Trump Tariffs Cause Unease In Canada’s Defence Industry

There is uncertainty in Canada’s defence industry on just how U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff war will affect business. (David Pugliese photo)

By Tim Ryan and David Pugliese

There is uncertainty in Canada’s defence industry on just how U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff war will affect business.

First some statistics, courtesy of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) and the Canadian government.

--The Canadian defence industry contributed close to $12.6 billion in gross domestic product and 78,000 jobs across Canada's economy in 2023. (This is down from 2022 when the industry generated over $14.3 billion in revenues from its more than 585 firms across all three domains and contributed over 81,200 jobs to the Canadian economy).

--The U.S. is the main market for Canadian defence exports, according to CADSI. That is valued at over $4.5 billion annually.

--Twenty-eight per cent of all Canadian defence industry supply chain expenditures are sourced from U.S. suppliers.

--American-owned firms account for 40 per cent of the Canadian defence industry by total annual sales. CADSI says this is a result of U.S. companies acquiring highly successful Canadian companies. In other words, Canadian firms develop highly desirable expertise only to be bought up by U.S. firms.

--The U.S. has a longstanding balance of trade advantage for defence goods and services. Most Canadian military platforms are purchased from American companies, including through sole sourcing.

 --There were complexities to defence trade even before this trade war began. Canada has long had a unique defence trading relationship with the U.S., governed by things like the Defence Production Sharing Agreement. The industrial bases are tightly interwoven and have been since the Second World War, with products/materials sometimes passing back and forth across the border multiple times during production.

--Firms with 500 or more employees accounted for over 60 per cent of the Canadian defence industry’s revenues, employment, R&D and exports.

Christyn Cianfarani, CADSI’s President & CEO issued a statement March 4 about the trade war. “We are profoundly disappointed by the tariffs imposed today by the Trump Administration on Canadian imports, which will impact defence trade. Canadian-made parts, components, and raw materials make their way into everything from the life-support systems used on injured American soldiers to the jets patrolling U.S. airspace. These tariffs fly in the face of over seven decades of tightly integrated defence manufacturing between our two nations, stretching back to the Second World War. Ours is a security partnership unlike any other and, given the deteriorating international security environment, one that must endure. The U.S. has a longstanding balance of trade advantage for defence goods and services. Many defence goods cross the Canada-U.S. border multiple times during production, compounding the economic harm of this decision.”

Cianfarani stated in her message that “CADSI will continue working with Canadian government officials to seek clarity, provide feedback on potential responses, and track the impact of these tariffs and the Canadian countermeasures on its members.”

Here is what is believed to be happening at this point.

--American tariffs (25%) are being applied to all Canadian goods (including defence goods) that do not satisfy Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA) rules of origin. No tariffs are being applied on goods that claim and qualify for the CUSMA/USMCA preference, so CADSI is encouraging its members to check that the defence goods they’re importing into the U.S. are of Canadian-origin under the CUSMA Rules of Origin.

--U.S. Customs and Border Protection will NOT be refunding the tariffs applied to defence imports to the U.S. that occurred between March 4 and March 6, even if those imports are now exempt from tariffs under CUSMA.

--DFAR Supplement 252.225-7013 should continue to exempt most direct, final Canadian defence exports (usually platform-level final products) to the U.S. Department of Defense from tariffs/duties. Otherwise the U.S. government would technically be taxing itself.

--The $30 billion in Canadian counter tariffs that remain in place do NOT apply to American goods intended for military use crossing into Canada, although this is likely to change in the expanded second phase of counter tariffs if it’s brought into force in early April.

--CADSI is still parsing through the Phase 2 list to determine the extent of the impact on U.S. defence-related imports to Canada.

On March 7, Defence Minister Bill Blair announced that he had finished a series of roundtables with defence industry CEOs (he did not meet with CADSI officials).

The roundtables hosted by the Minister were organized into five themes:

• Aerospace

• Command, Control, Communications, Computers (C4) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), and Defence Electronics

• Shipbuilding and Marine Services

• Land Systems and Armoured Vehicles

• Ecosystem Support

Blair’s office stated in a news release that the roundtables from February 28 to March 7, 2025 “led a series of substantive discussions with Canadian industry leaders to drive forward Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.”

Through the roundtables, Blair and industry partners focused on making investments more strategic through long-term partnerships,  shoring up an innovative, effective, and stronger Canadian defence industrial base, according to the news release. “With a clear plan, transparent engagement, and targeted investments, Canada is taking decisive action to secure the capabilities and resources needed to defend our country and support our Allies and partners,” the news release pointed out.

So what companies were invited?

Well, that’s secret.

What actual results came from the roundtables, if any? Who knows. Bill Blair’s office is not saying.

Cianfarani told Esprit de Corps that CADSI asked Blair’s office to strike a balance between using CADSI an intermediary or aggregator versus speaking directly to CEOs. That wasn’t acted upon

But Cianfarani noted the current Cabinet is in its final days and an election campaign is right around the corner. “So it’s unclear how the feedback offered by companies will be handed over or acted upon,” she explained. “That’s why we’ve been pushing for a more permanent government-industry forum that would meet regularly and transcend any one government or consultation. The geopolitical situation is going to force Canada to start doing things differently when it comes to defence industrial policy.”

Canadian Army to get loitering munitions for Latvian mission

The Canadian Army will be receiving Switchblade 300 and Switchblade 600 loitering munitions systems for its troops in Latvia. (U.S. Department of Defense photo)

By David Pugliese

The Canadian Army will be receiving a new capability, albeit in limited quantities.

Defence Minister Bill Blair announced Feb. 16 that the Canadian Forces would be receiving Switchblade loitering munitions systems in a $67 million deal. The weapons are being purchased from AeroVironment Inc of Arlington, Virginia.

Canada will acquire the Switchblade 300 and Switchblade 600 loitering munitions systems for its troops in Latvia.

The Switchback systems can reliably locate, track, and neutralize adversary targets beyond visual line of sight to a range of 40km, according to the Department of National Defence. The purchase will also allow the Canadian Army to develop and refine its tactics, techniques, and procedures for the coordination and employment of precision guided fires, setting the conditions for the successful integration of future long-range precision fires and loitering munition capabilities, DND added in its news release.

The Canadian Army and the Department of National Defence declined to answer any further questions about the purchase.

It declined to explain why two different types of Switchblade variants were being purchased. It would not say when the munitions are expected to arrive in Latvia.

In addition, the Canadian Army declined to state whether there was a competition held or whether this was a sole-source arrangement for the weapons. No details were provided whether there would be any industrial benefits for Canadian companies but increasingly Canadian firms have complained they are being shut out of any work on such projects.

Canadian soldiers are in Latvia as part of the Canadian-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in July 2023 that, as part of a major commitment to NATO, Canada would spend an additional $2.6 billion to double the number of troops it stationed in Latvia. The government’s plan would see up to 2,200 troops deployed for what is being called Operation Reassurance.

Switchblade is man-portable and launches from a tube. It has spring-loaded wings, folded in the tube, which then open up once the munition is fired.

The weapon is launched from its tube by compressed gas and then uses an electric motor to propel the explosive-laden drone. A video link to the system allows the operator to see targets.

Switchblade was developed by the U.S. Army; it became a favorite weapon with U.S. special forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Besides U.S. military forces, Australia, France, Greece, Lithuania, Romania, Sweden, Taiwan have all acquired Switchblades. Ukraine has also received the weapon system.

In April 2023, the U.S. Army decided it would not purchase anymore Switchblade 300s.

In July 2023, the defence and security-oriented website, 1945, suggested that the decision to no longer acquire Switchblade 300 systems was due to cost and effectiveness. Each Switchblade 300 is estimated to cost $58,000 (U.S. dollars) while the war in Ukraine showed how commercial drones costing as little as $700 could be just as effective, according to 1945.

AeroVironment Inc noted that Switchblade 600 represents the next generation of extended-range loitering munitions. It can loiter for over 40 minutes and has an anti-armour warhead. Switchblade 600 can be set up and operational in less than 10 minutes. The operator of the system also has the capability to abort the mission at any time and then re-engage new targets.

AeroVironment Inc says its Switchblade 300 Block 20 comes with a new touchscreen Fire Control Unit allowing the operator to train, plan and execute missions with ease. Weighing just four pounds, this miniature, precision-guided lethal missile can be deployed in less than two minutes via tube-launch from land, sea, or mobile platforms, according to the company. Switchblade 300 Block 20 can loiter for more than 20 minutes.

The Canadian government has purchased a variety of new weapon systems for the Latvia mission, although in limited quantities. In February 2024 Blair announced Canada was spending $227.5 million to purchase an air defence capability for Canadian Armed Forces members in Latvia. Canada purchased from Saab Canada Inc. the RBS 70 NG short-range Air Defence System. The capability provides Canadian troops with the ability to defend themselves against fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, Class 1 small Uncrewed Aerial Systems, and larger Uncrewed Aerial Systems.

At the same time the Canadian government announced it was investing $46 million to acquire new counter-drone equipment. TRD Systems of Singapore, CACI Inc., of the United States, and Leonardo UK were awarded contracts for various elements of that project.

The equipment provided troops with improved protection against hostile Class 1 UAS (small drones).

The Canadian government also announced Dec. 15 2023 that it was also buying new anti-tank missiles for its troops in the Baltic country. That purchase was for the Spike LR2 anti-tank system, made by Israeli vendor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The cost was $43 million. There have been reports of problems with the Spike missiles being acquired for Canada.

Blair also announced Feb. 16, 2025 that Canada will deliver two more F-16 flight simulators to Ukraine. Those will come from Canadian industry. This is in addition to the donation of two F-16 simulators that have already been announced by Canada, to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s pilot training and skills maintenance. Blair did not say which companies are providing the simulators or when they will be delivered. The Department of National Defence declined to comment.

Since February 2022 Canada has committed over $19.5 billion in assistance to Ukraine, including $4.5 billion in military assistance. This includes Leopard 2 main battle tanks, armoured combat support vehicles, anti-tank weapons, small arms and M777 howitzers, along with associated ammunition.

Maybe It’s time for Canada to Dump the F-35?

By Tim Ryan

Canada’s planned purchase of the Lockheed Martin stealth fighter jet, the F-35, could be headed for some turbulence.

