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
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.
The Mona Lisa was set in this surprising Italian town, geologist claims
Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa — one of the most famous paintings in the world — is shrouded in mystery; from questions around the figure's identity, to her puzzling, enigmatic expression. Now, at least one of the artwork’s secrets has been revealed, according to a geologist based in Italy.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
N.B. man takes talent to the air, hoping others catch his love for extreme pogo stick performing
Duncan Murray is one of only a handful of Canadians to be considered a professional extreme pogo athlete.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
Oilers focus on Saturday's game, try to ignore prospect of elimination from playoffs
They're on the verge of being eliminated, but there's only one thing the Edmonton Oilers can do, says their coach: Remain focused.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.