Canadian soldiers deployed in Latvia as part of Operation Reassurance are set to receive new protection from drones.
The Canadian Government has awarded two contracts valued at just under $170 million to CACI, Inc.-Federal (a US information technology company) for the integration and mounting of Counter Uncrewed Aircraft System capability on light armoured vehicles, alongside support for those systems for the next decade.
Here’s what Defence Minister David McGuinty said in a statement:
“Canada is building a well-equipped military that can operate safely and effectively to protect its national interests. The Counter Uncrewed Aircraft System capability will support the Canadian Armed Forces operations in an increasingly complex and evolving battlespace. This advanced system will also enhance Canada’s contribution to NATO’s deterrence and defence initiatives in Central and Eastern Europe.”
While some will likely question why the government is giving the contract to a U.S. firm, this is an example of necessary pragmatism. While Canada must build up our domestic defence sector, that will take time. And deeper Canada-EU defence ties will also take time to strengthen. Yet, time is a luxury our troops deployed in Latvia may not have. Were Russia to launch an attack on the Baltics, such an attack would include a large number of drones.
Ensuring our men and women in uniform can protect themselves from drones is thus a top priority. If a US firm can best facilitate that, then it takes precedence over political considerations. Further, Canada and the US will always have a level of cooperation on defence issues given our close history and geography. The goal is to diversify, not fully detach. The government has also stated the contract will “create or maintain 270 Canadian jobs.”
Overall, this is a good announcement by the government, as it shows a commitment to making tangible investments in areas of national defence that align with the rapidly shifting nature of warfare. That said, the government should set a long-term goal of ensuring that Canadian firms can provide some of this capability in the future.
Spencer Fernando
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