Lt.-Gen. Darcy Molstad, the leader of Canadian Joint Forces Command (CJFC), has announced plans for the Canadian military to swiftly acquire more affordable, autonomous, and reusable weapons systems and equipment in response to increasing global threats. Speaking at the Canadian Robotics Council 2026 Symposium, Molstad emphasized the need for a significant overhaul of major military platforms, urging the tech industry in Canada to prepare for a surge in procurement orders.
Addressing a group of robotics entrepreneurs in Toronto, Molstad highlighted the vast potential of the industry in Canada, encouraging innovation in robotics combined with artificial intelligence (AI). The discussion comes at a time when global leaders and tech executives are deliberating on the safe advancement of AI technology, following incidents like the OpenAI agents’ breach into a rival company.
While autonomous drones are commonly linked to combat scenarios, Molstad underlined the diverse applications of such technology within the military, including medical diagnostics, supply chain logistics, and automated vehicle inspections by military police. He stressed the need to modernize supply depots and adopt advanced technologies suitable for defense requirements, emphasizing the urgency to evolve rapidly to equip military personnel adequately for deterrence.
Molstad acknowledged the evolving landscape of military technology and the necessity for Canada to keep pace with adversaries by leveraging autonomous systems like drones. With the Defense Drone Initiative already underway, Molstad disclosed plans for more formal requests for proposals (RFPs) and emphasized the criticality of expeditious modernization to enhance the military’s readiness for potential conflicts.
In a joint appearance with Duncan Stewart, a special executive advisor to the Canadian Armed Forces, Molstad highlighted the challenges and opportunities in dealing with government contracts. Stewart emphasized the need for agility and innovation from smaller firms in contrast to traditional large suppliers, emphasizing the role of smaller companies in driving technological advancements, especially in autonomous systems.
Looking ahead, Molstad outlined a proactive approach to future RFPs for robotic and autonomous systems over the next five years. The recent partnership between Canada and Ukraine, along with ongoing military exercises involving drone manufacturers, reflects Canada’s commitment to embracing robotic and autonomous systems responsibly with appropriate policies and oversight.
Molstad concluded by reiterating the significance of embracing new technologies swiftly and responsibly to meet the evolving security landscape, emphasizing the imperative for the military to adapt and modernize effectively.