Questions are being asked around official Ottawa about why Canadian taxpayers should spend $19 billion on a product from a country whose president has threatened to economically destroy Canada and then annex it as the 51st state.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats against Canada has also prompted some observers to suggest the Canadian government dump the F-35 and purchase the Saab Gripen. In the fighter jet competition that Canada held several years ago, the Gripen scored higher points when it came to industrial benefits for domestic industry. The Gripen also scored higher than the F-35 in long-term maintenance costs.

But Royal Canadian Air Force leaders had wanted the F-35 since the aircraft was first developed and their view prevailed.

Now with the U.S. becoming the main threat to Canada’s sovereignty, the RCAF support for the F-35 no longer makes sense.

But the F-35 has a bigger nemesis than Canadians angry that their tax dollars are going to a nation clearly interested in damaging, if not destroying, their country.

Trump’s top advisor, Elon Musk, has not hidden his contempt for the F-35. Nor has he shied away from promoting drones as the way of the future for aerial combat.

Here are some of Musk’s digs at the F-35 and fighter jets in general from November, 2024.

“Some US weapons systems are good, albeit overpriced, but please, in the name of all that is holy, let us stop the worst military value for money in history that is the F-35 program!” Musk wrote on X on Nov. 25, 2024. “The F-35 design was broken at the requirements level, because it was required to be too many things to too many people. This made it an expensive & complex jack of all trades, master of none. Success was never in the set of possible outcomes. And manned fighter jets are obsolete in the age of drones anyway. Will just get pilots killed.”

He later posted a photo of a drone swarm, with the following statement: "Meanwhile, some idiots are still building manned fighter jets like the F-35."

Musk is also not a fan of crewed fighter jets in general. This is what he has said: “Crewed fighter jets are an inefficient way to extend the range of missiles or drop bombs. A reusable drone can do so without all the overhead of a human pilot.

And fighter jets will be shot down very quickly if the opposing force has sophisticated SAM or drones, as shown by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Fighter jets do have the advantage of helping Air Force officers get laid. Drones are  much less effective in this regard”

All of this would be easily dismissed if it were not for one thing – Trump has selected Musk to review all Pentagon programs. Trump announced Feb. 7 that Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency team will conduct a major review of Department of Defense spending. "We're going to go through everything,” Trump told reporters.

The Department of Defense, with its budget of more than $800 billion U.S., is the largest department in the American government.

This could mean trouble for the F-35.

As the Ottawa Citizen reported, on Dec. 11, 2024 the New York Post, a Trump-aligned newspaper, published the claim that Trump had told F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin he would cancel the fighter jet program. Lockheed Martin responded with a statement that called the article “false reporting and fake news.”

In December 2016 Trump himself took aim at the F-35 in a Tweet: “The F-35 program and cost is out of control,” Trump announced. “Billions of dollars can and will be saved on military (and other) purchases after January 20th.”

The Department of National Defence told the Ottawa Citizen on Feb. 12, 2025 that it was not worried about the future of the F-35 program, despite all the negative views coming from the Trump White House and the president’s top advisor.

The Liberal government announced Jan. 9, 2023 that it will purchase 88 F-35s in a project that will cost $19 billion. National Defence officials also confirmed the full life-cycle cost for the F-35 project would eventually tally $70 billion.

Canada does not expect to receive its first F-35 fighter jet until 2026. Full operational capability for Canada’s F-35s is set for around 2032.

The RCAF has a lot riding on the stealth jet. The Canadian government altered its usual procurement approach for its fighter jet purchase after Trump threatened in 2019 to pull the F-35 from the Canadian competition. Usually, companies bidding on such large Canadian contracts are required to provide specific industrial and technological benefits, with dollar figures, that would be tied to the purchase of a particular piece of military equipment.

That was changed to allow the F-35 to compete.

Musk’s attacks on crewed aircraft has seen some pushback from retired USAF generals. Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the former chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, wrote in Defense News that contrary to what he labelled as “trendy arguments” the United States still needs advanced bombers and fighters.

He conceded that small drones are changing the state of warfare but also pointed out that, as shown in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, such systems are largely isolated to being effective on tactical ground operations.

“Quadcopters with grenades targeting individual tanks or military personnel may be tactically useful in trench warfare, but they are of little relevance at the operational or strategic level,” Moseley wrote in the Nov. 1, 2024 issue of Defense News.

But Moseley also seems not to fully grasp how the war in Ukraine has unfolded. Drone swarm strikes have largely replaced attacks by manned aircraft. Such attacks have not only proved effective in destroying civilian infrastructure but they have been much less costly in terms of ‘bang for the buck’ on the battlefield. Drones are not only less expensive to produce and operate than manned aircraft, but they are expendable.

RCAF to declare initial operational capability on CC-295 Kingfishers

The Royal Canadian Air Force expects is CC-295 Kingfisher to reach initial operational capability or IOC in early 2025. (RCAF photo)

By Tim Ryan

The Royal Canadian Air Force expects is CC-295 Kingfisher to reach initial operational capability or IOC in early 2025. In November, the RCAF announced that the Kingfisher had completed the rescue phase of Operational Test & Evaluation which successfully proved the aircraft’s search and rescue capabilities in challenging conditions.

The CC-295 Kingfisher project has been hit with various delays. It was supposed to reach IOC in the summer of 2022 and full operational capability (FOC) in the summer of 2024. FOC is now set for fiscal year 2029-2030.

Canada announced in December 2016 that it was purchasing 16 C-295 aircraft for fixed-wing search and rescue as part of a $2.2-billion project. Initial operational capability for the new fleet was supposed to be mid-2021. That was later revised to summer 2022 and further delayed to 2025.

The Department of National Defence pointed to problems with the cockpit equipment that provides the crew with information on the status of the plane and its various systems. “There are software deficiencies in this system that have been identified and must be corrected through software updates,” the department noted in September 2022.

Australian tactical, high-power laser manufacturer, AIM Defence, has announced its international expansion with the opening of a Canadian arm in Vancouver, to support Canadian and NATO defence forces.

Digital technology leader Evan Digby will lead AIM’s Canadian operations in Vancouver, serving as a director of AIM’s Canadian arm and AIM’s Distributed Systems Research Fellow, according to the company.

Digby is a former Principal Software Engineer with Microsoft and has also worked in large scale autonomous bidding platforms, and MDA’s satellite program.

AIM noted in a statement that its expansion into Canada follows the commitment in August by the Australian and Canadian defence ministers to strengthen the two nation’s defence relationship.

The company noted that international interest in AIM Defence’s laser technology significantly increased since the company won a Canadian military counter-drone technology contest in June 2024. The competition was open to companies from Five Eyes allies and NATO member states with $1 million prizemoney offered to the winner.

The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) has secured a contract with the United States Department of Defense to supply Tactical/Manpack Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) antennas. That equipment will be delivered to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Land and Maritime in Columbus, Ohio.

The DLA, which supports land-based and maritime weapons systems for the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps, is a key procurement agency within the U.S. military.

The antennas will be made by Guelph, Ont.-based Valcom Manufacturing.

The Tactical/Manpack NVIS antenna is specifically designed to enable reliable short-range communication in challenging environments where traditional line-of-sight radios may fail, according to the CCC.  

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/technical-issues-behind-delays-affecting-canadas-new-search-and-rescue-planes

https://defenceobserver.ca

Quebec shipyard prepares to build new icebreakers

Chantier Davie Canada Inc. is improving its shipyard in Quebec as it gears up to build new icebreakers. (Davie photo)

By David Pugliese

Chantier Davie Canada Inc. is improving its shipyard in Quebec as it gears up to build new icebreakers.

Davie announced the signing of an agreement with Construction Dinamo Inc. of Quebec for the delivery of construction and supervision services for key sub-projects within the major upgrade of Davie’s Lévis shipyard.

The upgrade is to meet National Shipbuilding Strategy requirements and respond to the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact) opportunities.

Davie also announced the signing of an agreement with Pearlson & Pearlson Inc. of Florida as part of the upgrade.

Pearlson has led the design and development for several of the world’s leading shipbuilding and ship repair companies, including BAE Systems, Austal USA, and Fincantieri Marine Group, according to Davie.

The Quebec firm noted that its construction strategy includes the expansion plan for six new state-of-the- art buildings, the refurbishment and modernization of existing structures, significant waterfront upgrades, and the establishment of a new assembly hall and launch pad.

The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) has been awarded a contract from the United States Department of Defense for an advanced winch system developed by Rolls-Royce Canada’s Naval Handling business. The system will be used to deploy, tow, and recover sonar equipment.

CCC is the designated contracting authority for U.S. DoD purchases from Canada.

Through CCC’s contract, valued up to $110 million, Rolls-Royce Canada will supply the OK-410 handling and stowage group system to the US Navy’s Naval Undersea Warfare Centre (NUWC), along with spare parts and engineering services.

The NUWC operates multiple facilities across the United States and is seen as being vital in ensuring the US Navy’s technological edge in submarine and undersea operations, according to the CCC.

Rolls-Royce Canada’s winch system is designed to launch, tow, and retrieve the multi-function towed array (MFTA) for the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 ASW combat system.

The winch system can handle heavy tow loads and incorporates “advanced control systems that enable precise maneuvering and positioning of the MFTA in the water”, which is essential for effective sonar operations, according to the CCC news release about the deal.

Located in Peterborough, Ontario, Rolls-Royce Canada develops advanced naval handling systems for navies around the world, including the mission bay handling system for the Royal Navy’s Type 26 frigates.

CCC also announced Jan. 8, 2025 that it had been awarded a $14 million (U.S. dollar) contract with the United States Department of Defense to supply QinetiQ’s Vindicator and related services to the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD). The Vindicator is an Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle - Target designed to simulate the threat of missiles and aircraft for air defence systems.

The Vindicator is built to withstand challenging conditions and rigorous training scenarios, enhancing military readiness and proficiency, according to the CCC.

QinetiQ is a UK-based company with a Canadian facility, located in Medicine Hat, Alberta. It specializes in areas such as autonomous systems, robotics, and cybersecurity.

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/canadian-navy-using-leased-supply-ship-more-often-contract-boosted-by-71-million

https://defenceobserver.ca

L3 Harris in talks on Canada’s F-35 - Elon Musk calls for F-35 to be cancelled

Elon Musk, who has been picked by incoming US President Donald Trump to cut federal spending, has called for the F-35 program to be cancelled. How will that affect Canada’s F-35 purchase? (USAF photo)

By Tim Ryan  

The F-35 program continues to be in the news. Elon Musk, who has been picked by incoming US President Donald Trump to cut federal spending, has called for the F-35 program to be cancelled. 

