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