Attritable Interceptors

Overview of the Attritable Interceptors program:

The Attritable Interceptors Challenge, administered through Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) and issued by National Defence (Department of National Defence, DND), invites Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop and propose cost-effective, high-speed interceptor technologies for future defence scenarios. The challenge specifically seeks “attritable” solutions—those that are low-cost enough to be expended when necessary, yet advanced enough to perform with precision, speed, and reliability in mission-critical environments. The aim is to identify technologies that can intercept and neutralize airborne threats such as drones or missiles at close to medium range. Proposals should emphasize innovations that balance affordability with effectiveness, and can be scaled, deployed quickly, and adapted to multiple defence applications. The challenge is issued in phases. Selected applicants begin with Phase 1, where they receive funding to demonstrate the feasibility of their proposed concept. Successful Phase 1 projects may then be invited to Phase 2, which focuses on prototype development. Eventually, the Government of Canada may act as a first buyer in Phase 3, using the developed technology in real-world defence scenarios. The challenge represents a unique opportunity for Canadian SMEs to secure early-stage, non-dilutive funding while contributing to national defence innovation priorities. It also opens potential for long-term government procurement and global commercial applications.

Benefits of the Attritable Interceptors program:

• Access to up to $1.7M CAD in total non-dilutive funding
• Early validation and technical feasibility assessment through Phase 1
• Opportunity to build and test a working prototype in Phase 2
• Direct path to federal procurement (first-buyer advantage)
• Public-sector credibility and exposure
• Accelerated route to commercialization for emerging defence tech
• No repayment or equity dilution
• Tailored technical feedback from government scientists and defence experts

Eligibility criteria of the Attritable Interceptors program:

• To be eligible, applicants must:
• Be a Canadian-owned and operated for-profit business
• Be incorporated in Canada
• Have 499 or fewer full-time equivalent employees (SME)
• Own or control the intellectual property of the solution
• Submit a proposal aligned with the technical specifications of the challenge
• Proposals must demonstrate:
• Technical merit and innovative approach
• Clear feasibility within budget and timeline constraints
• Relevance to national defence applications
• Capability of the company to carry out the project