“Some US weapons systems are good, albeit overpriced but please, in the name of all that is holy, let us stop the worst military value for money in history that is the F-35 program!”, he wrote on Nov. 26 on X, the social media platform. 

If Musk gets his way it is unclear how a program cancellation will affect Canada’s F-35 order but obviously it will have significant impact. 

Meanwhile, the Canadian government announced that L3Harris MAS from Mirabel, Quebec is its strategic partner in a potential F-35 airframe depot. The company will work with the federal government and the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) in the U.S. to investigate requirements for the establishment of a depot. The agreement will provide a means to progress timely discussions, including on the scope and costs associated with setting up and operating such a facility, and on how to best position Canada to demonstrate best value, to secure future opportunities in the F-35 enterprise, according to the federal government. 

L3Harris MAS is the only supplier in Canada that has been conducting the full range of maintenance, repair and overhaul services for Canada’s CF-188 Hornet fighter jet airframes.  

Federal officials say the company has proven experience with Canada’s current CF-188 fleet and is an industrial leader in one of the world’s largest aerospace clusters with a significant Canadian footprint. “Based on these facts, Canada is confident that L3Harris MAS has the capability, capacity and extensive industrial network of suppliers, partners and recruiting sources required to enable the company to successfully manage airframe heavy maintenance depot work for the CF-35A enterprise,” the government noted in a news release. 

The Canadian Commercial Corporation or CCC announced that it had arranged a deal with the Pentagon for StandardAero. The indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract is worth over $80 million from the United States Department of Defense for engine repair services by StandardAero. Under CCC’s contract, StandardAero will repair 501-K34 Turbine Engines used by the U.S. Navy surface fleet. The 501-K34 is used in a variety of ships for power generation and mechanical drive applications.  

StandardAero has performed over $160 million in MRO services for the United States Air Force, Navy, and Army. Additionally, they have engaged in contracts to maintain, repair, and overhaul Rolls-Royce T56 Series III engines that power the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps' fleets of C-130s, C-2, P-3, and EP-3 aircraft. StandardAero also supports the CFM56-7B engines used in the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft fleet.  

Further reading: 

https://defenceobserver.ca/2024/03/f-35/ 

https://defenceobserver.ca/2024/04/canada-f-35/ 

Pilatus PC-21 to be purchased for RCAF training

By Tim Ryan

SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace announced Nov. 28 the successful signing of the purchase agreement with Pilatus to acquire 19 state-of-the-art Pilatus PC-21 training aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.

The contract, executed by KF Aerospace as a major subcontractor to SkyAlyne for the FAcT program, secures production slots with aircraft deliveries expected to begin in the second half of 2026.

The contract also includes Pilatus supplying various supporting equipment, including mission planning and debriefing systems, and training materials.

Pilatus has supplied approximately 250 PC-21s to several air force customers, including the Swiss Air Force, the Spanish Air Force, and the Royal Australian Air Force, among others. The two-seat aircraft has advanced avionics, fuel efficiency, performance, and training capabilities – making it what the companies believe is the ideal platform to underpin advanced fixed-wing flying training for RCAF Pilots in the FAcT program.

The 25-year FAcT program, awarded to SkyAlyne in spring 2024, is currently in a five-year transition period to become the sole Pilot and Aircrew training program for the RCAF, as the three current separate RCAF training programs conclude, and their responsibilities are combined into FAcT.

The FAcT program is overseen from a Joint Management Office at SkyAlyne’s Ottawa headquarters, with three operational bases: Moose Jaw, SK, Southport, MB, and Winnipeg, MB.

When operational, Canada’s PC-21 fleet will be based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan and operated in partnership with the RCAF.

Instruction activities for aircraft fleets based in Moose Jaw will be led by Team SkyAlyne in partnership with the RCAF and delivered by CAE as a major subcontractor. Instruction activities for aircraft fleets stationed at Southport will be led by Team SkyAlyne in partnership with the RCAF and delivered by KF Aerospace as a major subcontractor.

Further reading:

https://defenceobserver.ca

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/rcaf-puts-restrictions-on-training-aircraft-after-three-engine-related-incidents

Canada to research defences against hypersonic missiles

By Tim Ryan

Defence Minister Bill Blair has announced that Canada and Australia will be working together on research on how to defend against the emerging missile threat. Blair highlighted the concern about various adversaries developing advanced cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons which combine high speed, increasing range, and manoeuvrability.

Under the agreement, Defence Research and Development Canada and the Australian Defence Science and Technology Group will collaborate on research to understand emerging missile threats, as well as develop detection, monitoring, targeting and counter- measure technologies.

Canada and Australia are each contributing up to $237 million over five years toward the project.

The Canadian government announced that two competitive contracts have been awarded to Rheinmetall Canada Inc., located in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. These two contracts are for the acquisition of Enhanced Recovery Capability (ERC) vehicles, equipment and in-service support (ISS) for that purchase.

The acquisition contract, with an estimated value of $374 million, is for a period of approximately five years and will deliver 85 ERC vehicles, 24 armoured cabs, associated ancillary equipment and integrated logistics support. The contract includes options to procure additional vehicles and armoured cabs.

The ISS contract, with an initial estimated value of $30.4 million, will cover an initial contract period of eight years, plus option periods of up to 16 years. Work will include repair and overhaul, major repairs, spares replenishment and additional work requests once the vehicles are delivered.

Serving as prime contractor, Rheinmetall Canada will replace the CAF’s heavy logistic vehicle wheeled recovery fleet with 85 HX 8x8 trucks, each equipped with a heavy towing and recovery module. This will provide the CAF with enhanced capabilities to effectively recover and tow their latest generation of heavier armoured and logistical vehicles.

The new HX heavy recovery vehicles also provide additional capabilities, such as an integrated rotary crane that can be used for container handling and for other crane work.

The first deliveries of the vehicles is scheduled for 2027.

The ERC project team will be led by Rheinmetall Canada, a leading system integrator in the defence and security industry. Rheinmetall Canada will be supported by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, a German-Austrian logistic vehicle manufacturer; Miller Industries Towing Equipment, a supplier of towing and recovery equipment located in the United States; and Rotzler Holding, a manufacturer of hydraulic winches and winch systems based in Germany with operations in Canada.

“Together, this strong team will provide a sophisticated best-in-class recovery solution that will enable the CAF to fulfil its tasks in support of Canadian national interests. This vehicle is an extraordinary system which will meet Canada’s needs for decades to come. Moreover, Canada is now joining an elite group of operators of the HX recovery platform and will benefit from other nations’ experience with the system.” stated Pietro Mazzei, President and CEO of Rheinmetall Canada.

Following an Invitation to Qualify that was issued on August 23, 2019, five suppliers were qualified. The Request for Proposal was released to those suppliers on November 25, 2022, and the bidding closed on September 20, 2023. The bid evaluation was completed on April 4, 2024.

The ERC project was first announced as part of Canada's 2017 defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged.

National Defence is in negotiations with the Edmonton International Airport to formalize an agreement for the location of the new Western Main Operating Base (MOB-West) for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CC-330 Husky Fleet.

The location for MOB-West will complement the fleet’s MOB-East location at 8 Wing in Trenton, Ontario. That location was announced by Defence Minister Blair on March 8, 2024. The new MOB-West location is expected to include a hangar, operations, maintenance, logistics/warehousing, and training and administrative spaces to support RCAF operations for the CC-330 Husky aircraft.

The Main Operating Base – West for Canada’s CC-330 Husky fleet will enable the RCAF to better support its commitments to NORAD and will be key to enabling the RCAF to secure our Arctic airspace. The CC-330 Husky provides the Canadian Armed Forces with a modern air-to-air refuelling, passenger transport, aeromedical evacuation, and strategic transport of Government of Canada officials.

Further reading:

https://defenceobserver.ca

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/ottawa-examined-as-permanent-base-for-new-refueling-planes-but-ultimately-rejected-rcaf-documents

Industry Watch – RCAF To Get New Helicopters For Training

SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace are buying 19 advanced Airbus H135 helicopters for the Royal Canadian Air Force Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. (Photo courtesy SkyAlyne)

By David Pugliese

SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace announced Nov. 4 the signing of the purchase agreement with Airbus Helicopters in Canada to acquire 19 advanced Airbus H135 helicopters for the Royal Canadian Air Force Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.

The contract, executed by KF Aerospace on behalf of SkyAlyne for the FAcT program, secures production slots with aircraft deliveries beginning in mid-2026, according to the companies.

SkyAlyne says it will partner with Airbus Helicopters on the project. Based in Fort Erie, Ontario, Airbus Helicopters in Canada manufactures components for Airbus’ global supply chains locally. Additionally, the H135s being acquired by SkyAlyne for the RCAF will be completed in Canada at the Fort Erie facility.

The H135 is viewed by the companies as the ideal rotary wing training aircraft for the RCAF, with a well-earned reputation with global customers for performance, endurance, and cost-effective operations. The twin-engine helicopter with advanced avionics will be a cornerstone of the RCAF rotary-wing fleet for decades to come, according to SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace.

The H135 is currently in use by twelve other militaries, including in Australia and the United Kingdom.

The 25-year FAcT program, awarded to SkyAlyne in spring 2024, is currently in a five-year transition period to become the sole Pilot and Aircrew training program for the RCAF, as the three current separate RCAF training programs conclude, and their responsibilities are combined into FAcT.

The FAcT program is overseen from a Joint Management Office at SkyAlyne’s Ottawa headquarters, with three operational bases: Moose Jaw, SK, Southport, MB, and Winnipeg, MB.

When operational, Canada’s H135 fleet will be operated jointly with the RCAF and based at 15 Wing’s 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School, located at Southport Aerospace Centre, in Southport, MB.

Kevin Lemke, General Manager, SkyAlyne, said securing the Airbus H135 fleet for the RCAF is an important milestone for the FAcT program as it solidifies a core element of the program schedule. “The selection of the state-of-the-art H135 from Airbus Helicopters contributes meaningfully to the Canadian economy and SkyAlyne is proud to be building a world-leading Pilot and Aircrew training program for the RCAF while supporting Canadian jobs,” he added.

