Defense & Military
Canada Plans Fighter Drones to Complement F35 Fleet by 2030
Canada explores $16B CAD investment in AI-enabled fighter drones to enhance its F-35 fleet and strengthen defense capabilities by 2030.
Canada’s Strategic Investment in Fighter Drones: Complementing the F-35 Fleet
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is actively exploring the acquisition of advanced fighter Drones to operate alongside its incoming F-35 fleet, with potential expenditures reaching $16 billion CAD (approximately $11.6 billion USD). This initiative, detailed in unclassified documents obtained by The Canadian Press, represents a transformative shift in Canadian defense capabilities aimed at enhancing air combat effectiveness through manned-unmanned teaming. The proposed unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) would function as “loyal wingmen,” providing force multiplication, extended sensor reach, and reduced risk to human pilots.
Research indicates these systems could enter service around 2030, requiring hundreds of personnel for operation and maintenance. This development aligns with global military trends observed in the United States and Australia, where similar programs are advancing rapidly. The acquisition faces significant cost uncertainties and technological challenges but promises enhanced interoperability with NORAD and NATO allies while generating high-tech industrial opportunities domestically.
Historical Context of Unmanned Combat Aircraft
Evolution of Military Drone Technology
Military drone technology has evolved from simple reconnaissance platforms to sophisticated combat systems over recent decades. The concept of “loyal wingman” drones emerged in the early 21st century as a solution to maintain air superiority amid rising aircraft costs and personnel limitations. These systems are designed to operate collaboratively with manned fighters, sharing sensor data, expanding weapon capacity, and executing high-risk missions without endangering pilots.
The United States’ development of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program and Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat represent pioneering efforts in this domain, demonstrating the strategic value of autonomous systems in modern warfare. Canada’s current exploration of similar technology follows this global trajectory, seeking to leverage lessons from allied programs while addressing specific national defense requirements.
These global programs underscore a shift in air combat doctrine, where integration between manned and unmanned platforms is becoming essential to maintain operational advantage in contested environments.
Canada’s Fighter Modernization Journey
Canada’s fighter modernization efforts have experienced significant evolution since the 2010 announcement to replace the CF-18 fleet. After prolonged deliberations and political shifts, the government confirmed the F-35A acquisition in January 2023, committing to 88 aircraft at an estimated $19 billion CAD. This decision followed years of analysis that ultimately concluded the fifth-generation fighter provided unmatched capabilities for continental defense and coalition operations.
The Future Fighter Capability Project established delivery timelines from 2026 through 2034, creating a foundation upon which complementary systems like combat drones could integrate. This historical context reveals a pattern of cautious technological adoption, where Canada typically follows rather than leads military innovation, making the current drone consideration a notable departure toward more ambitious capability development.
As the F-35 program progresses, the integration of unmanned systems will likely become a central focus of Canada’s evolving airpower doctrine.
Canada’s Proposed Fighter Drone Acquisition
Acquisition Framework and Requirements
The Department of National Defence is actively researching options for acquiring unmanned combat aircraft to complement the F-35 fleet. Unclassified documents reveal a structured evaluation process with an estimated budget ceiling of $16 billion CAD. These tactical UAS would be smaller than conventional fighter jets and acquired in bulk to optimize cost-efficiency.
The envisioned systems would carry various payloads, including sensors, jammers, weapons, and electronic warfare equipment, while operating alongside crewed aircraft. Daniel Norton, a senior management systems analyst at RAND Corporation, notes that such drones would likely enter operational service around 2030, aligning with global development timelines for comparable systems.
The acquisition remains in exploratory stages, with no formal commitment announced as of mid-2024, but the planning documents suggest a serious intent to proceed.
Strategic Rationale and Capability Enhancement
The primary strategic rationale centers on enhancing the RCAF’s combat mass and mission flexibility without proportionally increasing costs or personnel demands. David Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, explains that unpiloted vehicles operating with manned fighters provide “additional numbers that could potentially help provide enough quantity to overwhelm opposition forces.”
These drones would function as force multipliers, enabling fewer F-35s to cover broader mission sets while reducing operational risks. Retired Major-General David Fraser highlights the technological inevitability of such systems, noting that “the F-35 is the last manned fighter we’re ever going to fly,” making drone integration essential for future relevance.
The capability would also strengthen interoperability with NORAD partners, particularly as the United States advances its own Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
“The F-35 is the last manned fighter we’re ever going to fly.”, Retired Major-General David Fraser
Technical Capabilities and Operational Integration
Autonomous Systems and AI Integration
The envisioned Canadian fighter drones would employ advanced artificial intelligence for autonomous navigation, target identification, and mission execution while remaining under human oversight. Lockheed Martin has demonstrated that F-35 pilots can control multiple drones via cockpit interfaces, providing a model for Canadian integration.
