Ukraine’s drone industry is expanding beyond its borders after Kyiv and Ottawa agreed to manufacture Ukrainian-designed reconnaissance drones in Canada for use by Ukrainian forces.
The deal establishes a joint venture between Ukrainian defense technology company Airlogix and Canadian drone manufacturer Sentinel Research and Development.
The companies will produce intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance unmanned aerial systems intended to support battlefield operations in Ukraine.
The initiative is expected to increase the availability of the platforms for Ukrainian forces while expanding defense cooperation between Ottawa and Kyiv.
“By supporting joint ventures like Airlogix-Sentinel, we are helping deliver the critical capabilities Ukraine needs while supporting high-value Canadian jobs and strengthening Canada’s industrial base,” Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty said.
Sentinel chief executive Kath Intson said the partnership provides an opportunity to learn from Ukraine’s extensive combat experience with drone warfare.
“Sentinel’s approach to this project is rooted in a position of support, humility, and a genuine desire to make a difference to this war,” Intson said.
Canada Expands Drone Investment
The Airlogix-Sentinel initiative aligns with Canada’s broader push to expand capabilities in drones, counter-UAS technologies, and electronic warfare while strengthening its domestic defense-industrial base.
In May, Ottawa launched a competition to turn drones into low-cost precision assets for indirect-fire missions. The effort followed the military’s deployment of anti-drone systems to protect critical infrastructure amid growing concerns over unmanned threats.
Earlier this year, Canada committed $663 million to expand drone research and other airborne defense initiatives, including the establishment of a dedicated testing hub.
