Lt.-Gen. Darcy Molstad, the head of Canadian Joint Forces Command (CJFC), emphasized the urgent need for the military to acquire more cost-effective, autonomous, and reusable weapons systems and equipment in response to escalating global threats. Speaking at the Canadian Robotics Council 2026 Symposium, Molstad highlighted the forthcoming surge in procurement activities to modernize key defense platforms.
Addressing a gathering of technology industry professionals in Toronto, Molstad commended the untapped potential of the Canadian robotics sector, urging innovators to explore the limitless applications of robotics combined with artificial intelligence (AI). This call for embracing AI-driven military technology aligns with ongoing discussions among global leaders and tech executives on managing the rapid evolution of AI technologies.
While commonly associated with combat operations, Molstad underscored the diverse applications of autonomous hardware beyond the battlefield, such as medical diagnostics, supply chain management in depots, and automated vehicle inspections by military police. Emphasizing the need to transition from outdated technologies, Molstad highlighted the necessity for defense-specific modernization in line with evolving threats.
In the realm of combat readiness, CJFC has already identified a pool of 399 pre-qualified vendors for the Defense Drone Initiative, with further requests for proposals (RFPs) anticipated as the Canadian military accelerates its adoption of cutting-edge technologies. Molstad emphasized the imperative for rapid modernization to equip military personnel with advanced tools for deterrence.
Joined by Duncan Stewart, a senior executive advisor on innovation to the Canadian Armed Forces, Molstad discussed the evolving procurement landscape and the government’s shift towards engaging smaller, agile firms for innovation in autonomous systems. The government’s commitment to awarding a significant portion of defense contracts to Canadian companies underscores its strategic approach to bolstering national defense capabilities.
Highlighting the urgency of the military’s transformation, Molstad drew parallels from his aviation background, signaling a swift pace in issuing RFPs to industry stakeholders. The imperative to swiftly adopt autonomous systems like drones was reiterated by David Perry of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, who stressed the need for Canada to bolster its inventory of autonomous technologies to match adversaries.
Looking ahead, Molstad projected a consistent stream of RFPs for robotic and autonomous systems over the next five years, signaling a sustained focus on technological advancements in defense operations. The recent partnership between Canada and Ukraine signifies a milestone in defense collaboration, reflecting the growing significance of unmanned systems in modern warfare.
As the military embraces robotic and autonomous systems as pivotal components of future defense strategies, Molstad emphasized the importance of responsible deployment guided by robust policies and oversight mechanisms.