Canada’s recently launched Defence Industrial Strategy is a bold roadmap for securing sovereignty, strengthening the nation’s economy, and modernizing the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

At its heart, is the “Build, Partner, Buy” framework, which emphasizes domestic production, strategic collaboration with allies, and smart acquisitions that benefit Canadian industry. Team SkyGuardian, led by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), is a shining example of how this vision comes to life.

The CQ-9B Guardian, a cutting-edge remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS), delivers unmatched capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and delivering kinetic effects. But what makes Team SkyGuardian truly special is its commitment to Canada’s industrial and strategic goals.

While Canada has committed to buying the world-renowned platform, the CQ-9B program is a huge win for the “build” and “partner” pillars of the strategy as well.

The strategy calls for prioritizing domestic production and fostering sovereign capabilities by building as much as possible in Canada.

Team SkyGuardian is doing just that by integrating Canadian companies into the CQ-9B program. The initiative creates a robust ecosystem of innovation and manufacturing that strengthens Canada’s defence industrial base.

From advanced technical and operational training to delivering critical ground stations, the CQ-9B program taps into Canada’s existing strengths while opening doors for new opportunities in frontier technologies.

One example is GA-ASI’s partnership with the Canadian firm CAE Inc.

The two companies have been leading the market in unmanned systems training for years, and this latest investment will advance the development of high-fidelity training solutions for crews that will be indistinguishable from the systems they’ll work with in live operations.

Known as the SkyGuardian Mission Trainer Next Generation (SMT Next Gen, or just SMT), SMT will be more than just a cutting-edge flight, sensor, and mission systems simulation. It will feature CAE's tactical brief/debrief capability and scenario generation technology, meaning the system will enable both comprehensive basic platform operations training and advanced mission training.

MDA Space’s defence subsidiary,49North, is leading the construction and outfitting of Canada’s ground control stations, critical components of the aircraft’s operations that are being built by Canadians, in Canada, for Canada.

By involving Canadian firms in the production and sustainment of the MQ-9B, Team SkyGuardian ensures that critical capabilities remain under Canada’s control, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, and boosting economic resilience.

Canada’s strategy also recognizes the value of working with trusted allies to co-develop and co-produce systems.

Team SkyGuardian embodies this principle, combining GA-ASI’s global expertise with Canadian ingenuity. This partnership ensures interoperability with allied forces, a key priority for Canada as it strengthens its role within NATO and other defence alliances.

The MQ-9B’s proven operational pedigree and ability to integrate seamlessly into multinational operations make it an ideal platform for Canada’s defence needs.

Whether monitoring the Arctic or supporting disaster response missions, the CQ-9B enhances Canada’s ability to collaborate with allies while maintaining its sovereignty.

Team SkyGuardian is a blueprint for how Canada can achieve its strategic goals under the “Build, Partner, Buy” framework.

By fostering innovation, strengthening alliances, and driving reinvestment into Canadian industry, the CQ-9B program sets a benchmark for future defence acquisitions.

As Canada moves forward with its strategy, Team SkyGuardian is advancing the nation’s vision for a resilient, innovative, and sovereign defence industrial base – ensuring Canada remains strong, secure, and free.