CAE Secures $250M to Support Canadian Government's MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS Program

CAE has announced a contract award from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to bolster the MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) acquired by the Government of Canada.

The contract, valued at a minimum of $250 million for the initial 9 years, includes additional option years, encompassing a comprehensive scope of services. CAE's responsibilities under the agreement span aircrew and maintenance technician training, provision of supporting training devices and courseware, and deployment of maintenance technicians to augment the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) staff both domestically and in deployed locations.

Furthermore, the contract incorporates broader In-Service Support (ISS) capabilities, encompassing aircraft maintenance, IT, cybersecurity, and publications management at RPAS operating sites. CAE will leverage its expertise in comprehensive maintenance and support solutions to enhance the RPAS capability across various operational domains.

The MQ-9B SkyGuardian boasts interoperability with domestic and continental defense missions through organizations like NORAD, as well as with key allies such as the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY) and NATO.

Canada signed a contract in December 2023 for 11 MQ-9B drones, 219 Hellfire missiles, and 12 Mk82 500-pound bombs.