The UAS will be integrated into the Halifax-class frigates, which form the backbone of the RCN’s surface fleet. These systems will provide critical expertise in uncrewed operations, supporting a range of missions, including maritime interdiction, counter-piracy, and intelligence-gathering operations. By leveraging advanced technology, the UAS will enable the RCN to extend its operational reach, offering real-time data and enhanced decision-making capabilities in complex maritime environments.
The contracts with MDA Space are also a boon for Canada’s defense industry, with the potential to contribute $18 million annually to the nation’s gross domestic product and create or maintain 145 jobs annually over the 20-year support period. This investment aligns with Canada’s defense policy, Our North, Strong and Free, which emphasizes the modernization of the Canadian Armed Forces and the development of a robust domestic defense industry.
The introduction of UAS into the RCN’s operations follows the Navy’s recent advancements in uncrewed maritime systems, such as the successful deployment of the Hammerhead uncrewed maritime system during Exercise Trident Fury 2025. The Hammerhead, launched from HMCS Vancouver and controlled via satellite, demonstrated the RCN’s growing expertise in autonomous technologies, paving the way for the integration of UAS into its operational framework.
As the RCN continues to adapt to emerging threats and technological advancements, the ISTAR-UAS project represents a pivotal step toward a more versatile and responsive naval force. By investing in uncrewed systems, Canada is positioning itself to maintain a strong maritime presence, safeguard its extensive coastline, and contribute to international security efforts alongside allies such as NATO and Five Eyes partners.
The RCN’s adoption of UAS is a testament to its forward-thinking approach, ensuring that Canada remains at the forefront of naval innovation. As these systems are integrated into the fleet, they will play a crucial role in enhancing the Navy’s ability to protect national interests and respond to global challenges in an increasingly complex security landscape.