Orqa and Remote Robotic Systems Sign CAD $150M Partnership to Advance Drones, AI, and Counter-Drone Systems in Canada

Orqa and RRS Sign CAD $150M Agreement to Strengthen Canadian Defence Sovereignty

Canada's Remote Robotic Systems (RRS) and Croatian drone systems manufacturer Orqa have formally signed an exclusive partnership agreement to scale up production of Orqa systems and components in Canada, targeting both domestic and export markets.

The agreement was signed by Orqa Co-founder and Chief Business Officer Ivan Jelusic and RRS CEO Kevin Toderel, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković present as witnesses — underscoring the strategic significance of the collaboration.

Canada Becomes First Non-European Nation to Join the EU's SAFE Initiative

In a joint statement, the two companies noted: "Canada is setting a precedent as the first non-European country to participate in the Security Action For Europe (SAFE) initiative, which is designed to strengthen the EU's sovereign defence capabilities. This reflects a shared vision for deepening defence cooperation between our nations."

Key terms of the agreement include:

• Total deal value: An estimated CAD $150 million over five years
• Job creation: Up to 100 high-value technology positions in Ottawa and Toronto by Q4 2027
• Production targets: 1,000 systems per month by mid-2027, scaling to 10,000 systems per month over the life of the agreement

Focus on Drones, Counter-Drone Capabilities, and AI Integration

Orqa CBO Ivan Jelusic said: "This MOU formalises a strategic framework between RRS and Orqa covering the co-development, manufacturing, and commercialisation of advanced defence technologies — specifically unmanned vehicle systems, counter-drone capabilities, and AI integration. RRS is a leading supplier to the Canadian Armed Forces and first responders, making them an ideal partner. We are committed to helping allies build sovereign defence capabilities, and this partnership is a significant step toward that goal."

RRS CEO Kevin Toderel added: "Orqa is a global leader in small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). We are proud to manufacture these systems in Canada and to work alongside Orqa as a supply chain and software development partner, bringing Canadian-owned intellectual property to global markets. Our goal is to establish Canadian sovereignty and production capacity in sUAS systems, ensuring Canada has stable, long-term access to this critical strategic resource."

Technology Transfer and Domestic Manufacturing

Under the agreement, Orqa will facilitate technology transfer and grant RRS a manufacturing licence to enable localised production in Canada. The two companies will jointly develop solutions tailored to the evolving operational requirements of the Canadian Armed Forces, first responders, and NATO partner nations. They will also collaborate on the research, development, and integration of RRS's proprietary AI capabilities across platforms co-developed and manufactured under the partnership.

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