Skyscouter Technologies Ltd was selected by Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND) to take part in the Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (Counter-UAS) Sandbox 2026 at CFB Suffield, Alberta. Skyscouter is bringing AI-Scout, its autonomous counter-UAS interceptor, for live evaluation by Canadian Armed Forces operators.
The Sandbox runs from September 14 to October 9, 2026. It is part of DND’s Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program, which tests emerging technologies in realistic operational conditions. Selected innovators receive direct feedback from Canadian Armed Forces personnel, RCMP representatives, U.S. Government partners and defence scientists.
What AI-Scout Does
AI-Scout is an autonomous interceptor drone designed to defeat hostile small UAS by physical capture. Instead of jamming or explosive effects, it closes on the target and takes it out of the air, a recoverable approach suited to environments where collateral damage, RF interference or debris are unacceptable, such as bases, critical infrastructure and populated areas. AI-Scout carries RGB and thermal cameras for day and night operation.
Why the Sandbox Matters
Small drones are now a front-line threat for militaries, law enforcement and critical-infrastructure operators. The Sandbox puts AI-Scout in front of the people who would use it, under realistic conditions, so that operator feedback shapes the system before it moves toward deployment. For Skyscouter, it is a key step in maturing AI-Scout toward operational readiness.
We will share what we learned at Suffield once the Sandbox concludes.
About Skyscouter
Skyscouter Technologies Ltd is a Canadian autonomous flying systems company based in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. It designs and builds two platforms: Scouter, a long-range hybrid gas-electric UAV with up to five hours of endurance for ISR, inspection and special-mission operations, and AI-Scout, an autonomous counter-UAS interceptor. Founded in 2017, Skyscouter has flown its hybrid UAVs across forestry, oil and gas, and pipeline-monitoring missions.
About IDEaS
Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) is a Department of National Defence program that supports Canadian innovators in developing and testing solutions to defence and security challenges.
