The deal establishes a partnership between Canadian and Ukrainian manufacturers to supply Kyiv with uncrewed weapon systems.
The governments of Canada and Ukraine have signed an agreement to manufacture Ukrainian military drones in North America.
Announced on 29 May at the annual CANSEC defence and security conference in Ottawa, the deal establishes a partnership between Ukrainian defence technology company Airlogix and Canadian manufacturer Sentinel, which assembles uncrewed aerial systems.
The venture will supply the Ukrainian armed forces with Canadian-assembled drones.
“By supporting joint ventures like Airlogix‑Sentinel, we are helping deliver the critical capabilities Ukraine needs while supporting high‑value Canadian jobs and strengthening Canada’s industrial base,” says Canadian defence minister David McGuinty. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting Ukraine while driving economic growth and resilience here at home.”
Airlogix’s primary product is the GOR: a catapult-launched, electrically powered intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance unmanned air system (UAS).
The flagship product of Ontario-based Sentinel is Rekam, a multi-role fixed-wing UAS. The company is also developing a vertical take-off and landing Rekam Ascent and a high-speed, jet-powered variant called the Rekam Echo.
Neither Kyiv nor Ottawa have specified which systems will be produced in Canada under the partnership.
“Our main intention is to provide effective systems as fast as possible to the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” says Airlogix chief commercial officer Dmytro Piatrin. “We are optimistic that this joint venture is in line with that goal.”
While the joint venture will firstly supply Ukraine with combat-ready materiel, the Canadian Department of National Defence says Airlogix and Sentinel will support Prime Minister Mark Carney’s goal of expanding Canada’s domestic defence industry while drawing upon hard-won Ukrainian combat experience.
“Canada also recognises the growing importance of uncrewed and autonomous systems in modern warfare and national security, as well as Ukraine’s operational expertise in this area,” the National Defence department says. “Canada will continue to pursue joint development and coproduction opportunities that support the security interests of both countries.”
Ottawa says it has provided more than C$25 billion ($18 billion) in military and non-military assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Some C$2 billion in military assistance for the 2026-2027 fiscal year is planned.
Airlogix has entered similar joint ventures with other manufacturers, including the Swiss-American firm Auterion, which produces one-way attack drones.
Under a deal signed in February, Airlogix partnered with Auterion’s German subsidiary to deliver thousands of German-manufactured X-wing interceptors and delta-wing strike munitions.
That joint venture received its first firm order in April.
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