22 March 2021

Update: Canada issues Royal Canadian Navy ISTAR UAS request for information

by Pat Host

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) on 29 January issued a request for information (RFI) for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) programme that has an estimated funding range of USD40–80 million.

The RCN requires an alternate airborne platform that can be operated from a Halifax -class frigate to provide near-realtime, over-the-horizon ISTAR information that will enhance its situational awareness out to the ship’s effective weapon engagement range, according to the Department of National Defence (DND). This should generate an operational advantage for commanders without compromising the safety of frigates, maritime helicopters, and their crew in support of operations up to, and including, multithreat warfare.

Martin UAV’s V-Bat unmanned VTOL aircraft on a counter narcotics mission with US Southern Command. Kongsberg Geospatial and Martin UAV will jointly respond to the Royal Canadian Navy’s ISTAR UAS request for information, offering the V-Bat. (Martin UAV)

The RCN seeks a mature technology solution via a competitive procurement process to acquire the UAS and sustain its capability over 20 years. One-on-one meetings are scheduled through roughly May 2021, a draft request for proposal (RFP) is expected for the third quarter of 2021, and an RFP is anticipated for mid-2022.

The system must be able to operate the unmanned aircraft and payloads as far as 50 n miles from the location of a control station while operating at below 5,000 ft above sea level (ASL). The system should operate the aircraft and payloads beyond 50 n miles from the control station while operating at below 5,000 ft ASL.

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) on 29 January issued a request for information (RFI) f...

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