In a significant move to bolster its national defense capabilities, the Canadian military is poised to procure MQ-9B Reaper drones and Hellfire missiles from the United States, marking a substantial defense investment. This initiative, estimated to reach 5 billion Canadian dollars ($3.7 billion), underscores Canada’s commitment to enhancing its security infrastructure.

This article delves into the various aspects of this procurement, its implications for Canadian defense, and the broader geopolitical context.

A Game-Changing Acquisition for Canadian Defense

Procuring armed MQ-9B Reaper drones and Hellfire missiles signals a pivotal moment in Canada’s defense strategy.

According to military and defense industry officials, Ottawa is taking steps to initiate negotiations with the United States government and General Atomics, the drone manufacturer, for the supply of an unspecified number of these armed drones. With an initial order valued at over 400 million Canadian dollars ($296 million) anticipated by the upcoming spring, this acquisition is expected to progress swiftly.