When it comes to Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), MQ-9B SkyGuardian sets the standard for its class of unmanned aircraft. It is the world’s first certifiable RPAS with a design built upon the proven success of the Predator series of RPA produced by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). GA-ASI’s MQ-9 series boasts more than three million operational flight hours with a 90 percent mission capable rate. The MQ-9B’s improved structural fatigue and damage tolerance hardware make it an all-weather RPA, ready to execute operations in adverse weather, including the icing conditions found in Canada.
For over a decade, MQ-9 has been deployed abroad in support of joint operations including NATO and Canadian forces for regional military exercises and security operations, successfully delivering persistent and reliable Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) data. MQ-9B would give the Canadian Armed Forces full-spectrum mission flexibility and enable forces to conduct critical civil and military operations such as emergency response, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peace support and force application missions — with those same proven capabilities to protect and secure Canada at home and globally.
Another key quality that sets MQ-9B apart from the competition is its interoperability. MQ-9 series RPA can seamlessly integrate with the NORAD, Five-Eyes and NATO networks. Interoperability – through the real-time exchange of information – is necessary to generate a common operating picture and to have a shared situational awareness. It also provides all decision-makers with the best and most timely information available.
Interest in the MQ-9B continues to grow internationally, including the United Kingdom, Australia and Belgium. These countries have signed contracts selecting this advanced RPAS solution. Canada has the opportunity to select an RPA solution that would ensure a more robust national defence capability and greater global stability.
Leading Canadian aerospace and defence leaders are committed to delivering the MQ-9B to Canada. As part of Team SkyGuardian, CAE, MDA and L3Harris WESCAM have worked closely with GA-ASI by integrating their cutting-edge, made-in-Canada products. These capabilities, such as EO/IR systems, artificial intelligence, sonar and acoustic technology, training and simulation programs, and in-service support, provide considerable Canadian sovereignty over the system. This industrial collaboration effort continues to be successful thanks to the hundreds of highly skilled Canadian women and men innovating, engineering, planning, manufacturing, organizing and operating the technology.
MQ-9B SkyGuardian is the only solution supporting Canadian sovereignty, and is interoperable with NORAD, FVEY and NATO. As the market’s only certifiable RPAS, with record-breaking endurance and a highly configurable design, MQ-9B is ready to contribute to the success of the Canadian Armed Forces and their strategic defence vision.
