Lt.-Gen. Darcy Molstad, the head of Canadian Joint Forces Command (CJFC), has announced plans for the swift acquisition of more cost-effective, autonomous, and reusable weaponry and equipment by the military in response to escalating global threats.
Addressing the Canadian Robotics Council 2026 Symposium, Molstad emphasized the untapped potential of the Canadian tech industry, urging robotics entrepreneurs to anticipate a surge in procurement orders as part of a significant overhaul of key military assets.
Highlighting the versatility of robotics combined with artificial intelligence (AI), Molstad underscored the need for innovative applications, emphasizing the military’s readiness to adopt AI-powered hardware.
Recent concerns raised by world leaders and tech industry figures regarding the safe advancement of AI were referenced by Molstad, who stressed the importance of managing rapid technological progress to prevent potential risks.
While drones are commonly associated with combat operations, Molstad discussed broader military applications such as medical diagnostics, supply chain logistics, and automated vehicle inspections by military police.
He emphasized the urgency to modernize outdated supply depots and transition to more efficient defense systems, citing the need for adaptive technologies that align with contemporary security requirements.
Molstad revealed that the Canadian military has identified 399 pre-approved vendors for the Defence Drone Initiative, signaling a shift towards incorporating new technologies into military operations.
Recognizing the evolving global security landscape, Molstad emphasized the necessity for rapid modernization to equip military personnel with advanced tools for deterrence, with the aim of avoiding armed conflicts.
Joined by Duncan Stewart, an innovation and industry advisor to the Canadian Armed Forces, Molstad highlighted the government’s evolving procurement strategies and the growing role of small, agile tech firms in driving innovation within the defense sector.
The government’s commitment to diversify defense contracts and support domestic industries aligns with the new defense industrial strategy, aimed at strengthening Canada’s military capabilities while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
In a call to action reminiscent of his time as a fighter pilot, Molstad urged robotics entrepreneurs to brace for a rapid pace of military acquisitions, emphasizing the need for swift responses to procurement requests.
Experts like David Perry from the Canadian Global Affairs Institute echoed the importance of enhancing autonomous capabilities within the military to counter emerging threats, underscoring the need for responsible deployment of AI-powered systems.
Looking ahead, Molstad hinted at a continuous stream of requests for robotic and autonomous systems in the coming years, signaling the military’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technologies for defense purposes.
Recent partnerships and initiatives, such as the collaboration between Canada and Ukraine in drone manufacturing, reflect the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare and the role of responsible innovation in military technology advancement.