Science and Technology

Defence Research and Development Canada’s (DRDC) science and technology (S&T) research is based on eleven areas of expertise that are grouped into three domains: physical, information and human. A number of these areas include aspects from more than one domain.

Areas of Expertise: 

  • Command and Control
  • Communications Networks
  • Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
  • Complex Systems
  • System Autonomy
  • Mobile Systems
  • Weapons Systems
  • Personnel Protection
  • Protection of Assets
  • Human Systems Integration
  • Behavioural Effects

Mission

Our mission is to provide a strategic knowledge and technology advantage.Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) supports defence and security operations at home and abroad with knowledge and technology; provides science and technology (S&T) to forecast, cost, and deliver future readiness levels to meet operational requirements; and, generates knowledge and technology for a robust, connected and multi-jurisdictional security and intelligence environment.

DRDC leverages other organizations’ expertise, knowledge and resources so that diverse collaborations with partners create a more networked environment. DRDC anticipates S&T defence and security challenges and acts as the catalyst for an innovative defence and security sector across Canada.

Six Strategic Priority Areas

  1. Build agile forces to carry out missions in complex and hostile environments.
  2. Protect and Support CAF members before, during and after operations.
  3. Enable the acquisition, sharing and use of critical information in support of situational awareness and decision-making.
  4. Develop and implement solutions to ensure an affordable, sustainable and effective Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
  5. Support public safety and security practitioners in their mission to protect Canadians.
  6. Anticipate, prepare for and counter the emergence of future threats.

Impact for Canada

DRDC supports innovation and S&T as an engine for generating solutions.DRDC accesses knowledge, builds networks and leverages capacity across a broad range of partners, nationally and internationally – creating innovative partnerships for new solutions to challenging problems.

DRDC emphasizes operational simplification and efficiency, responsiveness and agility.