This “quarterback” functionality, successfully tested in 2024, allows a single F-35 pilot to manage drone swarms using AI-enabled architectures that process sensor data and coordinate actions. Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat, already in Australian service, exemplifies this technological approach with its AI systems enabling collaborative missions alongside crewed aircraft.
Such systems would operate at varying autonomy levels, from remote-controlled to fully autonomous, depending on mission requirements and operational risk assessments.
Mission Profiles and Payload Configurations
These combat drones would fulfill diverse mission profiles through modular payload configurations adaptable to operational requirements. Primary roles include intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), strike missions, electronic warfare, and decoy operations.
In ISR roles, drones extend the F-35’s sensor coverage with additional electro-optical/infrared systems and radar capabilities. For strike missions, they can carry precision-guided munitions while the manned aircraft remains at a standoff distance. Electronic warfare variants would deploy jamming systems to disrupt enemy communications and radar.
Daniel Norton notes that the drones’ smaller size and lower detectability make them ideal for high-risk missions, providing a strategic advantage in contested environments.
Global Developments and Allied Programs
Australian MQ-28 Ghost Bat Program
Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat represents one of the most advanced loyal wingman systems currently operational. Developed by Boeing Australia, this stealth UCAV entered Royal Australian Air Force service between 2024–2025 after significant domestic investment.
The drone features artificial intelligence for autonomous operations, modular mission packages, and a range exceeding 2,000 km. Enhancements under Block 2 include improved sensors, navigation systems, and autonomous capabilities, funded by an additional $400 million AUD.
Australia’s approach to sovereign production and local industry engagement offers a model for Canada, demonstrating how such programs can simultaneously advance capability and stimulate economic growth.
United States Collaborative Combat Aircraft
The U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program is the most expansive loyal wingman initiative globally. With plans to acquire between 1,000–2,000 drones, the program aims to pair two CCAs with each F-35 and NGAD fighter by the 2030s.
In 2024, the program downselected to two prototypes: the YFQ-42A by General Atomics and the YFQ-44A by Anduril Industries. Both are designed for AI-driven teaming and will begin flight testing in 2025. Secretary Frank Kendall described this as a “new chapter of aerial warfare.”
These developments provide valuable insights for Canada, particularly regarding operational integration and technological feasibility.
Conclusion
Canada’s consideration of acquiring fighter drones to complement its F-35 fleet marks a significant evolution in its defense strategy. The proposed $16 billion CAD investment would introduce unmanned systems capable of extending sensor reach, executing high-risk missions, and enhancing interoperability with allies.
While challenges remain, particularly regarding cost, integration, and personnel, the global momentum behind loyal wingman programs suggests a strategic imperative. If pursued, this initiative could position Canada at the forefront of 21st-century airpower innovation.
FAQ
What is a Loyal Wingman drone?
A Loyal Wingman is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets, sharing sensor data, executing missions, and enhancing combat effectiveness.
Why is Canada considering fighter drones?
To complement its incoming F-35 fleet, increase mission flexibility, reduce pilot risk, and align with global defense trends seen in the U.S. and Australia.
When could these drones become operational?
Based on current research and expert analysis, operational deployment could begin around 2030, depending on development and procurement timelines.
Sources:
Simple Flying,
CTV News,
RAND Corporation,
U.S. Department of Defense,
Australian Department of Defence,
Government of Canada
Photo Credit: F35
Defense & Military
USAF Launches EPAWSS Speedline to Accelerate F-15E Modernization
The USAF establishes an EPAWSS Speedline at Warner Robins to rapidly upgrade F-15E Strike Eagles with advanced electronic warfare systems starting June 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.
Air Force Launches EPAWSS Speedline to Accelerate F-15E Modernization
On May 26, 2026, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) announced the establishment of a dedicated “Speedline” facility at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex (WR-ALC) in Georgia. This new initiative is designed to rapidly accelerate the installation of the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) on the U.S. Air Force’s F-15E Strike Eagle fleet.
According to the official press release, the Speedline facility is slated to receive its first F-15E aircraft for installation in June 2026. By decoupling these critical electronic warfare upgrades from standard Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) schedules, the Air Force aims to field advanced defensive capabilities much faster than previously possible.
We note that this shift in maintenance strategy allows the military to upgrade jets up to five to seven years ahead of their routine maintenance cycles. This collaborative effort between the AFLCMC’s F-15 System Program Office and the WR-ALC is expected to significantly boost fleet readiness against modern electromagnetic threats.