Tracy Medve, Board Chair, SkyAlyne; President, KF Aerospace, noted that from the outset, the firm recognized the pivotal role that selecting the right aircraft would play in ensuring the long-term success of the FAcT program. “With the Airbus H135, we’re confident in a choice that meets both the RCAF’s stringent training requirements for rotary-wing pilot training and our commitment to operational excellence,’’ she added.

SkyAlyne is a team of defence, training, simulation, and aviation industry experts assembled from across Canada, working to prepare the next generation of RCAF pilots and aircrew. It was formed in 2018 as a partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace. The partnership was built to jointly answer the call for the Canadian government’s FAcT program. In 2023 SkyAlyne was named the preferred bidder, and in 2024, was officially contracted to partner with the RCAF and deliver the FAcT program.

Canada has awarded a $1.85 billion contract to Lockheed Martin Canada for the renewal of combat system integration in-service support for the Halifax-class frigates. (DND photo)

The Canadian government has awarded a contract valued at up to $1.85 billion to Lockheed Martin Canada for the renewal of combat system integration in-service support (CSI ISS) for the Halifax-class frigates.

The renewal of this contract will ensure continued CSI service support until the end-of-life expectancy is reached for the Halifax-class frigates, coinciding with the gradual arrival of the new fleet of River-class destroyer ships.

The Halifax-class patrol frigates are the backbone of the Royal Canadian Navy’s operational capability.

The initial CSI ISS contract was awarded through a competitive procurement process to Lockheed Martin Canada in November 2008.  The initial CSI ISS contract ensured ongoing maintenance and updates to the combat management system (CMS) 330 until November 6, 2024.

The new CSI ISS contract provides ongoing maintenance, updates and other specialized supports for the CMS 330 onboard the RCN’s 12 Halifax-class frigates. The services also include support for associated shore-based engineering, training and testing. This service support will be from November 2024 to March 2034. The contract includes 13 additional one-year option periods, which could extend the contract up to March 2047.

The CMS 330 is the central component of the integrated combat system fitted on the Halifax-class ships. It’s a system designed to integrate and control the various sensors, weapons and information sources of the ships to optimize situational awareness and decision-making.

The in-service support activities are performed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Esquimalt, British Columbia, and at various locations in the National Capital Region.

Lockheed Martin recently announced it is partnering with RaceRocks, an Indigenous, women-owned training and software company based in Victoria, British Columbia. RaceRocks will create modernized training solutions.

This $1.6 million contract will support the development of adaptive learning capabilities over the next three years. The idea is to revolutionize military training by ensuring that only the required training is delivered at the point and time of need. This will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of force generation across Canada, according to Lockheed Martin.

RaceRocks has a decade-long history of delivering quality immersive training products and decision-making tools for aerospace and defence clients, Lockheed Martin noted.

Through its Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) obligations, Lockheed Martin Canada is partnering with RaceRocks to develop the adaptive learning engine.

The project will build out Lockheed’s total learning architecture (MENTOR) and contribute to the growth of RaceRocks’ Adenine platform—a multi- tenant, total learning enclave focused on delivering individualized, immersive learning experiences.

More broadly, this initiative will enhance research and development efforts in the Canadian aerospace and defence industry, advancing technology solutions for training, including immersive simulations, AI- driven adaptive learning tools, and innovative training and learning systems, Lockheed Martin added in its news release.

“RaceRocks and Lockheed Martin Canada will provide the best solutions for the training assessor and the student,” said Glenn Copeland, general manager, Lockheed Martin Canada Rotary and Mission Systems. “As a former Canadian Armed Forces warfare officer and head of Tactics and Training, I recognize the requirement for persistent, objective student assessment is overdue.’’

“This partnership directly aligns with RaceRocks’ goals by driving growth and innovation, which are important to Canada’s economy,” added Anita Pawluk, CEO and president of RaceRocks. “Additionally, it strengthens our role as an Indigenous-owned business, furthering our commitment to increasing Indigenous participation the aerospace and defence industry.

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INDUSTRY WATCH: Asterix renewed, Rheinmetall Canada Wins Robotic Competition

Federal Fleet Services announced the Canadian government has exercised the remaining three option years for Combat Support Ship Asterix  (U.S. Defense Dept. photo)

By David Pugliese

Federal Fleet Services announced that the Canadian government has exercised the remaining three option years under their unique Provision of Services Agreement (PSA) for Combat Support Ship Asterix. In addition to the provision of the Asterix, Federal Fleet Services provides personnel to operate and maintain the vessel, while the Royal Canadian Navy assigns mission specialists.

The original contract for Asterix was for an initial five-year period followed by five optional years, and an option to purchase the vessel, which remains in effect.

"Since 2018, Combat Support Ship Asterix has circumnavigated the globe several times working with NATO and other allied navies in military and humanitarian operations in the world's most hostile regions – from the Persian Gulf to East Africa, the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula,” John Schmidt, President of Federal Fleet Services said in a statement. “In that time, the ship has performed flawlessly, without a single day of unplanned downtime.”

Alex Vicefield, CEO of the Inocea Group noted in a statement that Combat Support Ship Asterix has become an indispensable strategic enabler for Canada's blue water naval operations.

“In an increasingly volatile world, we continue to make major strategic investments in Asterix to meet emerging threats and challenges,” he added.

Asterix has come a long way since it was unveiled on July 20, 2017 at the Davie yards in front of Canadian Armed Forces senior leaders and federal, provincial and municipal politicians.

The 26,000-tonne Asterix, a commercial vessel converted for naval resupply purposes by Davie Shipbuilding in Quebec and leased to the Canadian government by the firm’s affiliate Federal Fleet Services, has been fully integrated into the RCN’s fleet for years now.

The $670 million project has provided the RCN for the first time since 2015 with its own capability to refuel and resupply its ships.

The project involved the conversion of a modern, European built containership into an Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ship. Under a lease agreement, Federal Fleet Services provides the ship and a civilian crew to operate the vessel. Royal Canadian Navy personnel are on board to handle communications and the actual transfer of supplies and fuel to warships.

The price tag included the conversion of Asterix, the lease of its services to the Royal Canadian Navy for the initial five years, maintenance and the salaries of a civilian crew to operate the vessel.

The RCN has a commanding officer on board the vessel to oversee military personnel while that officer does tactical level liaison with Federal Fleet Services, directing how the ship is used for the Navy’s operations.

The size of the RCN crew fluctuates. It can range from 45 to 67 sailors, depending on the training or operations underway.

Rheinmetall’s PATH A-kit controlled two HX trucks received kudos at a recent European robotic competition held at a German military test facility. (Photo: Rheinmetall)

Rheinmetall announced Aug. 30 that its  Interoperable Robotic Convoy (InterRoC) team, consisting of the Research & Technology division of Rheinmetall Landsysteme and Rheinmetall Canada Inc., won first prize in the European Land Robot Trial 2024 which took place at the German military’s technical centre for land-based systems. The company won in the competition’s ‘Automated Convoy’ category.

The combination of HX truck and integrated PATH autonomy kit proved its worth in the competition, the firm noted.

The Rheinmetall PATH autonomy kit (‘PATH A-Kit’) is an AI-supported navigation system that can be installed in almost any vehicle. It has already proven itself several times in trials in various platforms, including in the Mission Master robotic vehicle family, Rheinmetall pointed out. Just last year, it was successfully used in the 2023 Estonia Unmanned Ground Systems Autonomy Trials. At ELROB 2024, the PATH A-Kit controlled two of the highly mobile HX logistics vehicles as part of the convoy scenario, Rheinmetall noted. Both HX vehicles were also equipped with a drive-by-wire system.

The level of difficulty of this year's tasks was significantly increased compared to the 2022 competition, the firm added. The autonomously driving trucks and the convoy commander had to react to dynamic obstacles, alternative routes and various electromagnetic interferers, among other things.

The HX vehicles had to overcome eleven different obstacles on a six- km circuit. The most difficult challenges included narrow paths, transitions between on-road and off-road driving, navigating through open and dense forests, communication interference, reversing and driving around obstacles. “The course was very challenging. The organisers did a fantastic job of making the competition a realistic military scenario and our performance shows that the Rheinmetall PATH-A kit is ready for real-world use cases,” said Paul Rocco, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Provectus. The company was acquired by Rheinmetall Canada in 2019.

The competition organizers also surprised the Rheinmetall team by bringing a car into their convoy, the company stated. This forced the following truck to slow down and navigate around the moving obstacle. The convoy was also broken up, so the team had to remotely control the following truck on a parallel path and reconfigure the convoy to make the remote-controlled truck the new convoy leader. 

Meanwhile, as part of its quest to secure an even greater portion of the U.S. military market, Rheinmetall has purchased Loc Performance Products, LLC, a vehicle specialist based in Plymouth, Michigan.

The acquisition expands Rheinmetall’s business with the U.S. military, increases its industrial base in the USA and creates further access for its technologies in North America, according to the firm. Rheinmetall says it is strengthening its production capacities in the U.S. with a view to targeted high-volume major orders for U.S. Army vehicle programs with a total potential of over $60 billion (U.S.). Rheinmetall is one of two remaining participants in the current prototype phase of the XM30 program. This program serves to introduce a new generation of infantry fighting vehicles for American ground forces. That could see the eventual production of around 4,000 infantry fighting vehicles.

In addition, Rheinmetall is participating in the U.S. Army’s CTT (Common Tactical Truck) program. That program is expected to acquire as many as 40,000 trucks. The U.S. Army seeks to field the new vehicles starting in 2028.

"We are making this investment because we have a clear strategy for growth and the United States will be an important core market for us in the coming years,” Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, noted in a statement.

Loc Performance has three facilities and 1,000 employees. It builds a variety of structures including turrets, armoured cabs and long-range missile body components.

Industry Watch: Davie Makes a Push Into the U.S. for New Contracts

The Quebec-based Davie Shipbuilding is getting into the U.S. market in a big way. (Photo courtesy Davie Shipbuilding)

By David Pugliese

The Quebec-based Davie Shipbuilding is getting into the U.S. market in a big way. It has announced its intention to make a significant, long-term commitment to the American shipbuilding industry as it establishes a key foothold in the U.S.

