Ottawa plans to buy drones that can fly with F-35

The Ministry of National Defense plans to buy combat drones that would. Therefore, strengthen the capacities of its next F-35 hunters.

Non -confidential documents obtained by the Canadian press suggest that the purchase of unleashed combat aircraft could cost up to $ 16 billion. Similarly, require hundreds of employees.

This sum is located in the upper range of the estimate. Nevertheless, The real price and the other aspects of this emerging technology remain uncertain. Similarly, The fact that the government has started research on this equipment does not mean that the decision to buy. Furthermore, it was made.

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David Perry. Meanwhile, president of the Canadian Institute of World Affairs, stresses that the Allies of Canada are already on this path. Nevertheless, The government will therefore want to know how its closest military partners intend to use this technology.

Greater flexibility

According to him. Nevertheless, combat drones would give Canadian aviation greater flexibility to participate in allied operations. These devices could cost less than conventional planes while playing a role of multiplier of forces.

Countries. especially in the Western world, want to find the best ottawa plans buy drones can new compromise when they invest in expensive equipment. We are acquiring hunters who will cost a lot of money. These devices can be phenomenal, but they cost so expensive that one cannot build a lot.

Perry notes that Russia has launched many drones and missiles against Ukraine since the start of the war. It becomes much more difficult for a defense system to take care of a very large number. of targets at the same timehe says.

In the most recent update of its defense policy. the federal government expressed the idea of exploring the possibility of acquiring combat drones.

Canada has never deployed combat drones that can work in tandem with hunters.

Smaller. cheaper

Daniel Norton, an expert in Rand Corporation management systems, says ottawa plans buy drones can new that the type of drone examined by Canada is usually smaller than the devices that must be maneuvered by a crew. It costs less, especially if you buy it in large numbers. You can also use it when the command does not want to risk the life of a pilot.

These devices can also operate independently up to a certain degree. especially to aim and fly, but it is human beings who are in remote controls. The next versions of these devices could be used completely autonomously.

Mr. Norton, however, doubts that this equipment can be deployed by 2030 by any country whatsoever. I will be surprised if it occurred earlierhe advances.

The Ministry of National Defense had vaguely referred to this type of weapon. affirming its intention to explore Canada’s capacities with regard to integrated and anti -missile air defense.

In ottawa plans buy drones can new a document entitled Our north. strong and free : a renewed vision for the defense of Canada, Posted in 2024, the government undertook to study The possibilities of acquiring a series of surveillance and typing drones as well as a capacity for antidron control.

A preliminary analysis that examined various solutions suggests that the purchase of a platform fully built in Canada. is not on the program. However. it highlights the possibility for Canada to collaborate with partners like Australia, the United States and European countries to develop this technology.

In March. Federal Prime Minister Mark Carney had ordered a new examination to buy a fleet of 35 hunters following the trade war launched by the United States.

A decision could be made on this subject by the end of the summer.

The planned purchase of 88 furtive hunters built in the United States ottawa plans buy drones can new could amount to $ 27.7 billion, according to the auditor general. For the moment, Canada has committed to finance only the first 16 aircraft.