Lt.-Gen. Darcy Molstad, the commander of Canadian Joint Forces Command (CJFC), highlighted the urgent need for the military to acquire more cost-effective, autonomous, and reusable weapons systems and equipment in response to increasing global threats. Speaking at the Canadian Robotics Council 2026 Symposium, Molstad emphasized the forthcoming surge in purchase orders and the significant modernization of key military platforms.
Addressing an audience of robotics entrepreneurs in Toronto, Molstad commended the untapped potential of Canada’s tech industry, urging them to explore the limitless possibilities of robotics combined with artificial intelligence (AI). This call for embracing AI-driven military hardware coincides with ongoing debates among world leaders and tech executives concerning the safe advancement of AI technologies.
While the use of autonomous devices like drones is commonly associated with combat scenarios, Molstad outlined broader applications within the military, ranging from medical diagnostics to supply chain logistics and automated vehicle inspections by military police. He emphasized the need to transition from outdated technologies still prevalent in supply depots to more advanced systems suitable for defense purposes.
Furthermore, Molstad revealed that CJFC has already identified 399 pre-qualified vendors for the Canadian military’s Defense Drone Initiative, with more formal requests for proposals (RFPs) expected as the military intensifies its adoption of new technologies. He stressed the imperative for rapid modernization to equip Canadian personnel across various military branches with the necessary tools to deter conflict.
In a joint appearance with Duncan Stewart, a special executive advisor to the Canadian Armed Forces, Molstad emphasized the government’s evolving approach to procurement, acknowledging the challenges of dealing with a cautious and slow-moving customer like the government. Stewart highlighted the agility and innovation offered by smaller tech firms compared to traditional large military suppliers.
As Canada aims to enhance its military capabilities through autonomous systems like drones, the Canadian Global Affairs Institute’s President and CEO, David Perry, emphasized the need to increase the deployment of such technologies to match adversaries. Perry expressed confidence that Canada would maintain human oversight to prevent AI-powered systems from exceeding safe control limits.
Looking ahead, Molstad signaled a consistent flow of RFPs for robotic and autonomous systems over the next five years, reflecting the military’s commitment to embracing these technologies responsibly. The recent partnership between Canada and Ukraine, facilitating drone production collaboration, underlines the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare.
In conclusion, Molstad reiterated the inevitability of robotic and autonomous systems shaping the future of military operations, emphasizing the importance of responsible implementation guided by appropriate policies and oversight.