Final site and partner selection for the move has still to be announced. But Davie’s initiative caught the attention of the White House which issued a July 29 statement highlighting the move. “Throughout its history, Davie has also supported American shipbuilders on strategic projects such as the U.S. Navy Nimitz Class Aircraft Carriers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers,” the White House noted in its praise for the company. “Davie seeks to collaborate with U.S. partners to support the growth of American shipbuilding capacity.”

Davie is in the process of positioning itself as a critical link in the production of icebreakers not only for Canada but the world. In November, 2023 it announced it bought Finland's Helsinki Shipyard, which has built over half of the world’s icebreaker fleet.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Defense launched its 2024 Arctic Strategy on July 22, outlining steps the Pentagon will take, in collaboration with allies and partners, to preserve the Arctic as a secure and stable region, Davie officials noted.

The coming investment in the U.S. ensures Davie has a physical presence in America. That aspect is needed for the firm to comply with the American government’s Jones Act, which requires that vessels engaged in domestic transportation be registered and built in the U.S. According to the Shipbuilders Council of America the Jones Act “ensures a robust shipbuilding industrial base that helps ensure the U.S. maintains its expertise in shipbuilding and ship repair that can be utilized by the nation’s armed forces.”

Defence analyst Rob Huebert told CBC that Davie’s goal appears to involve taking the technology it is acquiring from the Helsinki Shipyards and then using that to build ships in the U.S.

Davie noted its future plans are also aligned with the ICE Pact, a trilateral collaboration between the U.S., Canada, and Finland announced on July 11. The ICE Pact will enhance the production of in-demand polar icebreakers in participating countries boosting economic, climate and national security, while supporting shared interests in the contested polar regions.

The arrangement will consist of three initial components: enhanced information exchange between the United States, Canada, and Finland; collaboration on workforce development; and an invitation to allies and partners to purchase icebreakers built in American, Canadian, or Finnish shipyards.

Due to the capital intensity of shipbuilding, long-term, multi-ship orderbooks are essential to the success of a shipyard, the White House pointed out in its statement on the ICE Pact.

The statement, coordinated with Finland and Canada, also included interesting details of how the countries see the pact as working: “The governments of the United States, Canada, and Finland intend to leverage shipyards in the United States, Canada, and Finland to build polar icebreakers for their own use, as well as to work closely with likeminded allies and partners to build and export polar icebreakers for their needs at speed and affordable cost. As yards in the United States, Canada, and Finland make significant investments in their domestic capacity to build these vessels for their own needs, ICE Pact invites allies and partners to purchase vessels from American, Canadian, and Finnish shipyards with experience building polar icebreakers.”

Through diplomatic collaboration, shipyards focused on building polar icebreakers can reach the scale needed to reduce costs for allies and partners that need access to the polar regions,” Canada, the U.S. and Finland noted.

By the end of 2024, the three nations will develop a joint memorandum of understanding that will outline a framework for how this arrangement will be implemented within each country – and a mechanism for adding or including additional allies and partners as participants. The process to develop this non-binding arrangement will be conducted through a regular trilateral consultation process during this period.

In addition, the White House noted that the U.S. Coast Guard is working with Bollinger Shipyards to build the first Polar Security Cutters. The Louisiana-based shipbuilder will continue its effort to deliver new American-made icebreakers to the U.S. Coast Guard’s polar icebreaking fleet. These vessels will be the first American-built heavy icebreakers in over 50 years – and the foundation of the American effort to enhance its surface presence in the polar regions. ICE Pact will continue to support those efforts, the White House added.

Meanwhile, in other industry news, the issue of ammunition supply continues to be problematic. Canada’s domestic defence industry says, despite all the promises to the contrary from the Liberal government, it is still waiting for some real action on ammunition production.

The Liberal government announced in early April a commitment of $9.5 billion over 20 years to accelerate ammunition production in the country. The push will also replenish the ammunition stocks of the Canadian military that had been depleted because of donations of weapons to Ukraine.

Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Wayne Eyre, who retired on July 18, said several months ago the plan would see some “quick hits” on ammunition production to signal the Liberal’s new defence policy was being taken seriously.

But Christyn Cianfarani, president of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries, points out the initiative is now mired in red tape. No major contracts beyond what was already previously anticipated have been let.

Even if industry wanted to bankroll an increase in production of ammunition on its own, the companies wouldn’t be able to get loans from banks to do that because they have no signed orders from Canada, she added.

“The file appears stuck in a hamster wheel of bureaucracy, red tape, and impediments,” Cianfarani said.

INDUSTRY WATCH: Naval drones changing the face of warfare

Northrop Grumman released details on its new system, the Manta Ray naval drone. (Photo courtesy Northrop Grumman)

By David Pugliese

The war in Ukraine has seen widespread use of the kamikaze naval drone, prompting militaries to raise concerns about the vulnerability of their warships and the defence industry to start pushing such technology to new limits.

Ukraine has used such systems, along with missiles and aerial drones, to destroy a number of Russian ships, prompting the United Kingdom’s then Defence Minister Grant Shapps to describe Russia’s Black Sea fleet as “functionally inactive.”

It is estimated that Ukraine has destroyed or damaged around 24 Russian ships with its naval drones which are essentially a speed-boat sized platform packed with explosives. Sea drones were also used to damage a key bridge from Russia to Crimea that was used for military resupply.

Thousands of kilometres away the drone war in the Red Sea between the U.S. Navy and Houthi rebels is further intensifying. The Houthi are threatening commercial vessels and naval ships sent to protect them with a variety of seaborne and aerial drones as well as missiles. (The Houthi say the attacks are in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.)

In June, US Navy officers described the fighting as the most intense running sea battle the service has faced since the Second World War.

Cmdr. Eric Blomberg with the USS Laboon explained the level of threat and risk during an interview with the Associated Press news service. “I don’t think people really understand just kind of how deadly serious it is what we’re doing and how under threat the ships continue to be,” he said. “We only have to get it wrong once,” he said. “The Houthis just have to get one through.”

At times the attacks have used swarms of drones. On July 1, the U.S. military announced it had destroyed three Houthi naval drones in a 24-hour period.

The defence industry and U.S. government have launched their own maritime robotic platforms. Earlier this year, Northrop Grumman released details on its new system, Manta Ray, which is considered a long-duration, long-range drone demonstration platform.

It was developed to support the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA’s) vision of providing ground-breaking technology to create strategic surprise, according to the company. Northrop Grumman noted that Manta Ray is payload-capable to support a variety of missions; autonomous, without the need for on-site human logistics; and modular, for easy shipment in five standard shipping containers to support expeditionary deployment and in-field assembly world-wide

Most interesting is that the company points out that the system is designed to be energy-saving, with the ability to anchor to the seafloor and hibernate in a low-power state. That sets the stage for an army of drones quietly sitting on the ocean floor ready to surface and strike when needed.

Other nations are also getting into the field. In May, Austal finished the sea acceptance and endurance trials of the Royal Australian Navy’s Sentinel autonomous patrol vessel.

Lessons learned from that will likely be incorporated in Australia’s ambitious new program to eventually put to sea a total of six “optionally-crewed” vessels as part of its future. Fleet. That plan was announced in February 2024.

It is expected that the Australian effort will piggyback on the U.S. Navy’s decision to build a class of what it is calling Large Uncrewed Surface Vessels. Those ships will be equipped with between 16 and 32 vertical launch system cells for missiles. “The [U.S] Navy envisions LUSVs as being 200 feet to 300 feet in length and having full load displacements of 1,000 tons to 2,000 tons, which would make them the size of a corvette,” a December 2023 report produced by the Congressional Research Service noted.

The Royal Canadian Navy has yet to move forward in any significant way in the area. In May 2024 RCN commander Vice Admiral Angus Topshee told the CBC that the RCN is just only now studying the concept of uncrewed naval systems. "We haven't figured out what percentage we want," Topshee said referring to the balance between manned and unmanned vessels.

Topshee said the Australian program holds promise, adding that he believes such vessels are going to be a big part of maritime operations in the future. "I'm looking at that quite closely because I think that it is definitely something that we can build into the Canadian Surface Combatant program. We need to be enabling it, not just with the small autonomous vehicles — on and under the water — but also with larger platforms that could have a crew most of the time."

In a briefing to Canada’s defence industry a month earlier Capt. Drew Graham, director of naval requirements, noted that the “development of concept / implementation plan for persistent maritime domain awareness utilizing UAVs, USVs, and UUVS was underway.”

In the meantime, Bell Textron Canada Limited announced June 20 that the successful first flight of one of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s modernized CH-146 Griffon helicopters had been completed. The helicopter is a variant of the Bell 412EP and the result of the Griffon Limited Life Extension (GLLE) project. Under GLLE, Bell will provide aircraft modifications to a series of the fleet’s aeronautical components, including its avionics systems, cockpit displays, engines, and sensor systems.

The first upgraded CH-146 Griffon completed under the GLLE project is expected to be delivered to the Canadian government in 2026 pending military certification.

In January 2024 the Canadian government announced it had awarded a $2.28-billion contract to Bell Textron Canada Limited to provide in-service support for the RCAF’s active fleet of CH-146 Griffon helicopters.

Under this contract, which began in April 2024, Bell Textron Canada is providing program management, engineering, technical and design change services, component repair and overhaul, procurement of spares and heavy maintenance services. The in-service support work is being done in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Industry Watch

By David Pugliese

The first four of 50 new Armoured Combat Support Vehicles (ACSVs) being provided by the Canadian government for Ukraine are leaving soon for Europe. Members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) will be trained in their use this summer. The first 10 of these vehicles being donated are the ACVS ambulance variant officials announced June 12 at a news conference at General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada in London, ON. The vehicles are being built at the facility.

This is the second fleet of ACSVs that Canada is donating to Ukraine. In 2022, Canada delivered 39 ACSVs to Ukraine.

Hanwha Ocean of Korea is making its presence felt on the Canadian scene with its efforts to pursue the submarine replacement program expected in the future for the Royal Canadian Navy. It has taken a number of initiatives to build its Canadian team for such a project.

Hanwha Ocean has signed a teaming agreement with CAE and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Gastops and Curtiss-Wright Indal Technologies for long-term cooperation on the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project: The teaming agreement with CAE (Montreal, Quebec) is related to integrated training solutions and critical operations support solutions. The MOU with Gastops (Ottawa, Ontario) is related to propulsion systems machinery control, modelling and simulation.

