MDA Space, headquartered in Ontario, has been awarded contracts totaling 66 million Canadian dollars ($48 million) to supply unmanned aerial systems for Halifax-class guided missile frigates of the Royal Canadian Navy.
The largest portion—39 million Canadian dollars ($28.3 million)—will fund the acquisition of two drones, with the option to procure up to four more platforms.
Another 27 million Canadian dollars ($19.6 million) will support a long-term maintenance and in-service support program that could run for as long as 20 years.
According to the Canadian Department of Defence, the ISTAR UAS program will improve maritime domain awareness and reduce hazards for Halifax-class vessels by deploying drones for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance missions.
The drones must be capable of vertical takeoff and landing, operating in all weather, flying at least 50 nautical miles (58 miles/93 kilometers) from the ship, and working in conjunction with maritime helicopters.
Payload requirements include a modular maritime sensor suite featuring EO/IR systems, radar, an Automatic Identification System, and an IFF transponder.
