Canada targets 2027 frigate trials for CU179 Peregrine uncrewed helicopter

The Royal Canadian Navy plans the first launch and recovery of its CU179 Peregrine uncrewed helicopter from a Halifax-class frigate in 2027, ahead of initial operational capability in the first quarter of 2028. Earlier operations from other maritime platforms will support testing, crew training and development of shipboard procedures before the frigate trials. The vertical-take-off-and-landing system is intended to expand the navy's shipborne unmanned aviation capability through a phased introduction rather than immediate fleet-wide deployment. Integration arrangements for the future River-class destroyers remain undefined, making the Halifax-class trial the next confirmed ship-specific milestone in the programme.