By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Pictured is HMCS St. John’s, a Halifax-class frigate of the Canadian Navy, navigating foggy conditions during its return to its Halifax port on July 23, 2018. The image captures the ship’s arrival after an unspecified mission. The photograph, credited to Andrew Vaughan of The Canadian Press, showcases the vessel in its home waters.
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Canada’s plan to spend up to $100 million on new drones for its navy warships is a significant move, one that has sparked considerable discussion. The project, which has been in development for over a decade, follows the expiry of a previous agreement with the Canadian Army. This highlights a long-standing need to modernize the navy’s capabilities and underscores the increasing importance of unmanned aerial systems in modern naval warfare.
The exact number of drones and associated equipment to be purchased remains unconfirmed, leaving room for various strategic decisions. One intriguing suggestion is to collaborate with Ukraine, a nation that has become a global leader in drone technology through its experience in the ongoing conflict. This approach offers access to battle-tested designs and potentially valuable expertise, accelerating the procurement process and ensuring the acquisition of effective systems.
However, a purely foreign procurement strategy isn’t without its drawbacks. A long-standing issue is Canada’s reliance on foreign defence suppliers, primarily the United States. This historical trend, partially driven by external geopolitical pressures, has hindered the growth of a robust domestic defence industry. Consequently, Canada has missed opportunities for economic growth and technological advancement in the sector. A collaborative effort, perhaps a joint venture with Ukrainian companies, could combine their expertise with Canadian manufacturing capabilities, resulting in a “near-indigenous” design. This strategy would revitalize the domestic industry, create jobs, and foster technological independence.
The potential benefits of such a partnership extend beyond simply acquiring drones. Sending Canadian military personnel to Ukraine for training would provide invaluable experience in modern drone warfare. This hands-on learning would enable Canada to adapt its doctrine and operational procedures to the realities of a conflict-ridden environment. Such exchanges could also foster a valuable long-term relationship between the Canadian and Ukrainian military establishments. While understandably the priority for Ukraine must remain on defending its own territory and using its technology to protect its people, a balanced partnership could allow for reciprocal benefits that address Canada’s needs while still supporting Ukraine’s war effort.
The cost of individual drones, estimated at around $23 million each, necessitates careful consideration of the procurement strategy. While procuring battle-proven systems might be more cost-effective in the short term, long-term investments in domestic capabilities are necessary for strategic autonomy and economic growth. This could take many forms including licensing agreements, joint ventures, or technology transfers with Ukraine to allow the production of drones in Canada, building Canadian expertise while helping a vital ally.
There is a strong argument to be made that a partnership with Ukraine would be mutually beneficial. Canada provides funding, manufacturing infrastructure and a stable environment for development, production, and export, while Ukraine gets additional manufacturing capacity, financial support for its war effort, and the ability to focus on the immediate needs of its own conflict.
Beyond the immediate drone acquisition, this initiative highlights a broader need for Canada to strengthen its defence capabilities. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the evolving geopolitical landscape have exposed vulnerabilities that require immediate attention. This includes not only acquiring modern equipment but also reinvesting in its defence industry, which would stimulate economic growth and foster self-sufficiency. A more robust defence industry is critical to ensuring national security and safeguarding Canada’s interests in an increasingly uncertain world. Ignoring the need to modernize our military capabilities due to concerns over healthcare spending is a fundamentally flawed argument – national defense and healthcare are both fundamental needs requiring adequate investment.
The ongoing debate surrounding Canada’s defence spending brings into sharp focus the need for a national conversation about priorities. While the allocation of resources is always a complex balancing act, it’s undeniable that investment in defense is vital not only for protecting national security but also for fostering economic growth and creating jobs in a high-tech sector. By leveraging its resources wisely and partnering with allies, Canada can enhance its defense capabilities, strengthen its international standing, and foster economic growth simultaneously. The proposed drone procurement, if managed strategically, can serve as a catalyst for positive change in Canada’s defence sector.