DDC completes first phase in DND & CAF contract for Canary drone
The second phase of the contract is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2024
Drone Delivery Canada Corp. (DDC) has completed the first of two milestones as part of the contract with the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces’ (DND/CAF) Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program. The company has been authorised to move to the second phase of the contract which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2024.
The completion of the first milestone of the project involved nine test objectives pursuant to which the company completed a total of 145 flights with an overall flight distance of almost 800km.
With the completion of the test environment milestones during the first phase of the contract, DDC will move to the real-world operation phase of the contract to demonstrate the Canary’s ability to deliver just in time medical equipment and supplies.
As part of the IDEaS program, DDC’s Canary drone has been selected to potentially play a crucial role in supporting the DND/CAF’s delivery of medical equipment and other necessary supplies during mission-critical operations. The contract, with a value of $200,000, will run for a 6-month duration and contains two milestones. A successful outcome of this initial contract could lead to a follow on 12-month contract valued up to $1 million.
“We are immensely proud of the achievement in completing the first phase of the DND contract. We look forward to continuing this successful effort as we move into the next phase of the Contract.” said Steve Magirias, CEO of Drone Delivery Canada.
Through this partnership, DDC and the DND/CAF could potentially have an impact on the logistics within the defence sector. The integration of drone delivery solutions will enhance the efficiency, speed and safety during critical operations by reducing the reliance on traditional transportation methods. The Canary’s ability to transport essential medical aid to remote, inaccessible and higher risk locations will significantly benefit the CAF.
DDC also announced that Debbie Fisher has resigned from the Company’s Board of Directors effective December 31, 2023. “We thank Debbie for her support of DDC during her tenure on our board specifically around the establishment of our people governance and compliance procedures,” said Michael Della Fortuna, Chairman of the Board of Director for Drone Delivery Canada.
