The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has decided to limit the use of its 973 drones manufactured in China to non-sensitive operations due to concerns about potential security risks associated with their country of origin. These Chinese drones constitute approximately 80% of the RCMP’s fleet of 1,230 remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) used for various monitoring and policing activities, including border surveillance.
In response to the national security committee of the Senate, the RCMP stated that replacing the Chinese drones would incur a cost exceeding $30 million, amounting to around $35,000 per device. The high expenses are attributed to the fact that non-Chinese drones are nearly twice as costly, as indicated by the RCMP.
Experts have pointed out that the RCMP’s apprehensions stem from the potential security vulnerabilities posed by the communication and data-transmission systems of the Chinese drones. Ygal Bendavid, a specialist in operations management at the Université du Québec à Montréal, emphasized that any connected device raises security concerns.
To address these concerns, the RCMP has implemented measures to mitigate risks associated with the Chinese drones. The police force has restricted the drones’ in-flight data transmission and designated them for non-sensitive operations, such as assisting in cases involving missing persons, car thefts, and community policing.
For more critical operations including emergency responses, protection of VIPs, border security, and collaborations with U.S. authorities, the RCMP relies on drones from France, the United States, and Belgium. A small portion of the RCMP’s drone inventory, categorized as custom or part of research and development, does not specify the country of origin.
The RCMP clarified that the Chinese drones were procured before the restrictions were imposed in 2023, highlighting the cost-effectiveness and operational advantages they offer compared to traditional aircraft like helicopters. However, experts emphasize the necessity for caution when utilizing Chinese drones, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding the origin of various components, software, and data storage systems.
Looking ahead, experts recommend that federal agencies prioritize security assessments and centralize drone purchases for security purposes, giving preference to Canadian manufacturers and supply chains to enhance security and reduce potential risks associated with foreign-made drones.