A Canadian remotely operated Hammerhead boat sails in the Mediterranean Sea in July 2024. (Photo:Canadian Armed Forces)
Canada’s navy is exploring a bold new idea—explosive-packed drone boats. The Royal Canadian Navy recently tested this concept during a joint training event off Vancouver Island. The drill included ships from Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. It was the first time Canada used drone boats this way.
Drone boats take on new role
These boats, called Hammerhead uncrewed surface vessels, normally act as training targets. They simulate fast, hostile boats attacking large ships. But now, Canada’s navy wants to do more with them.
During the exercise, a drone boat loaded with explosives was launched from HMCS Vancouver. Operators guided it using satellite controls. The drone smashed into another uncrewed boat and exploded. Both vessels were destroyed.
“This isn’t a combat-ready tactic yet,” said Capt. Pedram Mohyeddin. “But with more development, it could be.” He said Canada can quickly grow this capability if needed.
Ukraine inspires Canada’s move
Capt. Sam Patchell, deputy commander of Canada’s Pacific fleet, said the exercise included training based on real events. He pointed to Ukraine’s use of explosive drone boats in its fight against Russia. That conflict has shown how new technology can shape war.
“This technology is moving fast,” Patchell said. “We have to be ready—to defend against it and to use it.”
Built for training, now for combat
Canada bought the Hammerhead drones in 2017 for about $4.7 million. The goal was to train crews to face small, speedy threats like pirate boats. But now, these drones may have a second life—as weapons.
Ukraine used similar boats to strike Russian ships in the Black Sea. Over time, they improved the boats, adding missiles and guns.
Cheap innovation, big results
Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, head of the Royal Canadian Navy, said the drone test didn’t take long to plan. His team studied Ukraine’s tactics and moved quickly.
“Two months ago, we saw what Ukraine did,” he said in a podcast interview. “We asked, how can we do something like this?”
The result was a successful test with tools already in Canada’s hands. They didn’t need to buy new gear or spend millions. It was fast, simple, and showed clear results.
Using a satellite and a first-person view system, Canada’s operators drove the drone boat directly into the target. It proved that Canada can now guide a speedboat filled with explosives to hit another ship—something they couldn’t do just a few weeks ago.
This low-cost test showed how military innovation doesn’t always need huge budgets. It’s about using current tools in smart new ways.