Breaking the Maintenance Bottleneck
Operational Independence
Historically, major system upgrades for fighter aircraft have been tied to their routine depot maintenance schedules, which can create bottlenecks for fielding urgent technology. The AFLCMC’s new Speedline operates entirely independently of the standard PDM line.
This operational independence provides the F-15 System Program Office and WR-ALC the flexibility to install the EPAWSS on aircraft that are not due for routine maintenance for another five to seven years. By treating the electronic warfare upgrade as a standalone priority, the Air Force can modernize its fleet at a pace dictated by tactical necessity rather than logistical routine.
Understanding the EPAWSS Upgrade
Replacing Cold War-Era Technology
The Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System is a next-generation, all-digital electronic warfare suite. Based on the provided research data, it is designed to replace the legacy Tactical Electronic Warfare System (TEWS), which relies on Cold War-era analog equipment.
Developed by prime contractor BAE Systems, with Boeing serving as the prime contractor for integration, EPAWSS provides fully integrated radar warning, geolocation, situational awareness, and self-protection solutions. The system allows the aircraft to detect, identify, and defeat surface and airborne threats in highly contested, dense signal environments.
Financial and Production Milestones
The U.S. Air Force officially cleared EPAWSS for full-rate production in early 2025. Concurrently, the Air Force awarded a $615.8 million contract to Boeing to cover the installation of these systems. Shortly after this award, the first fully equipped F-15E was delivered to the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, marking a major milestone in the modernization of the 4th-generation fleet.
Strategic Importance and Lethality
Expanding the F-15E’s Capabilities
The integration of EPAWSS is not merely a defensive measure; it is a comprehensive upgrade to the aircraft’s survivability and lethality. In the official AFLCMC release, military leadership emphasized the strategic necessity of the system.
“The F-15E Strike Eagle remains a cornerstone of our tactical airpower and deep strike capabilities. The integration of advanced electronic warfare suites, such as the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System, ensures the F-15E will not just survive, but actively disrupt and dismantle adversary kill chains in the most highly contested, electromagnetically dense environments.”
, Lt. Col. Matthew Heil, F-15 Program Office, EPAWSS Materiel Leader
AirPro News analysis
We observe that the creation of the EPAWSS Speedline reflects a broader Department of Defense trend toward agile logistics and sustainment. By separating critical combat upgrades from time-consuming depot maintenance, the military is demonstrating a commitment to fielding new technologies to the warfighter at a much faster pace.
Furthermore, as the U.S. Air Force continues to develop and field 5th-generation fighters like the F-35 and F-22, alongside future 6th-generation platforms, maintaining the survivability of 4th-generation “workhorse” aircraft is a strategic priority. EPAWSS ensures that older airframes like the F-15E can safely and effectively operate alongside stealth fighters in modern, highly contested combat scenarios, bridging the gap between legacy platforms and future air dominance initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EPAWSS Speedline?
The EPAWSS Speedline is a dedicated installation facility at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex designed to rapidly equip F-15E Strike Eagles with the new Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System, independent of standard maintenance schedules.
When will the first aircraft be upgraded at the Speedline?
According to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, the facility is slated to receive its first F-15E aircraft for installation in June 2026.
Who are the primary contractors for EPAWSS?
BAE Systems is the prime contractor that developed the EPAWSS, while Boeing serves as the prime contractor for the system’s integration and installation on the F-15E.
Sources
Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Codie Trimble
Defense & Military
Final A-10 Engine Build Marks End of Davis-Monthan Maintenance Era
Davis-Monthan AFB completes last A-10 engine build as USAF extends aircraft service life through 2030, ending a 50-year maintenance mission.
This article is based on an official press release from Air Combat Command.
On May 21, 2026, Airmen at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona officially completed their final A-10 Thunderbolt II engine build. According to an official release from Air Combat Command, this milestone marks the end of a decades-long maintenance mission for the 355th Component Maintenance Squadron (CMS) and serves as a symbolic closing chapter for the base’s 50-year legacy with the iconic close-air-support aircraft.
While the U.S. Air-Forces recently announced a partial extension of the A-10’s operational life through 2030, the formal training and heavy maintenance pipelines, including the dedicated Davis-Monthan engine shop, are officially shutting down. As the military transitions to future platforms, the completion of this final General Electric TF34 turbofan engine represents the end of an era for the maintainers who kept the “Warthog” flying.
We at AirPro News have reviewed the official military releases and supplementary research to provide a comprehensive look at what this final build means for the U.S. Air Force, the maintainers on the ground, and the future of the A-10 fleet.
