Royal Canadian Navy Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Unmanned Aircraft System

Project Type

Project Replace

Objective

The RCN ISTAR UAS project will provide an alternate airborne platform that can be operated from the Halifax-class frigate in order to provide near real-time, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance information. This ability will provide critical over the horizon Situational Awareness and generate an operational advantage for commanders while minimizing the risk to the frigate or Maritime Helicopter in support of simple to multi-threat operations.

Requirements

The RCN requires a shipborne vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) that can launch and recover from a Halifax-class frigate with an embarked maritime helicopter, by day and night, in challenging weather conditions globally. The minimum requirement will be to operate at least 50nm from the ship while fitted with a dynamically responsive, open architecture, maritime ISTAR sensor suite (to include at a minimum EO/IR, maritime radar, AIS, and an IFF Transponder).

Funding Range

$50 million to $99 million

Anticipated Timeline (Fiscal Year)

Options Analysis Phase

Completed

Definition Phase

In Progress

Start Implementation

2023/2024

Initial Delivery

2024/2025

Final Delivery

2027/2028

Defence Capability Areas

• Air
• Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence
• Sea
• Surveillance & Reconnaissance
• Emerging Technology
• Training and Simulation

Defence Capability Investment Areas

• Aerospace Structures and components
• Landing/runway Systems
• Propulsion Systems and components
• Rotary Wing Platforms
• Battlespace Situational Awareness Tools
• Data and Bandwidth Management
• Decision Support Tools
• Deployable C4I Systems
• Encryption
• Fixed Communications Systems
• In Service Support
• Intelligence Fusion Tools
• Intelligence Mission Data Support Tools
• Navigation Systems
• Networks and Network Support
• Maritime Specific Support Equipment
• ISR Support and Infrastructure
• Optical Systems
• Surveillance & Recce Integration Tools
• Thermal systems
• Unmanned and/or Autonomous Systems
• Simulation Equipment
• Simulation Software
• Training Services

Key Industrial Capabilities

• Defence Systems Integration
• Electro-Optical/Infrared Systems
• In Service Support
• Remotely Piloted Systems and Autonomous Technologies

Contact Us

Do you have any questions or comments about the Defence Capabilities Blueprint? The DCB is managed by the Directorate of Capability Integration at National Defence. To help us connect you with the appropriate subject matter or technical expert, please select whether your query is related to the DCB in general, is related to a project, or if you require technical support. If you request follow up, we will endeavour to acknowledge your request within 7 working days.