Canada has signed a $108 million contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. to provide hardware for its MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft. On Friday, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that the contract will ensure the delivery of components and support for Canada’s MQ-9B Direct Commercial Space program.
In December 2023, Canada ordered the SkyGuardian to monitor its vast territory, even in harsh weather conditions. This purchase aligns with the country’s Strong, Secure, Engaged defense policy. Canada also offers advanced RPAS to support NATO, United Nations and North American Aerospace Defense Command missions.
The SkyGuardian RPAS is a next-generation drone designed to meet NATO standards and regulations, both in the United States and globally. It has a Lynx Multi-Mode Radar, an advanced electro-optical/infrared sensor, and automatic takeoff and landing capabilities. The versatile design of the MQ-9B makes it suitable for various applications, including humanitarian assistance, border security and law enforcement, anti-submarine warfare, defensive counter-air operations, and electronic warfare.
Since its deployment, the drone has demonstrated the reliability of its capabilities. From December 2022 to December 2024, GA-ASI collaborated with Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research to conduct extensive fatigue testing on the UAV, applying structural pressure to validate the MQ-9 B’s system design.
The first MQ-9B SkyGuardian, equipped with the L3Harris WESCAM MX-20D EO/IR system, is expected to be delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force in 2028.