Photo: Corporal Sébastien Lauzier-Labarre, Valcartier Imaging Section, Canadian Armed Forces
Press Release
On July 7, 2025, the Government of Canada awarded two contracts for a total value of $169,187,671.90 to CACI, Inc. - FEDERAL as part of the second phase of the Counter Uncrewed Aircraft System (CUAS) Urgent Operational Requirement. This is a critical new capability to support Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members deployed on Operation REASSURANCE.
This contract includes the integration and mounting of the CUAS onto a new light armoured tactical vehicle platform, as well as in-service support for the systems for up to 10 years.
As the international security environment changes, the Government of Canada is continually working to equip CAF personnel with the capabilities they need to protect Canada and its national interests. The CUAS capability will provide CAF members with improved protection against smaller hostile uncrewed aircraft systems through detection, identification, tracking, and degradation and defeat using integrated vehicles with sensors and effectors. The CUAS capability will provide CAF members with improved protection against smaller hostile uncrewed aircraft systems through detection, identification, tracking, and degradation and defeat using integrated vehicles with sensors and effectors.
Quotes
“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.”
The Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“The Government of Canada is focused on equipping the Canadian Armed Forces with modern, reliable capabilities for the protection and effectiveness of our troops. This significant investment reaffirms our focus, while supporting Canada’s largest international military operation and enhancing the Armed Forces’ ability to counter evolving threats.”
The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)
“In a world increasingly dangerous and divided, the Government of Canada is modernizing our military equipment and technology to rebuild Canada’s defence capabilities and strengthen our collective security. The Counter Uncrewed Aircraft System’s project will foster domestic innovation, strengthen Canada’s defence industrial base and ensure lasting economic benefits across the country.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Québec Regions
“This critical addition to the Army's Counter Uncrewed Aircraft System capability will help protect our soldiers by enhancing their ability to detect and defend against enemy systems, enabling us to better fight and survive on the modern battlefield."
Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander Canadian Army
Quick Facts
On January 30, 2024, Canada awarded contracts as part of Phase 1 for the acquisition and in-service support of dismounted and fixed-site CUAS. The first shipments of all three systems were received for testing and training in fall 2024.
Delivery of the first fully mounted and integrated CUAS is expected in fall 2026, withFull Operational Capability expected in early 2028.
· Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits policy applies to these contracts and require CACI, Inc. - FEDERAL to undertake business activities in Canada equal to the value of the contracts. These economic commitments will generate high value jobs and bolster Canadian supply chains. CACI, Inc. - FEDERAL’s economic commitments have the potential to contribute $33 million annually to Canadian gross domestic product and create or maintain 270 Canadian jobs.