The MOU with Curtis-Wright Indal Technologies (Mississauga, Ontario) is related to Towed Array Handling and Winch System.

Hanwha Ocean delivered to the Republic of Korean Navy in 2021 the first of its KSS-III submarines, which the company boasts as the most capable ocean-going, diesel-electric submarine currently on the market. KSS-III is an in-service platform that meets all the Royal Canadian Navy’s operational requirements and the urgent delivery timeline for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, the firm has noted.

In November 2023, Hanwha Ocean signed MOUs with three other Canadian partners for long-term cooperation on the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project. Those included a MOU with Modest Tree (Halifax, Nova Scotia) related to immersive training and digital in-service support solutions, a MOU with Des Nedhe Group (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) related to economic sustainability and a MOU with J Squared Technologies (Ottawa, Ontario) related to critical capabilities for sea platforms.

Submarine construction isn’t the only area that the Hanwha companies see potential defence business in Canada. On May 30, Hanwha announced it had signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Kongsberg Geospatial, Paradigm Shift and Hexagon for cooperation on upcoming Canadian land systems programs. The MOU with Kongsberg Geospatial (Ottawa, Ontario) is related to fire control systems for artillery, the MOU with Paradigm Shift (Toronto, Ontario) is related to gun barrel coating, and the MOU with Hexagon (Calgary, Alberta) is linked to global positioning systems and inertial navigation systems.

“We see significant opportunities for synergies between Hanwha and these Canadian partners,” said John Kelly, CEO, Hanwha Defence. “With the signing of these MOUs, Hanwha can begin developing strategic relationships with these partners, which will also enhance and strengthen the relationship between Korea and Canada.”

Hanwha, with more than 100,000 employees globally and 91 subsidiaries, is Korea’s 7th largest company and the largest defence company in South Korea.

Boeing has appointed Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Al Meinzinger as president of Boeing Canada and Boeing Canada Operations Ltd. Meinzinger started the job on June 6, 2024. He will report to Brendan Nelson, president of Boeing Global, and succeeds Charles “Duff” Sullivan who retired earlier this year.

Meinzinger’s career spans over 35 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Defence Minister Bill Blair used CANSEC 2024 to announce the winner of the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program. SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership will receive the 25-year contract valued at $11.2 billion.

Through this contract, Canada will acquire over 70 training aircraft in total, split into five fleets, according to the Department of National Defence. These include fleets of: Grob G120TP, Pilatus PC-21, Beechcraft King Air 260, Airbus Helicopters H-135, and De Havilland Dash 8-400 equipped with a mission training system in the cabin.

The contract will also include classroom instruction, simulator and flight training, as well as numerous on-site support activities for prospective RCAF pilots, Air Combat Systems Officers, and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators. Training under this new contract will continue to take place at key RCAF Wings in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and is expected to begin in spring 2029.

Blair also announced that Canada is investing up to $2.58 billion to acquire and maintain a new fleet of logistics vehicles for the Canadian Army. Canada has awarded contracts to General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada in a joint venture with Marshall Canada, for the Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) project. This project will provide the CAF with a new fleet of more than 1,000 light trucks and approximately 500 heavy trucks, as well as associated equipment such as armoured protection kits, modules, containers, and trailers.

Delivery of the new vehicles is expected to begin in fall 2027, according to National Defence. They will replace the current fleet of light support vehicles, heavy logistics vehicles, and the minor fleet of heavy engineer support vehicles, which have all been in use since the late 1980s or early 1990s.

In addition to the new vehicles, the LVM project will acquire new trailers, armoured protection kits, materiel handling systems and equipment, as well as detachable and interchangeable containers and modules that can be used for a variety of functions, including firefighting, ambulances, command posts, and workshops.

Rheinmetall used CANSEC 2024 to roll out, for the very first time, all three Mission Master vehicle variants. The Mission Master SP, XT, as well as the very latest addition to the family, the CXT, were all on display.

The Mission Master SP is a compact UGS with a low-signature electric motor and amphibious capabilities. The larger Rheinmetall Mission Master CXT and XT vehicles can tackle ice and snow, as well as sandy, rocky, and mountainous topography. Their advanced amphibious capabilities allow them to float and swim while maintaining their full payload capacity of 1000 kg. The CXT is slightly smaller than the XT and has hybrid propulsion, meaning it can silently transport heavy payloads, the firm noted. The XT is the largest Mission Master vehicle and is diesel powered.

In other news, Rheinmetall Canada has announced it will partner with UTV International in pursuit of the DAME project. DAME aims to provide the Canadian Armed Forces with a high mobility vehicle platform that can move sufficient personnel, equipment, and resources over different terrains during all seasons faced by operations in Canada’s north and Arctic. The “Voyager” from UTV International was on display at Rheinmetall’s outdoor booth at CANSEC 2024.

INDUSTRY WATCH Who’s who and what’s what in the defence sector

The Canadian military has ordered 39 additional Armoured Combat Support Vehicles at a cost of $165 million U.S. to make up for equipment it donated to Ukraine. (GENERAL DYNAMICS PHOTO)

by David Pugliese

THE CANADIAN MILITARY has ordered 39 additional light armoured vehicles at a cost of $165 million U.S. to make up for equipment it donated to Ukraine.

In addition, the Canadian Forces plans to acquire new generation Carl Gustaf antitank systems to replace earlier generation weapons shipped to Ukrainian troops.

The new procurements follow the promise by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that Canadian military equipment sent to Ukraine in 2022 would be restocked.

In July. Defence Minister Anita Anand announced the government was redirect- ing 39 light armoured vehicles, originally ordered for the Canadian Army, to Ukraine. The Armoured Combat Support Vehicles or ACSVs had just been built and were coming off the assembly line at General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada in London, Ontario.

Dan Le Bouthillier, spokesman for the Department of National Defence, said a second contract between Canada and General Dynamics for $165 million U.S. has been signed for 39 replacement Armoured Combat Support Vehicles. The funding will come from the $500 million the Trudeau government has set aside to purchase military equipment for Ukraine.

Canada has shipped ammunition, anti-tank rounds, grenades, M72 rocket launchers and small arms to Ukraine from Canadian Forces stocks. It has also provided four M777 howitzers, built by BAE, and 100 older generation Carl Gustaf M2 recoilless rifles.

Department of National Defence spokes- woman Jessica Lamirande said the small arms ammunition, grenades and M72s will be replaced. Details are still being worked out but the replacement of the weapons will be done by increasing ammunition orders over the next several years.

“Given the Carl Gustav M2 model is now obsolete, we’ll be looking at developing the acquisition solution for the M4 model instead,” she added.

Department of National Defence procurement specialists are also examining how to replace the M777s.

Options for that include looking at the international market for existing M777s or acquiring such guns if BAE’s M777 production line is re-opened, she said.

BAE officials recently told the Wall Street Journal that the M777 production line could be re-opened if there is enough interest among militaries.

Another option is to examine the acquisition of other types of artillery guns.

Canada originally ordered 37 M777s during the Afghan war.

The Canadian government has awarded a $122 million contract to Nasittuq Corporation, from Ottawa, Ontario, to provide support services to CFS Alert in Nunavut for an initial period of eight-and- a-half years.

CFS Alert is a military station located in Nunavut on the north-eastern tip of Elles- mere Island, the northernmost island of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. CFS Alert maintains signals intelligence facilities to support Canadian military operations.

The contract with Nasittuq Corporation covers all site support services for CFS Alert, including accommodations, food services, maintenance and operation of grounds and roads (including runway), power plants, buildings, generators, water and sewage treatment systems, fire alarm systems, fuel storage tanks, and a quarry operation. Nasittuq Corporation will also provide maintenance and extensive repair work of some of the 90 buildings on the station – including 19 major structures.

CFS Alert is located at 817 km from the North Pole, and the nearest settlement is the Inuit community of Grise Fiord, the most northern Inuit community, approximately 725 km to the south. The contract is for eight-and-a-half years, with two four-year extension options.

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited will open a new aircraft manufacturing facility in Wheatland County, Alberta, approximately 30 minutes east of Calgary.

This new facility will be called De Havilland Field and will consist of a new, state-of-the-art aircraft assembly facility, runway, parts manufacturing and distribution centres and maintenance repair and overhaul centre, the company noted. In addition, educational space for training the workforce of the future is planned as well as general office buildings and a De Havilland Canada aircraft museum.

These operations will complement the company’s current parts manufacturing facilities in Victoria, BC as well as our new engineering and customer support centre of excellence in Toronto.

De Havilland Field will be the site of final assembly for the DHC-515 Firefighter aircraft which was launched earlier this year, the DHC-6 Twin Otter as well as the Dash 8-400 aircraft.

The location of De Havilland Field is seen as ideal, having access to a large, young and diverse labour pool in Alberta, family-friendly cost of living, and a world-class international airport that can support efficient parts distribution to the company’s global customer base.

Irving Shipbuilding wants to bring in more foreign workers to help construct the Royal Canadian Navy’s new fleet of warships.

The Canadian government has awarded a $122 million contract to Nasittuq Corporation to provide support services to CFS Alert (shown in this photo) for an initial period of eight-and-a-half years. (CANADIAN FORCES PHOTO)

Irving is involved in a recruiting campaign to bring in workers from the Philip- pines as it gets ready to construct the first of the RCN’s 15 Canadian Surface Combatants.

That warship program has been touted by federal government representatives, defence analysts and Irving officials as a catalyst to create top paying jobs for Canadians.

The Embassy of the Philippines in Ottawa is helping with the Irving recruiting campaign. Under the banner of “Filipinos Invited to Build Canada’s Naval Fleet”, it noted that a delegation from the embassy and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office visited had already visited Irving Ship- building where they were received by the firm’s human resources vice president Jim Rennie.

“With Irving Shipbuilding contracted to build the CAF’s next generation Canadian Surface Combatants fleet, the company is currently recruiting Filipino shipbuild- ing employees to meet its manpower requirement for this critical contract,” the embassy noted. “During the meeting which followed the worksite visit, Rennie provided an overview of the support services they have in place to ensure the successful integration of their prospective Filipino employees to the company and the Halifax community.”

