Canadian news media reporting that there have been at least 42 drone crashes since 2000, and that they’ve been increasing every year.
It was also revealed that Canada will buy U.S. Air Force (USAF) unarmed Global Hawks for use over the Arctic. A report said the USAF needed to sell them due to budget cuts.
“You must remember that, in Canada, within the domestic construct, I do not have the right to be able to apply lethal force in Canada. That is the responsibility of the police. The question would be perhaps in the future whether we could work with the police forces to assist them by providing UAVs.”– Lieutenant General Walter Semianiw, Canadian domestic command, testimony to Canadian Senate committee
The Alberta Aviation Museum is hoping to send a team of 16-18 year old Air Cadets to United Kingdom, to attend a contest for UAV operators. The contest, called Schools Aerospace Challenge, is based on Royal Air Force standards for drone operators.
Museum officials say they would like to create a similar contest in Canada: “Imagine being 16 years old and getting an opportunity like this. It’s a great way to get kids excited and give them an education unlike they’ll ever get anywhere else.”-Thomas Hinderks, Alberta Aviation Museum Association