A Historic Final Build for the 355th CMS
A standard A-10 engine build is a rigorous, multi-stage operation that typically takes 30 days to complete. The process involves meticulous inspection, repair, rebuilding, and testing of the General Electric TF34 turbofan engines that power the A-10C Thunderbolt II. According to military reports, a single crew of five maintainers usually handles the entire process for a given engine.
Hands-On Participation
For this historic final build, the 355th CMS broke from tradition. Every member of the shop participated, ensuring that all personnel had the opportunity to put their hands on the final engine throughout its diagnostic runs and final inspection. The final engine test was successfully conducted in the test cell on April 30, 2026, verifying its performance and flight readiness.
The process officially concluded on May 21, 2026, when Tech. Sgt. Logan Lamb, a 355th Maintenance Group quality assurance inspector, stamped the final inspection form. Wing leadership and the 355th CMS gathered to celebrate the completion, reflecting on the gravity of their work.
“Some, if not all these engines have saved lives on the ground through close air support missions, and some have carried pilots home while the other engine was damaged. All members of the shop put eyes and hands on this engine throughout the build, testing, diagnostic runs and final inspection. Typically, only one crew of five would work on any one engine, but this engine has been touched by everyone.”
The Warthog’s Legacy and Future Operations
Davis-Monthan AFB has served as the primary hub for A-10 operations and training for nearly 50 years. However, the base began divesting its A-10 fleet in February 2024, sending the first aircraft to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, commonly known as the “Boneyard.” On April 3, 2026, the 357th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan graduated its final class of A-10 pilots, permanently closing the formal training pipeline for the aircraft.
Service Extension Through 2030
Despite the closures at Davis-Monthan, the A-10 will continue to fly. On April 20, 2026, Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink announced that the Air Force will extend the service life of the remaining A-10 fleet through 2030, reversing a previous plan to retire the aircraft by 2029. According to defense reports, this decision was heavily influenced by the A-10’s recent combat performance in Operation Epic Fury, a U.S. campaign against Iran in late March and April 2026, where the aircraft successfully struck naval vessels and provided critical close air support.
AirPro News analysis
The decision to extend the A-10’s service life through 2030 while simultaneously closing its primary heavy maintenance and training facilities presents a unique logistical scenario. The Air Force is utilizing what it calls a “fleet management strategy.” Because the Davis-Monthan engine shop and the pilot “schoolhouse” are now closed, operational squadrons at bases like Moody AFB and Whiteman AFB will be operating on borrowed time. They will have to rely entirely on existing experienced personnel, stockpiled parts, and the durability of engines like the one just completed by the 355th CMS to sustain operations until the final retirement date. This strategy underscores the military’s confidence in the robust engineering of the TF34 engines and the meticulous groundwork laid by aerospace Propulsion Airmen over the past decades.
The Unsung Heroes of Aerospace Propulsion
The longevity and survivability of the A-10 Thunderbolt II are directly tied to the expertise of aerospace propulsion Airmen. These maintainers are responsible for ensuring the aircraft remains lethal and capable of returning pilots home safely, even after taking heavy fire.
Their daily responsibilities include conducting borescope inspections to identify internal engine issues early and prevent catastrophic failures. They also manage test cell operations, running the engines in a controlled environment while monitoring critical readings from a control cab to verify performance before the engine is ever attached to an airframe.
“I think the legacy of the A-10 is going to be remembered for generations. The A-10 will be missed here in Arizona.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What engine does the A-10 Thunderbolt II use?
The A-10 is powered by twin General Electric TF34 turbofan engines. These engines are renowned for their durability and ability to sustain damage while still bringing pilots home safely.
Why is the A-10’s service life being extended to 2030?
Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink announced the extension on April 20, 2026, following the aircraft’s highly successful combat performance during Operation Epic Fury in early 2026. The extension reverses previous plans to retire the fleet by 2029.
Is Davis-Monthan AFB still training A-10 pilots?
No. The 357th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan graduated its final class of A-10 pilots on April 3, 2026, officially closing the formal training pipeline for the aircraft.
Sources: Air Combat Command
Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Ornelas Jr.
Defense & Military
Airbus Explores Helicopter Manufacturing in Canada for Global Export
Airbus SE is evaluating manufacturing helicopters in Canada to support federal defense contracts amid Canada’s $81B defense investment and new industrial strategy.
This article summarizes reporting by Bloomberg and Laura Dhillon Kane. This article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.
According to reporting by Bloomberg, Airbus SE is evaluating the potential to manufacture helicopters in Canada for the global export market, provided the European aerospace giant secures upcoming federal procurement contracts. This strategic proposition arrives as Canada embarks on an unprecedented defense spending expansion aimed at modernizing its military and stimulating domestic manufacturing jobs.
