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The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has announced a significant change in its operational use of drones, primarily those manufactured in China. Citing substantial security risks, the RCMP will now restrict these devices to non-critical missions. This decision highlights increasing awareness of vulnerabilities posed by technology sourced from countries with varying security standards.
Approximately 80 percent of the RCMP’s fleet, which consists of 1,230 remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), is made up of Chinese-manufactured drones. The police force is reevaluating their deployment, particularly as these drones have been used for monitoring the Canada-U.S. border and other operational tasks. However, concerns regarding their communication and data-handling capabilities have prompted this strategic shift.
Financial implications of replacing drones
In a recent communication to the national security committee of the Senate, the RCMP indicated that replacing its existing fleet would incur a cost exceeding $30 million, or about $35,000 per drone. This financial burden arises from the fact that alternatives to Chinese drones tend to be significantly more expensive, often nearly double the cost of their Chinese counterparts.
The RCMP clarified that the drones currently in use were procured before the introduction of these new restrictions. Despite their lower costs, the agency recognizes the need for caution given the potential threats associated with these devices.
Expert opinions on the risks
Experts support the RCMP’s concerns regarding the use of Chinese drones. Ygal Bendavid, a professor of operations management at the Université du Québec à Montréal, stated, “Any connected device raises questions about security vulnerabilities.” This highlights the need for careful scrutiny of devices that may be susceptible to external manipulation.
Wesley Wark from the Centre for International Governance Innovation commented that while the RCMP’s adjustments seem appropriate, reacting to vulnerabilities after their identification is not ideal. “Mitigation after the fact is always a second-best option,” he emphasized, advocating for proactive measures in security management.
Current deployment of drones
Following the new guidelines, the RCMP is now focusing its drone operations on non-sensitive tasks, such as community policing, investigations into missing persons, and car thefts. The RCMP has confirmed that it does not use Chinese drones for high-stakes operations, including emergency response, VIP protection, or border integrity missions.
For these sensitive operations, the RCMP relies on a fleet of drones manufactured in other countries: 112 French devices, 96 American units, and 24 Belgian drones. Notably, the RCMP currently does not operate any Canadian-made drones, as noted in responses to inquiries from Conservative Senator Claude Carignan.
Future considerations for drone procurement
Looking ahead, experts recommend that the RCMP adopt a more strategic approach to future drone acquisitions. Wark advocates for the centralization of drone procurement processes across federal agencies, along with thorough security assessments of all devices intended for operational use. “In future, all drone purchases by federal agencies for security purposes should be centralized,” Wark stated, emphasizing the importance of careful selection based on security performance.
He also suggests prioritizing Canadian manufacturers and domestic supply chains to reduce security risks associated with foreign technology. As the RCMP navigates the future of its drone program, it must balance cost-effectiveness with robust security protocols.