Canadian military to spend $2.5 billion on armed drones
The Canadian military will spend $2.49 billion to acquire 11 remotely piloted aircraft – or drones – from U.S.-based manufacturer General Atomics, the federal government announced Tuesday.
The combat-capable MQ-9B aircraft, which are roughly the size of a fighter jet, will be stationed at 14 Wing Greenwood, N.S., and 19 Wing Comox, B.C., while the pilots will fly the aircraft from six cockpits at a control centre in Ottawa.
The Department of National Defence says the first drones are slated for delivery in 2028, with the program fully operational by 2033.
The aircraft will be deployed on operations with the Canadian Forces abroad, while also serving a domestic role monitoring coastlines and providing civilian aid in wildfire and flood situations, the department said.
In September, the U.S. State Department revealed Canada's intention to buy the MQ-9B drones when it approved a foreign military sale request for munitions and other systems to outfit the aircraft, including 219 Hellfire missiles and 12 Mk82 500-pound bombs.
The drones will not routinely carry weapons during operations in Canadian airspace, the Department of National Defence said.
In a statement Tuesday, Defence Minister Bill Blair said the drone acquisition will help ensure Canadians have a "modern, adaptable military that is prepared to respond to evolving and emerging security challenges," while also meeting the "growing demand for domestic assistance."
The $2.49-billion price tag includes six ground control stations, two new aircraft hangars, initial weapons for the drones, as well as training and sustainment equipment.
The Department of National Defence says 55 drone personnel will be stationed at 14 Wing Greenwood and 25 at 19 Wing Comox, with 160 staff at a main ground control centre in Ottawa. Additional personnel will be deployed to forward locations in northern Canada, as required.
The MQ-9B, with a wingspan of 24 metres, can remain aloft for up to 28 hours, cover a distance of 7,200 kilometres and travel at a maximum speed of 390 km/h, according to the department.
The drone deal with General Atomics has the potential to create "close to 700 jobs annually for Canadian industry and value chain partners," and contribute $97 million a year to Canada’s gross domestic product over a nine-year period, officials said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
Houston braces for flooding to worsen in wake of storms
High waters flooded neighborhoods around Houston on Saturday following heavy rains that have already resulted in crews rescuing hundreds of people from homes, rooftops and roads engulfed in murky water.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Canadian Auger-Aliassime reaches first Masters final in Madrid with another walkover
Montreal's Felix Auger-Aliassime has advanced to his first ATP Masters final, and he hasn't had to play all that much tennis to do it.