The Canadian Army races to catch up on drones as warfare changes

Drones the army is seeking

• Low-cost Arctic surveillance drones
• Ground and aerial cargo drones
• Low-cost targeting drone for artillery

The army's Minerva program, launched about a year ago, asks companies to build prototypes for specific uses instead of buying from a fixed list. Its latest tenders range from Arctic surveillance drones for the Canadian Rangers to cargo and targeting drones.

"If the drone gets shot down, we'll just send up another one. The reduction of risk to our personnel is significant."

— Lt.-Col. Jonathan Penney, Minerva program

And us?

Maximum award, Arctic drone challenge

500,000 $

Part of the goal is to build up Canada's own drone industry, with National Defence covering early research costs. The 15-month Arctic aerial drone challenge has a $500,000 maximum funding award.

What's next

Soldiers will test the prototypes until roughly next summer or fall, and a new wish-list, including a drone for breaching obstacles such as mines, is expected within three to four months.