CanadaBuys #W7714-248676/012

Canada Seeks Innovative Low-Cost Military Drones with Laser Ranging

The Government of Canada is seeking innovative, low-cost uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) with advanced laser ranging for military applications through the IDEaS Program Call 006. - Government Buyer: - Department of Public Works and Government Services (PSPC), on behalf of the Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) - Contracting and program offices include the Research and Development Procurement Directorate and BOREALIS - Products/Services Requested: - Design, development, and delivery of cost-effective UAS capable of precise rangefinding (±2 m at 1 km) and target cueing for indirect fire and battlefield awareness - Emphasis on research and development services across multiple project phases: Concept Design, Creation, Realization, and Test Bed - No specific OEMs, part numbers, or off-the-shelf products required; focus is on innovative, prototype solutions - Key Technical Requirements: - Operational radius of 3-4 km, minimum 30 minutes endurance, system weight ≤ 25 kg - Class 1 eye-safe laser, operation in GNSS-degraded/contested electromagnetic environments - Modular payloads, STANAG 3733 compliance, advanced telemetry, and GNSS-denied navigation are desired - Iterative user engagement, mid-point validation, and final prototype assessment - Minimum 70% Canadian content required - Funding and Contract Structure: - Multiple funding tiers: up to CAD 250,000 (Concept), CAD 1.5M (Creation), and CAD 5M (Realization) - Contract durations: up to 6 months (Concept), up to 12 months (Creation), with further phases determined at negotiation - Place of Performance: - Work to be performed in Canada, with key government offices in Gatineau, Quebec - Notable Aspects: - Open to a wide range of vendors, including non-traditional defence suppliers - Focus on R&D and prototype demonstration rather than procurement of existing commercial products

Description

The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are seeking innovative, cost-effective uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) capable of providing precise range and target cueing information for indirect fire and battlefield awareness. The solicitation aims to address a capability gap in mid-tier ISR drones that are affordable, durable, and precise under contested electromagnetic conditions. The contract includes user engagement, iterative development, mid-point validation, and a final assessment in May 2027. Funding is provided in components with budgets up to CAD 5,000,000, and the system must meet essential outcomes such as ±2 m range accuracy at 1 km, operational radius of 3-4 km, and operation in various environmental conditions.

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