Defence accelerator at Area X.O Killaloe near Ottawa showcases drone and uncrewed systems technology
The RED COBALT event in August connected roughly 200 defence personnel with over 20 Canadian companies developing drones and uncrewed ground vehicles at the new facility north of Ottawa.
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Area X.O Killaloe, Invest Ottawa's newly fit-up research and development facility two hours north of the city, held its first public event in August — a two-day RED COBALT Uncrewed Systems (UxS) Accelerator hosted by the Department of Defence and Canadian Joint Force Command.
The event brought roughly 200 defence personnel into direct contact with over 20 companies, the majority Canadian, developing drone, counter-drone, and uncrewed ground vehicle technology. A VIP demonstration day on August 12 followed the live demonstration showcase on August 11.
The Killaloe site's location is strategic. It sits in the Ottawa Valley with access to the region's defence and R&D ecosystem and offers three rare features together: unrestricted Class G airspace, low surrounding population density, and a 6,600-foot runway built during the Cold War. These conditions allow uncrewed systems to be flown and tested at altitudes, ranges, and payload weights that simply cannot be accommodated inside city limits or at more constrained facilities — exactly the kind of sovereign test-and-validation capability called for in Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy.
The event opened with remarks from Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence; General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff; Lieutenant General Darcy Molstad, commander of Canadian Joint Forces Command; and Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa and Area X.O, with Lieutenant Colonel Jayme Leclerc serving as master of ceremonies.
Carignan emphasized a shift in how the military engages with industry. "I've had the opportunity to engage with many industry groups, and what I've been asking everyone is to change our relationship with industry from a strictly supplier relationship to a partnership relationship again," she said. "This is a huge change in our culture, in the way we've been doing business." The event modelled that collaborative approach, with uniforms and industry representatives moving through the same demonstration zones for two days.
The facts
Where is Area X.O Killaloe located?
Area X.O Killaloe is Invest Ottawa's research and development facility located two hours north of Ottawa in the Ottawa Valley.
How many companies showcased technology at RED COBALT?
Over 20 companies, the majority Canadian, demonstrated drone, counter-drone, and uncrewed ground vehicle technology at the RED COBALT event.
What unique features does the Killaloe site have for testing?
The site has unrestricted Class G airspace, low surrounding population density, and a 6,600-foot runway built during the Cold War, allowing uncrewed systems to be tested at altitudes, ranges, and payload weights not possible in city limits.
