Volatus Aerospace has been awarded a five-year contract by the Government of Canada to supply low-cost tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
The initial procurement covers 100 tactical ISR UAS. The contract also provides Canada with options for up to an additional 4,900 systems, creating a potential procurement of up to 5,000 systems. The government procurement framework has a maximum value of C$25 million, although Volatus’ contracted pricing remains confidential.
The contract was awarded through the first Request for Proposal issued under Stream 1, Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems and Counter-UxS, of Canada’s Defence Drone Initiative (DDI) Marketplace.
The scope extends beyond aircraft supply and includes payloads, ground control stations, data links, training, sustainment, spare parts, documentation, and software and firmware support.
Volatus CEO Glen Lynch stated, “It validates the strength of our integrated model, which extends beyond aircraft delivery to include payload integration, training, sustainment and technical support.”
The company plans to support the programme through its Canadian manufacturing and integration operations, including its Innovation and Manufacturing Hub in Mirabel, Quebec, and Operations Control Centre in Vaughan, Ontario.
Also Read – Colombia orders two Embraer KC-390 Millennium Aircraft to strengthen strategic airlift and aerial refuelling
The initial systems are expected to begin delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026. The optional 4,900 systems are not committed purchases and would require further government approvals, requirements, and contract amendments.
The contract follows Volatus’ qualification across all five work streams of the DDI Marketplace. The company can compete for future Canadian defence requirements covering uncrewed systems, communications, engineering and integration, testing and training, and innovation and experimentation, with each opportunity subject to a separate procurement process.