In a May 2020 appearance before a Commons committee, Innovation, Science and Economic Development deputy minister Simon Kennedy claimed the federal government’s shipbuilding strategy had created or maintained almost 17,000 Canadian jobs. Kennedy also claimed ISED officials were regularly working on the surface combatant project with Irving and others to ensure the economic benefits promised to Canada were implemented.

But asked for comment on Irving’s recruitment campaign, Innovation, Science and Economic Development said they could not respond because the issue does not “fall under the department’s purview.”

Public Services and Procurement Canada did not provide comment.

Irving has previously brought in foreign workers. In 2017 the Chronicle Herald newspaper in Halifax reported about Irving hiring workers from Poland to work on the Royal Canadian Navy’s ships. Irving also had a deal with the Spanish firm Gabadi LC that involved Spanish carpenters being brought to Halifax to work on the navy’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships.

INDUSTRY WATCH Who’s who and what’s what in the defence sector

This artist’s concept shows the Airbus A330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) in RCAF colours. (IMAGE COURTESY OF AIRBUS)

by David Pugliese

THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT expects to award a contract next year to Airbus for four new strategic tanker transport aircraft.

Airbus has been designated as the only supplier qualified to provide the tankers to the Royal Canadian Air Force and as a result a formal request for its proposal for the planes was issued to the firm on May 13, 2022.

National Defence spokeswoman Jessica Lamirande said the proposal from the firm has not yet been received. “Once Airbus’s response is received an assessment and negotiation will occur,” Lamirande said. She noted that a contract is expected to be awarded by April 2023.

The aircraft deemed by the Canadian Forces to be qualified for the job is the Airbus A330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport), a dual-role refueling and transport plane.

The RCAF wants to have the first of the A330 MRTT to be operational by 2028.

The new aircraft will replace the existing CC-150 Polaris aircraft flown by the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Arcfield Canada Corp has been awarded a subcontract by L3Harris Technologies, valued at $7.7 million to provide supply chain management services to the CF-18 fleet at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake and Bagotville. This subcontract represents new work for the company and has a period of performance of four years plus six potential option years, the companies noted.

Arcfield Canada noted that it has over the last 30 years provided comprehensive in-service support, engineering services, and supply chain management for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18 fighter aircraft avionics, and was awarded a subcontract in 2017 for similar responsibilities for the F404 propulsion system. With this award, Arcfield Canada now provides direct support to all supply chain services for Canada’s CF-18 fighter fleet.

“Arcfield Canada has a strong legacy in servicing CF-18s for the Department of National Defence and the RCAF”, said Jacques Comtois, director, Arcfield Canada. “We appreciate the opportunity to provide our unique expertise and capabilities with L3Harris to support Canada’s fighter fleet.”

This new subcontract will require an 18,000 sq ft expansion of Arcfield Canada’s warehouse facility located in the Saguenay, Quebec and a further 1,800 sq ft renovation of its Calgary, Alberta facility. Boeing and CAE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand their collaboration and explore further teaming opportunities in defence aerospace training. Additionally, the MOU aims to advance mission readiness for defence customers worldwide operating Boeing military aircraft, the firms noted.
The two companies already have a long-standing relationship spanning commercial and defence portfolios. CAE is an integral partner on the CH-47 Chinook program in Germany, has supported Boeing extensively with P-8 training solutions worldwide, and is a charter member of Team Poseidon in Boeing’s Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft offering, the companies noted. The MOU builds on the recent exclusive teaming agreement in Germany for Chinook, and continues joint efforts to deliver enhanced training offerings for Chinook in the United Arab Emirates that support Emiratization efforts, as well as expanding P-8 solutions in Canada, Germany, and Norway, the companies explained in a statement.

Timelines for the modernization of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CT-114 Tutor fleet could be changing slightly because of the need for more testing, National Defence officials have confirmed to Esprit de Corps magazine.

Public Services and Procurement Canada awarded a $26-million contract to L3 Harris on March 11, 2021 for the upgrade that will see the development of a new avionics suite for the planes used by the Snowbirds aerobatics team. The deal was a sole-source contract. Another contract was be put in place to install the avionics equipment, bringing the total project cost to $30 million.

The modernization includes a variety of new equipment, including electronic flight display systems, and navigation and communications gear. The initial operating capability (IOC) of the first four modified aircraft was scheduled for October 2022 with modifications to all remaining aircraft by end-2024.

But Department of National Defence spokesperson Jessica Lamirande said those timelines are currently under review. “IOC of the first four modified aircraft is still currently scheduled for October 2022, but the timelines are under review due to additional time required for prototyping and testing,” she explained. “More information will be available on any revised timelines” later in the fall, Lamirande noted. “Modifications to all remaining aircraft are still expected to be completed by the end of 2024,” she added.

The avionics upgrade is required if the planes are to continue flying in North American airspace.

Arcfield Canada Corp has been awarded a subcontract by L3Harris Technologies to provide supply chain management services to the CF-18 fleet at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake and Bagotville. (RCAF PHOTO)

The CT-114 Tutor aircraft have been used by the Snowbirds since 1971. The Tutors were supposed to have been retired in 2010, but that date was then extended to 2020. The latest extension allows the aircraft to fly until at least 2030.

As reported earlier this year by Esprit de Corps, the Canadian Forces has created a new space command.

On July 22 RCAF commander Lt. Gen. Al Meinzinger (who in August retired) and Brig.-Gen. Mike Adamson, Commander of 3 Canadian Space Division, participated in a ceremony that marked the establishment of the RCAF’s newest Division - 3 Canadian Space Division. The organization is located at National Defence Headquarters Carling in Ottawa.

Military officers say 3 Canadian Space Division is an evolution from the RCAF’s Director General Space organization. As the responsibility for space operations has steadily grown over the last decade, the space-focused team within the RCAF has been re-organized to meet this expanded scope.

INDUSTRY WATCH Who’s who and what’s what in the defence sector

by David Pugliese

GENERAL DYNAMICS LAND SYSTEMS-CANADA in London, ON can expect additional orders for armoured vehicles as Canada intends to replace the military equipment it is donating to Ukraine’s forces.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced June 30 that Canada was providing Ukraine with 39 Armoured Combat Support Vehicles. Those vehicles, being built by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, were originally for the Canadian Army. But instead they will be diverted to Ukraine. The specific variant will be the Troop Cargo Vehicle (TCV). Of the 360 ACSVs being built for the Canadian Army, 41 were TCVs.

Trudeau said equipment donated to Ukraine from Canadian Forces stocks will be replaced as quickly as possible.

“Any donated vehicles will be replaced with the schedule for delivery to be determined and negotiated with GDLS-C and the Canadian Army,” National Defence spokesman Dan Le Bouthillier told Esprit de Corps. “The decision to donate ACSV vehicles is expected to have a moderate impact on the program schedule and will change the fielding plan of the ACSV to the Canadian Army. We will work with GDLS-C and the Canadian Army to develop a revised program schedule.”

While the TCV variant was supposed to be the first ACSV variant to be fielded, the Canadian Army will look at moving to the ambulance variant first. Those vehicles will be delivered to the Canadian Army in the first half of 2023, Le Bouthillier said.

The vehicles donated to Ukraine will not include the command and control communications system specific to the Canadian Armed Forces. A different communications system will be installed in its place.

General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada in London, ON can expect additional orders for armoured vehicles as Canada intends to replace the military equipment it is donating to Ukraine’s forces. (DND PHOTO)

The donation of vehicles will be funded from the $500 million announced to sup- port Ukraine in the federal government’s 2022 budget.

Besides small arms, Carl Gustaf anti- tank systems, and ammunition, the Cana- dian Armed Forces has provided Ukraine with four M777 howitzers.

In 2008 Canada earmarked $114 million U.S. to purchase, through a U.S. Foreign Military Sale, 37 M777 howitzers, spare parts and associated equipment. The prime contractors were BAE Land Systems in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Howmet Castings, Alcoa Business in Whitehall, Michigan. No timeline has been provided for the replacement of the M777 donation.

The Canadian government is also in the midst of discussions to purchase 100,000 artillery shells for Ukraine in a deal that could cost taxpayers several hundred mil- lion dollars. Canadian officials have been talking with their counterparts in South Korea to acquire the 100,000 rounds of 155-millimetre artillery ammunition, Esprit de Corps confirmed.

The Liberal government has already announced it is spending $98 million to buy 20,000 similar artillery rounds from the United States for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, a project to acquire robotic mine-hunting equipment for the Royal Canadian Navy is being delayed partly because the Canadian military and government procurement specialists are focused on getting equipment for Ukraine.

Two of the robotic systems to detect and dispose of sea mines and other underwater explosive devices were to be purchased for the RCN and delivered by the end of this year as part of a $35 million project.

Department of National Defence officials confirmed that the project has been delayed. But in its statement, DND noted that the delays were prompted by the need for more discussions with industry and because of “the refocusing of internal resources on urgent priority equipment donations for Ukraine. DND leadership is taking all steps to carefully review this project as part of our normal project planning procedures, and all efforts are being made to complete this review prior to the end of this calendar year.”

DND officials said that no other projects are being delayed because of Ukraine equipment purchases. The department noted the mine-hunting equipment is still expected to be in use by the RCN by November 2024 as scheduled.

The addition discussions with industry were required to ensure the procurement is fair and transparent, the department added in its statement.

The Remote Mine-hunting and Disposal Systems or RMDS will be used mainly on the Royal Canadian Navy’s Kingston-class vessels. Work on the procurement started in 2017 when military officials went to industry with initial questions on what capabilities companies could provide. Bids were requested in June 2021 and have been submitted.

The Canadian Army is expected to soon ask industry for information on how to proceed with the acquisition of new mobility vehicles in the Arctic.

The Domestic Arctic Mobility Enhancement (DAME) Project would see the purchase of a medium-sized high mobility vehicle based on a common platform.

Canada has provided Ukraine with four M777s. (DND PHOTO)

The project intends to deliver a common vehicle platform in four variants; a command post, a troop carrier, a cargo and equipment carrying variant and an ambulance variant.

The project would also include a number of trailers, integrated logistics support, infrastructure and in-service support for the new vehicles.

The minimum number of vehicles needed is 126. The preferred number is 170.

Some of the vehicles would be acquired for the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Potential locations for the new vehicles would include Alert, Resolute Bay, Yellowknife and southern bases such as Petawawa, Valcartier, Edmonton, Shilo and Gagetown.

