The Canadian military is set to transform a section of downtown Ottawa into a testing ground for drone-detection from November 24 to 28. The Department of National Defence (DND) will be conducting trials involving small drones, some weighing less than two kilograms, flying over the Kent and Sparks streets area. About 20 tech companies have been selected to participate in testing their drone-detection prototypes under the supervision of various military branches. The aim of the trials is to evaluate the efficacy of the companies’ technologies in detecting drones in a controlled urban setting.
The primary objective is to develop tools that can enhance security measures for outdoor events and protect crowds from potential threats. The technology applicants were required to create should be capable of countering various drone-related risks, such as drone swarms, high-speed drones maneuvering around structures, and tethered unmanned aircraft. These prototypes should have the capacity to safeguard a designated four-block radius or ensure the safety of a visiting dignitary at an open-air function.
The initiative offers a total of $1.75 million in prizes for innovative technologies that show promise in drone detection and countermeasures. The DND assures that the trials will be conducted with utmost safety precautions, emphasizing that non-destructive technology will be used during this testing phase. Additionally, there are plans for a nighttime trial as part of the evaluation process.
