Closed
Source verified July 11, 2026
True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging
Low-cost drone solutions for precision rangefinding
Latest source updateLast Update: June 25, 2026Latest change: The CFP deadline has changed from June 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM EDT to closed, and the page now says it is no longer accepting proposals.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: June 25, 2026
Latest change: The CFP deadline has changed from June 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM EDT to closed, and the page now says it is no longer accepting proposals.
True north precision deadline closed
The Deadline section now says this CFP is closed and is no longer accepting proposals. It previously showed an open submission window with a deadline of June 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM EDT, so applicants can no longer submit to this challenge. No visible changes were identified in the funding, eligibility, scope, or contact information shown on the page.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Closed
Location
Canada
Overview
This challenge provides up to CAD 2.1 million in development funding for low-cost drone solutions with laser ranging. It supports innovative projects focused on rangefinding, target cueing, and small UAV integration for battlefield awareness and indirect fire support.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Language Minorities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- Rural or Northern Residents
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- Fee-for-service model
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development of low-cost drone-based rangefinding solutions.
- Development of target cueing and target designation capabilities for small drones.
- Integration of sensing payloads into compact uncrewed aerial systems.
- Validation of solutions in a realistic capability assessment environment.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Individuals
- Academia
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Provincial, territorial, or municipal government organizations
- Industry
Who is not eligible
- Federal crown corporations
- Provincial crown corporations
Eligible expenses
- Integration of technologies onto existing UAS platforms.
- Development and refinement of UAS technologies.
- Mid-point capability validation activities.
- Final capability assessment activities.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Alignment with Canadian Armed Forces operational needs.
- Technical maturity and readiness for testing.
- Performance against the challenge outcomes.
- Ability to validate the solution in a realistic environment.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the challenge details
- Read the challenge information and understand the required outcomes.
- Consult the guidance provided for innovators.
- Step 2: Consult the solicitation guide
- Access the Solicitation Guide on CanadaBuys.
- Review the instructions for preparing a submission.
- Step 3: Submit through the new portal
- Use the IDEaS submission portal when it is available.
- Prepare and upload your proposal according to the guide.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through the IDEaS challenge process.
- Selected innovators may take part in a mid-point capability validation and refinement activity.
- A final capability assessment is held at the end of the contract period.
- DND/CAF provide feedback after the final assessment.
Additional information
- This CFP is closed and is no longer accepting proposals.
Frequently Asked Questions about the True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging Program
What is the True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging?
This challenge provides up to CAD 2.1 million in development funding for low-cost drone solutions with laser ranging. It supports innovative projects focused on rangefinding, target cueing, and small UAV integration for battlefield awareness and indirect fire support.
Who is eligible for the True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging program?
To be eligible for the True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging program, you must:
Innovative small-drone solution.
Drone and payload under 25 kg.
Ready for final assessment by May 2027.
What expenses are eligible under True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging?
Development of low-cost drone-based rangefinding solutions.
Development of target cueing and target designation capabilities for small drones.
Integration of sensing payloads into compact uncrewed aerial systems.
Validation of solutions in a realistic capability assessment environment.
Where is the True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging available?
The True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging program is available across Canada.
Is the True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging a grant, loan, or tax credit?
True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging?
True north precision: Low cost drones with laser ranging is funded by Government of Canada