Regional drone developer renews deal with U.S. Navy

Southern Alberta Newspapers

Medicine Hat drone developer QinetiQ has a new long-term contract with the United States Navy to provide a training platform for uncrewed aircraft, the local division of the global defence contractor announced Jan. 8.

It’s the sixth consecutive contract renewal between the United States government and the Medicine Hat facility, and will be in effect until late 2029.

“QinetiQ is extremely proud to continue this contract and program,” stated project and account manager Ryan Peterson in a press release.

“This is a much-appreciated recognition of the excellent working relationship between QinetiQ and (the US Navy) and a nod to the outstanding service provided by our global field services team for more than two decades.”

The contract, valued at US$13.3 million, will see Canadian personnel deployed to US ranges in New York State and Virginia to administer the training program for the company’s Vindicator II model.

The deal was developed in partnership with Public Services and Procurement Canada and the Canadian Commercial Corporation.