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

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

Posted at 11:23 a.m.

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

This sum is located in the upper range of the estimate. Nevertheless, The real price and ottawa plans buy drones can 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. In addition, it was made. For example,

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

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

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

Mr. Perry observes that Russia has launched several 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 time. ” he says.

In its 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.

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

These vehicles can also act independently up to a certain degree. especially to aim and fly, but it is humans who are in control. The next versions of this equipment could be used completely independently.

Mr. Norton doubts that this equipment can be deployed by 2030 by any country whatsoever.

“I will be surprised if it occurs earlier,” he says.

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 ottawa plans buy drones can -missile air defense”.

In a document entitled “Our northern. strong and free: a renewed vision for the defense of Canada” published in 2024, the government undertook to study “the possibilities of acquiring a series of surveillance and strike drones, as well as a capacity for anti -drones”.

A preliminary analysis examining various solutions suggests that the purchase of a platform. entirely manufactured 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 ottawa plans buy drones can this subject by the end of the summer.

The planned purchase of 88 stealth hunters made in the United States could amount to 27.7 billion, according to the auditor general. For the moment, Canada has only been committed to finance the first 16 aircraft.