CFB Suffield hosting another ‘sandbox’ for drone, counter-drone tech showcase

Posted on February 1, 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

By Collin Gallant
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Fifteen defence contractors, including aerospace giant Boeing, will show off new drone and counter-drone technology at CFB Suffield this spring aiming to win development agreements with Canadian Armed Forces.

It is the second straight year the Canadian Department of National Defence has hosted a “Sandbox” event, which allows industry officials to use the airspace at the military range northwest of Medicine Hat for testing and workshop sessions.

Base officials have outlined a movement to host a greater variety of training exercises at Suffield and economic development officials with the City of Medicine Hat have outlined aerospace and technology as an area of focus going forward.

From May 27 to June 21 the invited companies from Canada, the U.S., U.K., Australia and Israel will demonstrate specific systems selected by the department.

One could receive up to $500,000 to advance technology over nine months and a potential extension and expansion of the grant to $2 million.

A list released by the Department of National Defence outlines lethal and non-lethal ground equipment and airborne unmanned vehicle systems for detection, surveillance and neutralization of threats.

Working with the developers will be officials from all branches of the Canadian Armed Forces, Defence Research and Development Canada, the RCMP and the U.S. Department of Defence.