NAV CANADA and Indra Group join forces to integrate drones into Canadian skies. Group photo of the NAV CANADA and Indra Group teams after the agreement reached between the two companies at Airspace World 2026. Photo: Indra NAV CANADA has selected Indra Group as its technology partner to develop and implement the Flight Information Management System for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, known as rFIMS, which will be the central digital platform of the future Canadian framework for the safe integration of drones into its airspace. The agreement was signed during Airspace World 2026, held in Lisbon, considered the main global meeting of the air traffic management sector, and represents a decisive step towards the safe coexistence of manned and unmanned aircraft in Canada. The rFIMS system will provide the digital services and interfaces needed to connect NAV CANADA with the ecosystem of drone traffic management service providers operating in the country, enabling the sharing of critical information, coordination of operations, and a common view of the airspace. First, from left to right, Víctor Martínez, General Manager of ATM at Indra Group, and David Sheppard, Vice President and Chief Technology and Information Officer at NAV CANADA. Photo: Indra This platform will lay the foundation for safe and sustainable growth of drone operations in Canada, in line with the exponential expansion forecasts for this sector managed by the Canadian air navigation service provider. The solution is based on technologies developed by Indra Group within the framework of the European SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking programs and already deployed in pioneering initiatives for the integration of drones in Spanish airspace, which allows monitoring operations and verifying compliance with flight plans. The system will also facilitate the secure exchange of information between all stakeholders and provide a high level of situational awareness for ecosystem participants, reinforcing operational safety levels. Indra Group will deploy the technology progressively, with initial capabilities planned to become operational in 2029, which will include essential flight management, monitoring and connectivity services for drone operations. From this first phase, the platform will evolve towards more advanced functionalities, incorporating operational intelligence and tactical conflict management capabilities to improve both the safety and efficiency of Canadian airspace. According to a recent study by NAV CANADA, the country faces exponential growth in the drone sector, which represents a significant economic opportunity that will only be fully realized if the appropriate digital infrastructure is in place to support new operations. Drone in flight. Photo: Indra Indra Group already plays a key role in the modernization of Canadian air traffic thanks to the supply of advanced simulation solutions for the training of air traffic management professionals and its participation, together with NAV CANADA, in international innovation initiatives such as the iTEC collaboration. This new project strengthens the relationship with the Canadian air navigation service provider and represents an advance in positioning Indra Group as one of the leading technology partners in the convergence between conventional air traffic management and drone traffic management. The company has a comprehensive offering for drone operations management and has recently strengthened its capabilities with the acquisition of GuardianUTM's assets, expanding its catalog of solutions for U-space and for unmanned air traffic management.

Iridium to acquire full ownership of Aireon. Iridium Communications entered (14-May-2026) a definitive agreement to acquire full ownership of Aireon. Iridium will acquire the remaining 61% of equity interests of Aireon from NAV CANADA, AirNav Ireland, ENAV, NATS and Naviair for approximately USD366.7 million. The transaction is targeted to close in early Jul-2026. The acquisition will combine Aireon's surveillance and data services, including GPS jamming and spoofing detection, with Iridium's global satcom network and positioning, navigation and timing services. The Aireon system operates on the Iridium satellite constellation. NAV CANADA and NATS will sign extended data services agreements through to 2035 and beyond, with provisions for continued cooperative development of space based VHF communications and other new capabilities. Iridium CEO Matt Desch commented: "Bringing Aireon fully inside Iridium better positions us to build what's needed to support the future of aviation, including more innovations like the future introduction of space-based VHF communications". [more - original PR - Iridium] [more - original PR - NAV CANADA] [more - Aviation Week]