OttawaThe Department of National Defence has invited a group of tech companies to test their drone detection skills near Kent and Sparks streets from Nov. 24-28.Testing to take place around Kent and Sparks streets Nov. 24-28CBC News · Posted: Nov 18, 2025 3:00 PM EST | Last Updated: 2 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 2 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.A police drone flies near the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill on Feb. 20, 2022. The Department of National Defence will test drone-detection technology nearby from Nov. 24-28. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)The Canadian military will turn part of downtown Ottawa into a drone-detection testing site the last week of November.From Nov. 24-28, the Department of National Defence (DND) plans to fly small drones — some under two kilograms — over the area of Kent and Sparks streets so a select group of 20 tech companies can attempt to detect them.The trials, under the oversight and guidance of a number of military branches, will test how well the companies’ drone-detection prototypes work in a controlled urban environment.One goal is to identify and develop tools that could protect crowds at outdoor gatherings, the department said. Applicants were asked to develop technology capable of countering a variety of threats including drone swarms, drones that can fly up to 200 km/h and weave around buildings, and tethered uncrewed aircraft. The prototypes must be able to protect a four-block area or a visiting head of state at an outdoor event, for example.There’s $1.75 million in prizes for promising technology, the department said.DND promised the trials will be conducted safely, and no destructive technology will be tested during this phase. One nighttime trial is planned, DND said.
Downtown Ottawa will be abuzz with drones next week as DND tests detection tech
