The Canadian government will provide Ukraine with more than 800 SkyRanger R70 multi-purpose unmanned aerial systems as part of its military assistance.

Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair announced this on Monday, February 19.

More than 800 SkyRanger R70 unmanned aerial systems worth a total of $95 million will be delivered to the Ukrainian military to protect them from Russian aggression.

The transfer of drones is funded by $500 million in military aid to Ukraine, which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced during his visit to Kyiv in June 2023.

SkyRanger R70

SkyRanger R70 is a multi-purpose unmanned aerial system developed by Teledyne FLIR.

It includes multi-rotor vertical takeoff and landing drones that can perform reconnaissance and logistics functions.

The drones are equipped with an autonomous navigation system, which allows the drone to operate under manual or autonomous control without being tied to satellite signals.

The manufacturer claims that the onboard computer is capable of automatically capturing targets at a distance of up to 5 km and identifying up to 10 moving objects simultaneously.

The SkyRanger R70 drones are equipped with a carbon fiber and magnesium frame. They can operate at altitudes up to 4,500 meters above sea level and withstand sustained winds of 65 km/h and gusts of up to 90 km/h.

They are capable of carrying a payload of up to 3.5 kg, which makes it possible to use the unmanned platform, in addition to reconnaissance, as a means of delivering cargo or dropping ammunition.

The report states that the drones will be equipped with cameras with a thermal imaging channel to detect heat-contrast targets and operate in the dark.

Presumably, this refers to EO IR Mk II optical stations with thermal and daylight channels.

Overall, since February 2022, Canada has provided over $2.4 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. This includes Leopard 2 tanks, armored vehicles, anti-tank and small arms, M777 howitzers and ammunition, drones, winter clothing, etc.