ARLINGTON, Virginia: This week, the U.S. State Department approved the potential sale of drone-related munitions and other systems to Canada worth US$313.4 million.

The equipment is intended for integration into MQ-9Bs drones, the Pentagon said on September 15.

"The proposed sale will improve Canada's capability to meet current and future threats by enabling unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols of its northern arctic territories," the agency said.

The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the package includes 219 Hellfire II missiles, 12 Mk82 general purpose bombs, six Mk82 filled inert bombs, and Due Regard Radars.

The principal contractor was General Atomics, it added, noting that Congress was notified of the possible sale the same day.