Department of National Defence advances innovation in drone detection technology
News release
November 28, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, the Department of National Defence (DND) successfully concluded drone detection trials over downtown Ottawa, near Parliament Hill, to test urban counter uncrewed aircraft system (CUAS) capabilities in a controlled, scientific environment. These trials took place from November 24 to 28, 2025, as part of DND’s Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program.
This week-long event brought together defence science experts and innovators, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel, police, and other defence and security partners to evaluate how well detection technologies perform in a complex urban environment. The trials were organized in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the City of Ottawa, the Ottawa Police Service, Transport Canada and additional partners.
The rapid increase in availability, affordability, complexity and capabilities of drone systems poses significant security risks to Canada and its partners. The IDEaS CUAS sandbox event responds to the urgent need to keep pace with evolving drone technology and tactics.
The CUAS sandbox focused on defending against drones, and is one of many initiatives funded by the IDEaS program to accelerate concepts in defence and security to help build a resilient defence innovation ecosystem.
With emerging challenges to global stability and rapid advances in technology affecting the foundations of Canadian security and prosperity, Canada requires a robust and adaptable military —one capable of defending its sovereignty, protecting North America, and supporting its international commitments with allies and partners. That is why the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of investing in defence innovation and is committed to strengthening military capabilities through research and development.
Quotes
“Canada’s defence and security depend on staying ahead in a rapidly changing world. Innovation is the engine that drives progress and resilience. Canada’s future depends on investing in ideas, nurturing talent, and transforming knowledge into practical solutions for complex challenges. Now more than ever, we must invest in defence by advancing cutting-edge technologies, strengthening our domestic industrial base, and giving the Canadian Armed Forces the tools they need to protect Canadians.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
Quick facts
-
Potential adversaries are adapting uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) designs to evade current CUAS capabilities, by reducing the UAS visibility, minimizing radio-frequency emissions, increasing autonomy, and operating at higher velocities, rendering the current CUAS approaches obsolete. Canada must have a clear understanding of these threats and equipped to counter evolving technology.
-
The IDEaS program is a program managed by Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), DND’s science and technology organization. DRDC provides DND, the Canadian Armed Forces, other government departments, and Canada’s public safety and national security communities with the knowledge and technological advantage needed to defend and protect Canada’s interests at home and abroad.
-
Since its establishment in 2018, the IDEaS program has hosted several CUAS sandbox demonstration events at DRDC’s Suffield Research Centre in Alberta to evaluate and advance technologies capable of detecting and defeating micro and mini UAS.
-
Operating in an urban environment is a critical part of the CUAS challenge. In 2025, for the first time, the IDEaS CUAS sandbox event has focused exclusively on detect-only technologies in a realistic urban environment in downtown Ottawa, Ontario.
-
DRDC’s mission is to strengthen Canada’s defence and security posture through excellence in science, technology, and innovation. It serves as the functional authority on science and technology issues for DND/CAF and contributes to departmental policy, planning, and decision-making.
-
The Government of Canada is committed to rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting in the CAF. Through Budget 2025: Canada Strong, generational investments will provide the military with the tools and equipment needed to protect Canada’s sovereignty and bolster national security.
Related products
Associated links
Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca