Canada Moves to Procure Polish Drones Under Expanded Defense Cooperation Framework
Canada and Poland have signed a new defense cooperation agreement focused on industrial collaboration, drone procurement, and potential ammunition production projects.
Canada and Poland have agreed to expand bilateral defense-industrial cooperation through a new Letter of Intent covering unmanned systems, joint technology projects, and possible ammunition manufacturing initiatives.
The agreement was signed in Ottawa by Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty and Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz during an official visit focused on strengthening military and industrial ties between the two NATO members.
According to information released by the Canadian Department of National Defence, the framework includes cooperation under the European Union’s Security Action for Europe, or SAFE, financing mechanism. The initiative provides up to €150 billion in defense-related loans and procurement support for participating countries. Canada became the only non-European participant in the program after joining the framework in late 2025.
Polish officials indicated that Ottawa plans to acquire several unmanned systems produced by WB Group, including the Warmate loitering munition, FlyEye reconnaissance drones, and Gladius strike-reconnaissance systems. No procurement value or delivery timeline has been disclosed.
The move aligns with Canada’s broader effort to expand domestic defense production capacity and increase industrial cooperation with European partners. Earlier this year, Ottawa announced a C$900 million defense industrial investment package aimed in part at supporting drone development and local manufacturing under a build, partner, buy model.
The agreement also references discussions on establishing ammunition production capacity in Canada. Officials did not specify whether the initiative would involve direct Polish industrial participation, licensed production arrangements, or joint ventures with Canadian firms.
Canada has separately launched a larger ammunition expansion effort valued at approximately C$1.4 billion, including investments tied to new 155 mm artillery shell production facilities.
For Poland, the agreement represents another step in expanding the international reach of its defense industry, particularly in the unmanned systems sector. Warsaw has increasingly positioned domestic manufacturers and EU-backed financing tools as part of broader European defense-industrial integration efforts.
