The Canadian military is set to transform a section of downtown Ottawa into a testing ground for drone detection during the final week of November. The Department of National Defence (DND) has scheduled flights of small drones, some weighing less than two kilograms, over the Kent and Sparks streets area from Nov. 24-28. This initiative aims to allow a handpicked group of 20 tech companies to test their ability to detect these drones.
Under the supervision of various military branches, the trials will evaluate the effectiveness of the companies’ drone-detection prototypes in a controlled urban setting. The primary objective is to discover and refine tools that can safeguard crowds at open-air events, as outlined by the department.
Participants were required to develop technology capable of countering several threats, such as drone swarms, high-speed drones capable of maneuvering around structures at 200 km/h, and tethered unmanned aircraft. The prototypes must demonstrate the capacity to protect a four-block radius or a visiting dignitary at 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 carried out safely, with no testing of destructive technology during this phase. Additionally, one nighttime trial is scheduled as part of the initiative.
