C-UAS was identified as a top priority in Canada’s 2017 defence policy “Strong, Secure, Engaged,” emphasising the imperative need to develop appropriate capabilities to counter the continually-evolving threat from UAS. Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) leads national efforts in this regard, collaborating closely with all three armed services, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). A CUAS Sandbox event has now been announced for 2024, aimed at assessing innovative, agile solutions for this challenge in a fully staffed test environment at CFB Suffield, Alberta, in May and June 2024.
The event focus will be on fostering proactive, one-on-one engagements and a collaborative environment, in which innovators will be encouraged to support each other. This will NOT, therefore, be a competitive event, but a collaborative, productive environment. The potential benefits accruing to selected participants will include:
- Prototype refinement
- Influence on future development and procurement decisions
- Networking and exposure
Worth noting also are the Canadian Armed Forces projects that have a direct interest in CUAS systems and the progress of the event
- Canadian Forces Land Electronic Warfare Modernization (CFLEWM) – CUAS is out of scope but there is interest nevertheless in how the disciplines could be integrated into EW sensor networks
- Land Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Modernization (Land ISR Mod)
- Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (CUAS) – currently unfunded
Canadian and foreign businesses, individuals and pertinent organisations are eligible to apply, bearing in mind that the extent of potential Canadian content will be a criterion during the evaluation process. Note that applications are due by 14:00 EST on 5 October 2023.
For more information: Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2024 – Canada.ca
(Image: The CUAS Sandbox 2024 will be designed to examine innovative solutions to engage and defeat a wide range of drone threats. Credit: DJI)
