Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles – Canadian and US Programs

On 14 September 2022, Lieutenant-Colonel Julien Letarte, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Major Drew Larned, United States Air Force, spoke to RUSI(NS) and guests about the RCAF’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft System and US uncrewed aerial vehicle programs.

Uncrewed aerial vehicles, including remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), are rapidly being developed and employed for continental/homeland defence, security and safety missions by Canada, allies and adversaries. LCol Letarte briefed the RCAF’s RPAS project to provide a familiarization with this increasingly significant capability. MAJ Larned soke about US programs, reflective of his experience with the MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle. There was a considerable and productive exchange of ideas and lessons between the speakers and with the audience.

A PDF of LCol Letarte’s slides is available here, a a PDF of MAJ Larned’s slides is available here.