Canada in market for unmanned drone aircraft

Posted on: Oct. 8th, 2007 || Source: ctv.ca | E-mail Article | Print Article

Canada in market for unmanned drone aircraft

OTTAWA -- Canada's air force is shopping for new, unarmed pilotless aircraft to help protect troops in Afghanistan.

The head of the air force, Lt.-Gen. Angus Watt, has ordered the program fast-tracked, and his staff plan to give special consideration to companies that can quickly deliver the so-called uninhabited aerial vehicles or UAVs.

The purchase, which industry insiders say could be worth up to $100 million, is seen as a stopgap until the air force becomes more comfortable with the technology.

The plan is a step back from a $500-million proposal that was rejected last spring by the federal cabinet. The original plan was to purchase 12 U.S.-made Predator drones, which can be equipped with Hellfire missiles.

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