The Canadian military has announced plans to transform a section of downtown Ottawa into a drone-detection testing ground during the final week of November. Scheduled from November 24 to 28, the Department of National Defence (DND) intends to conduct test flights of small drones, some weighing less than two kilograms, in the Kent and Sparks streets vicinity. The objective is to allow a handpicked group of 20 technology companies to assess their ability to detect these drones.
The trials, overseen by various military divisions, will evaluate the effectiveness of the companies’ drone-detection prototypes in a controlled urban setting. The primary aim is to discover and refine tools that can safeguard crowds at outdoor events, according to the department. Applicants were required to create technology capable of countering a range of threats, such as drone swarms, drones capable of speeds up to 200 km/h maneuvering around structures, and tethered unmanned aircraft.
The prototypes must demonstrate the capacity to secure a four-block radius or protect a visiting dignitary during an outdoor function. The department has allocated $1.75 million in prizes for innovative technology that shows promise. It has assured that the trials will be executed with safety as a top priority, emphasizing that no harmful technology will be utilized in this phase. Additionally, a nighttime trial is scheduled as part of the testing process.