Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.
The US Marine Corps (USMC) has outlined a ‘laundry list’ of critical requirements, as the service transitions from a primary focus on counter-insurgency (COIN) warfare to preparing for conflict with so-called ‘near-peer’ adversaries.
Service chiefs explained that new platforms being introduced across the force were undoubtedly more capable, more survivable and helping to keep the USMC ahead of potential future opponents.
However, they highlighted the fact that in many cases new equipment being introduced came with a significant weight penalty, were more expensive to maintain and raised the logistics burden.
Speaking to delegates at Modern Day Marine in Quantico, Virginia
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Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.
New counter-drone technologies, autonomous launchers and manufacturing modernisation initiatives highlighted emerging opportunities for defence suppliers, while the UK advanced a major military vehicle procurement programme.
Non-US companies are increasingly looking to establish subsidiary and partnerships to access the potential billions of dollars of vehicle and land systems contracts and there has already been some success.
Pearson Engineering has provided equipment and engineering expertise to the Armed Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The British company is now working to deepen engagement with the Ukrainian defence industry, expanding its support for the country’s population and laying the foundations for future technological innovation.
Rather than developing entirely new weapons, defence companies are looking to build on existing weapons and systems to deliver greater capability, control costs and accelerate fielding.
With a production rate of more than 10 million vehicles annually, the US commercial car and vehicle manufacturing base is second only to China. Defence companies are looking at how the vehicles, technology and manufacturing capability can support programmes.