Speaking at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sept. 10, Carney said the marketplace would accelerate the identification, procurement, and deployment of capabilities related to unmanned systems and counter-drone technology.
“I must acknowledge that our armed forces currently have about 2,000 drones,” the PM said.
“In the coming years, we will need millions. So, earlier this year, our government launched the Defence Drone Initiative to expand domestic drone production. This initiative will ensure secure, reliable and world-class drone systems for the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard.”
According to Carney, Canada is taking steps to expand its own drone capabilities through deepening its partnership with Ukraine. He said the launch of a national drone marketplace for the Canadian Armed Forces would allow Canada to produce millions of drones over the next two years.
“Today’s contracts will increase tenfold the number of drones available to the Canadian Armed Forces; crucially, one-third of all the drones we produce will support Ukraine’s defense,” the PM said.
Zelenskyy and first lady Olena Zelenska arrived in Canada on
Sept. 9 for a visit scheduled to last through Sept. 11.