Canada to reinforce forces deployed in Latvia with anti-drone systems

RIGA - The Canadian government on Monday awarded two contracts totaling 169 million Canadian dollars (105 million euros) to CACI for the integration of anti-drone systems into the Canadian Armed Forces to strengthen the mission in Central and Eastern Europe.

Canadian Ambassador to Latvia Brian Szwarc said on the X platform that this will strengthen the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia, which is being led by Canada.

The contracts have been awarded as part of the second phase of a project to increase support to the Canadian Armed Forces' Operation Reassurance mission abroad. Through this mission, Canada supports NATO's deterrence and defense efforts in Central and Eastern Europe. Canada also contributes to the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia as part of Operation Reassurance.

Szwarc said on X that the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia will be even better equipped to carry out its deterrence and defense mission.

The Counter Uncrewed Aircraft System (CUAS) will provide the Canadian Armed Forces with better protection against smaller hostile unmanned aircraft systems by detecting, identifying, tracking and eliminating them, the Canadian Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

The contracts provide for the installation of CUAS systems on new light armored tactical vehicle, as well as support for the systems in service for up to ten years, the statement said.