We note that Airbus is leveraging a unique political and economic window. By pitching a “local for global” manufacturing approach, the company hopes to decentralize its production while satisfying the Canadian government’s increasingly stringent demands for domestic economic benefits in exchange for lucrative defense contracts.
Canada’s Historic Defense Spending Surge
Following years of underfunding, the Canadian government has recently injected an $81.1 billion multi-year investment into national defense, according to comprehensive industry research. Under the administration of Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canada officially reached the 2% NATO spending benchmark in March 2026 and has committed to escalating defense expenditures to 5% of GDP by 2035.
The 2026 Defence Industrial Strategy
A major catalyst for Airbus’s proposal is the Canadian government’s first-ever Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), launched in February 2026. Research reports indicate that the DIS introduced a strict “Build-Partner-Buy” framework designed to maximize domestic economic activity. The strategy ambitiously aims to direct 70% of defense contracts to Canadian firms, create 125,000 jobs, and boost defense exports by 50%.
To win contracts under this new framework, foreign vendors are required to provide sustainable domestic economic activity and transfer intellectual property. Furthermore, Canada is actively seeking to diversify its defense procurement to reduce its historical reliance on U.S. suppliers, pivoting toward European partnerships and joining the EU’s €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) fund.
Airbus’s “Local for Global” Pitch
Airbus is no stranger to the Canadian aerospace sector, having operated in the country for over 40 years. According to industry data, the company currently employs over 5,300 people in Canada. Its helicopter division, based in Fort Erie, Ontario, is already a recognized center of excellence for composite manufacturing, shipping approximately 34,000 parts globally each year to support Airbus’s worldwide supply chain.
Targeting Key Government Contracts
Airbus is actively pursuing three major helicopter procurement projects in Canada: fleet replacements for the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). To bolster its position, Transport Canada officially certified the Airbus H175 helicopter in February 2026, a super-medium aircraft tailored for search and rescue and defense missions in harsh environments. Additionally, Airbus is currently delivering 19 H135 helicopters to the Royal Canadian Air Force for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.
Airbus executives have made it clear that winning these new contracts would justify expanding their Canadian manufacturing base to assemble complete helicopters for the global market.
“Clearly, if Airbus helicopters are selected for any of the big upcoming campaigns and there is an industrial project which is tied to this contract, it’s an opportunity to export what would be manufactured here to the worldwide market.”
“We see that the H175 is very well positioned for several of those ambitions… We really see that as an aircraft for Canada, but… it would also be a helicopter from Canada.”
Balancing Economic Demands with Aerospace Realities
While Airbus is willing to expand its manufacturing footprint, company leadership has cautioned against overly transactional government demands. Michalon noted that while Airbus can offer research, development, and local procurement, there are practical limits to quid-pro-quo arrangements in aerospace manufacturing.
“If you ask us, ‘Can you bring a car plant in exchange for us selecting [an Airbus helicopter]?’ the answer is ‘Probably not, no.'”
AirPro News analysis
We observe that Canada’s deliberate pivot toward European defense partnerships represents a significant geopolitical shift. Historically, over 90% of Canada’s military helicopters and 100% of its fighter aircraft have been sourced from the United States. While diversifying procurement builds sovereign capacity and integrates Canada into European supply chains, defense experts suggest it could introduce interoperability friction with U.S. forces, particularly concerning joint North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) operations.
Furthermore, establishing a Canadian export hub would provide Airbus with much-needed supply chain redundancy. By decentralizing production from its primary plants in France and Germany, Airbus can better insulate itself from European supply chain bottlenecks. Canada’s 2025 entry into the NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) initiative also positions the country as a long-term collaborator alongside European nations to manage the rising development costs of future military rotorcraft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Airbus considering building helicopters in Canada?
According to Bloomberg reporting, Airbus is exploring Canadian manufacturing for global export as a strategic incentive to win upcoming federal procurement contracts for the Canadian Armed Forces, Coast Guard, and RCMP.
What is Canada’s current defense spending target?
Under Prime Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canada officially hit the 2% NATO spending benchmark in March 2026 and has committed to reaching 5% of GDP by 2035, backed by an $81.1 billion multi-year investment.
What is the Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS)?
Launched in February 2026, the DIS is a Canadian government framework aiming to direct 70% of defense contracts to domestic firms, create 125,000 jobs, and boost defense exports by 50% by requiring foreign vendors to invest locally.
Sources:
Bloomberg
Provided Industry Research Report
Photo Credit: Airbus
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