American media shops have revealed that Canada is contemplating shopping for MQ-9B SkyGuardian assault and reconnaissance drones from the USA to bolster its Arctic presence. This has additionally been confirmed by the Canadian authorities.
The report signifies that Canada plans to amass 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones from the U.S. firm Normal Atomics. This transfer goals to reinforce Canada’s technological capabilities within the Arctic, with the contract amounting to $2.5 billion. Drone deliveries are scheduled between 2025 and 2028.
The UAVs will now be stationed at 14 Wing Greenwood Air Drive Base in Nova Scotia and 19 Wing Comox Air Drive Base in British Columbia. To help this, Canada plans to refurbish and improve these air bases.
Initially, these drones have been to have their very own new base within the Arctic. This base would host two plane, one for offering provides to upkeep personnel and one other for particular reconnaissance missions. Nonetheless, this plan has since been revised.
Now, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian assault and reconnaissance drones, bought by the USA, will probably be deployed as wanted to present ahead working bases the place Canadian Air Drive plane are already stationed.
Furthermore, a state-of-the-art command heart is about to be constructed in Uplands, Ottawa, spanning 6,000 sq. meters at a projected value of $65 million. The development is deliberate to be accomplished by 2028. This facility will accommodate round 200 navy personnel who will oversee and handle unmanned programs, based on the Canadian authorities.
This announcement got here on the heels of some controversy, because the Canadian Forces and Nationwide Protection had initially stored the situation below wraps. Nonetheless, public paperwork ultimately surfaced, shedding gentle on the venture’s specifics.
It’s additionally noteworthy that the MQ-9B SkyGuardian UAV is remarkably versatile. It could execute reconnaissance and surveillance missions whereas additionally being outfitted to hold air-to-surface missiles and bombs throughout 9 hardpoints.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian drone stands out as the subsequent era in remotely piloted plane programs. Drawing on superior satellite tv for pc navigation, it’s able to epic, over-the-horizon flights lasting greater than 40 hours straight, day or night time, rain or shine.
Nonetheless, it’s price noting that the variations of MQ-9B SkyGuardians produced for the Canadian Air Drive have some variations in comparison with these made for the US navy. Whereas Canadian fashions are well-suited for prolonged missions, they fall quick in sure specs.
Canadian MQ-9B SkyGuardians can fly constantly for 28 hours, protecting distances as much as 7,200 km. As compared, their American counterparts boast a variety of 11,000 km. The payload capability of the Canadian fashions is 1,700 kg, whereas US variations can deal with over 2,500 kg. Each fashions have a formidable high velocity of 390 km/h, however their service ceilings differ—13,500 meters for the Canadian SkyGuardians and 15,500 meters for the US variations.
In help of those new capabilities, a $65 million command heart is below building in Uplands, Ottawa. Slated for completion by 2028, this 6,000-square-meter facility will host round 200 navy personnel devoted to the command and management of those superior drones.
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