Canada has formally signed a CAD$2.49 billion ($1.82 billion) contract for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) to deliver 11 armed MQ-9B SkyGuardian uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and six ground control stations, among other support infrastructure and services.

“This Remotely Piloted Aircraft System [RPAS] capability will provide Canadian Armed Forces members with nimble response options during deployed operations,” Minister of National Defense Bill Blair said.

The deal, which includes a first MQ-9B delivery in 2028, will push operations of the single-engine UAS to the highest latitudes for the type yet, with aircraft to be stationed at 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia, and 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia. The aircraft will be expected to perform operations in Canadian airspace deep within the Arctic Circle.

At extreme northern latitudes, the MQ-9B loses the signal from the geostationary, Ku-band satellites normally used to control the aircraft from a remote ground station. But GA-ASI flew a company-owned MQ-9A up to 78.31 deg. North latitude in 2021, demonstrating an alternative control link with Inmarsat’s L-band Airborne ISR Service. A new generation of space constellations scheduled to deploy by 2026 are expected to give the MQ-9B assured access to the polar region.

GA-ASI became the presumed winner of the Canadian RPAS contract more than 18 months ago. An L3Harris MAS-led team had offered the Israeli Aerospace Industries Heron-TP UAS, but withdrew from the competition on May 20, 2022, citing the lack of an attractive business case.

The withdrawal left the contract to the GA-ASI team, which includes CAE, MDA and a different part of L3Harris. CAE is expected to provide training and simulation services, plus in-service support.

The program is scheduled to achieve full operational capability by the end of 2033.

The award caps a busy two years for the acquisition portfolio of the Royal Canadian Air Force. In addition to the MQ-9B deal, the service has signed contracts for 88 Lockheed Martin F-35As, nine Airbus CC-330 tanker-transports, 16 Boeing P-8As maritime patrol aircraft and 16 new or upgraded Sikorsky CH-149 Cormorant helicopters.