The Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment (AETE) hosted the inaugural Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) Test and Evaluation (T&E) Operational Implementation Working Group June 8 and 9.
The event marked an important step toward establishing a coordinated, risk-informed approach to UAS test and evaluation across the Canadian Armed Forces as new UAS capabilities continue to be introduced. It provided a forum for stakeholders to align their understanding, clarify roles and responsibilities, and begin developing practical and scalable approaches to UAS T&E. The forum included a proposed categorization framework to support future delegation of T&E activities based on risk.
Representatives from across the Defence Team brought together operational, technical and regulatory expertise to discuss the evolving requirements for UAS development and testing. Participants included the Canadian Army, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, 434 (Operational Test and Evaluation) Squadron, Canadian Joint Force Command, Directorate Joint Robotic and Autonomous Systems, Directorate of Technical Airworthiness and Engineering Support, Directorate Air Requirements, 1 Canadian Air Division Fleet Readiness and Operational Airworthiness, Transport Canada, Defence Research and Development Canada, the National Research Council, the Canadian Coast Guard, Quality Engineering Test Establishment and other key partners.
The working group advanced a shared understanding of training requirements and reinforced the importance of collaboration with industry throughout capability development. Participants identified the strengths within existing processes, while also highlighting opportunities to improve responsiveness and adaptability.
There was a broad consensus future UAS T&E must remain agile, while maintaining the rigorous standards required for safe and effective testing.
AETE also introduced a proposed risk-based categorization framework that would help determine the appropriate level of training, oversight and process required for delegate T&E activities. The feedback received will refine the framework and support its future implementation.
The inaugural working group laid the foundation for continued collaboration on UAS tests and evaluation across the Defence Team. This milestone reflects the collective efforts of participating organizations to develop a modern, flexible and scalable approach to UAS T&E, helping ensure the CAF can safely and efficiently integrate emerging UAS capabilities, while keeping pace with this rapidly evolving operational domain.