The new vehicles would be able to be air dropped and transport personnel and cargo for self-sustained operations for 72 hours. They would have the ability to deploy troops with a range of 300 kilometers. An request for information to industry would be released in the summer. Project approval is expected in the fall of 2023 with a request for proposals released in 2024. Initial operational capability would be for spring of 2028 and full operational capability the next year.

National Defence is asking Sikorsky to develop and implement enhancements to the Flight Control System on the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter. This is a result of recommendations made by Royal Canadian Air Force investigators looking into the crash of a Cyclone which killed six Canadian Forces personnel in 2020. “The cost is not yet known, as we are working with Sikorsky on a full implementation proposal,” National Defence noted in a statement.

Saab signed a contract with and received an order from the Swedish De- fence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft. The order includes two GlobalEye aircraft with deliveries planned during 2027. Saab’s GlobalEye features the Erieye Extended Range radar, which has a range of more than 550 kilometres, as well as a suite of advanced sensors and a command and control system integrated into the Global 6000 aircraft which is built by Bombardier.

MDA Ltd. announced July 7 that Holly Johnson has been appointed as the company’s Vice President of Robotics and Space Operations, reporting to MDA Chief Executive Officer, Mike Greenley. Ms. Johnson stepped into the role in an acting capacity earlier this year.

INDUSTRY WATCH: Who’s who and what’s what in the defence sector

The Canadian government has entered the final stage of the process to name Davie as a National Shipbuilding Strategy partner. That will allow Davie Shipbuilding will continue its contribution to supporting the federal fleet, such as
CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent, shown arriving at Davie earlier this year. (DAVIE PHOTO)

by David Pugliese

THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT has entered the final stage of the process to name Davie, Canada’s largest and highest capacity shipbuilder, as a National Shipbuilding Strategy partner. This will see Davie deliver to Canada a range of vessels including a new fleet of state-of-the-art heavy icebreakers.

Davie will now begin negotiating an umbrella agreement with the Government of Canada, with completion later this year.

“After a rigorous process, we are proud that Canada has confirmed that our submissions were fully compliant. We commend the government for this vote of confidence in our experience, our expertise and our amazing people,’’ said James Davies, President and CEO of Davie Shipbuilding.

Davie noted that its entry to the NSS will bring major long-term economic benefits to Québec and Canada as a whole.

Filomena Tassi, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada, singled out Davie during her speech at CANSEC 2022. “We are making progress on this complex, multi-step process,” she said of the ongoing negotiations. “Chantier Davie has proven a valuable partner in the past, and we know they will continue to be an important part of the shipbuilding and ship repair landscape in this country.”

The Canadian Army has selected the SAKO TRG M10 bolt-action rifle as its new multi-calibre sniper weapon.

Stoeger Canada with SAKO of Finland will begin deliveries of the new rifles which will allow the use of two different types of calibres to meet the operational and train- ing needs of the Canadian Army. Stoeger Canada of Oshawa was awarded the $2.6 million contract for what is being called the C21 rifle.

The Canadian Army will acquire 229 of the C21s. All deliveries of the rifles are expected by the end of December 2022, said National Defence spokesman Dan Le Bouthillier.

The SAKO TRG M10 bolt-action sniper rifle is a manually operated and magazine- fed system. Its interchangeable barrel/ bolt system, among other features, make it a multi-functional system in a single weapon, according to SAKO and Stoeger officials. By switching out different parts, the sniper has the option of what calibre bullet might be fired. Snipers using the C1 have the option of selecting between 7.62x51mm and .338 Lapua Magnum calibres.

Bouthillier said the C21 provides Canadian Army snipers with greater flexibility as it has an adjustable folding stock to make it easier to transport and to accommodate various user types. In addition it is able to attach in-line night vision devices to increase operational effectiveness.

The rifle has a proven effective range of 1200 metres, National Defence added. The rifle’s magazine will hold between eight and 10 rounds, depending on the calibre.

The C21, when compared to the current C14 and C3A1, provides greater flexibility and will be lighter, with a 60 per cent longer barrel life, according to the Canadian Armed Forces.

One hundred additional rifle optical sights will also be acquired but that solicitation is still pending.

The overall sniper equipment project has acquired a number of items. They include; 272 C20 Semi-Automatic Sniper Weapons (7.62 calibre); 157 night vision image intensifier and sights; 119 Digital cameras; 319 sets Thermal layer rain suits; 319 kits, ballistic calculators; 75 refurbished C15 long range sniper rifle (.50 calibre); 220 collective and individual concealment kits; 319 body armour systems and 319 modular pack systems. Ammunition was procured through the Munitions Supply Program and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Canada.

The Canadian government awarded a contract worth nearly $800 million to Bell Textron Canada Limited (BTCL) of Mirabel, Quebec, to extend the life of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s fleet of 85 CH-146 Griffon helicopters until at least the mid-2030s.

The Canadian Army has selected the SAKO TRG M10 bolt-action rifle as its new multi-calibre sniper weapon. (NATIONAL DEFENCE PHOTO)

As the original manufacturer of the CH-146 Griffon helicopters, BTCL owns the intellectual property rights for the aircraft and is therefore the only company certified to assess and define necessary design changes and associated repairs to the aircraft, federal officials noted.

Under the contract, the company will perform modifications on the first nine helicopters, and will then manage a competitive process to sub-contract suppliers to install modifications on the remaining 76 helicopters.

BTCL established Team Griffon for what it is calling a made-in-Canada solution for this project, which includes CMC Electronics and Pratt & Whitney Canada.

In 1992, BTCL was awarded a non- competitive contract to provide National Defence with 100 CH146 Griffon helicopters, a military variant of the civilian Bell 412EP helicopter. As of 2022, 85 CH-146 Griffon helicopters remain in service.

The CH146 helicopters were delivered between 1994 and 1998, and have been used for multiple mission requirements both at home and abroad, including tacti- cal transport, emergency response, as well as search and rescue. The first upgraded helicopter is expected to be delivered in 2024 and the remaining will be upgraded by 2028.

The partnership between Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin in pursuit of the Canadian Army’s Land Vehicle Crew Training System (LVCTS) project has a new name —FORC3.

First announced in June 2020, the strategic partnership led by Rheinmetall Canada includes Lockheed Martin Canada, Rheinmetall Electronics (Bremen, Germany), and Lockheed Martin Training and Logistics Solutions (Orlando, Florida).

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited announced the successful first flight of the Avionics Upgrade Program for CL-215T, CL- 415 and CL-415 EAF aircraft occurred on May 30, 2022, in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The new avionics pack- age integrates a state-of-the-art Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion flight deck that is proven and in use by civilian and special mission aircraft around the world, the firm noted.

“We are extremely excited about the successful test flight of the Collins Pro Line Fusion flight deck in a CL-415 aircraft,” said Jean-Philippe Côté, Vice-President Programs, De Havilland Canada. “We are looking forward to Trans- port Canada certification in the coming months and beginning the installation of new avionics suites on the CL-215T, CL- 415 and CL-415 EAF flight decks shortly thereafter.”

“Collins Aerospace is proud to collaborate with De Havilland Canada on this critical initiative,” said Chris Conway, Business Development Director for Collins Aerospace. “Our Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics system provides advanced situational awareness that enhances the safety, efficiency and predictability essential to every mission, especially fire suppression.”

This new avionics suite has been purposely designed and customized for the aerial firefighting missions. It will also be installed in the recently launched DHC-515 Firefighter aircraft.

INDUSTRY WATCH Who’s who and what’s what in the defence sector

by David Pugliese

HMCS Toronto, shown here in a 2019 photo, has arrived at Davie Shipbuilding for a major Docking Work Period (DWP) program. (US NAVY PHOTO)

HMCS TORONTO ARRIVED at Davie Shipbuilding in May for a major Docking Work Period (DWP) program. HMCS Toronto is expected to enter the Lorne drydock at Davie in the coming weeks where it will spend several months before re-entering service for the Royal Canadian Navy.

The entire fleet of 12 Halifax-class frigates is undergoing major DWP designed to keep the vessels operational until at least 2040. While the HMCS Toronto received several upgrades in 2015 under the Frigate Equipment Life Extension (FELEX) pro- gram, the current DWP will include major maintenance activities as well as a number of engineering changes, Davie noted.

The HMCS Toronto DWP is part of an initial $500 million contract awarded to Davie to perform maintenance work on three frigates. The warship follows HMCS St. John’s, which has successfully undergone a major DWP at Davie and is due to return to service for the RCN this summer, the firm noted.

Babcock Leonardo Canadian Aircrew Training announced May 5 its partnership with Executive Flight Centre, a leading Canadian provider of aerodrome site sup- port services, for Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.

In partnership with strategic Canadian suppliers, the Babcock Leonardo Canadian Aircrew Training program says it will set the stage for the next generation of military aircrew training, while pushing Canada’s economic and strategic goals forward.

“We are thrilled that Executive Flight Centre has joined the Babcock Leonardo Canadian Aircrew Training Team. Our team of global leaders provides first in class military aircrew training that is delivered locally by leading strategic Canadian partners with operations from coast-to- coast,” noted Jana Lee Murray, FAcT Program Director for Babcock Leonardo Canadian Aircrew Training.

The FAcT program will deliver aircrew training for military pilots, air combat systems officers and airborne electronic sensor operators. Training of air combat systems officers and airborne electronic sensor operators is currently done in-house by the Royal Canadian Air Force. Aircrew training services will include classroom instruction, simulator and flight training, as well as numerous on-site support activities.

Arcfield Canada Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Arcfield, has been awarded a two-year contract extension by the Department of National Defence to provide engineering and logistics support services for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18 Avionics (AVS) Optimized Weapon System Support (OWSS) program. The award, which represents follow-on work for the company, has a total value of $50 million.

Under the contract extension, Arcfield Canada will continue to provide support for the entire CF-18 avionics suite and associated support equipment through the end of March 2024. Arcfield Canada administers the complete lifecycle man- agement, engineering support services, supply chain management, and mainten- ance, repair and overhaul of avionics systems for the CF-18 fighter fleet. To date, the company has completed more than 70,000 repairs on the CF-18 avionics.

As the prime contractor on the CF-18 AVS OWSS program, Arcfield Canada Corp. has been providing comprehensive in-service and integrated logistics support for the RCAF’s CF-18 fighter aircraft for more than three decades.

he defence industry can expect a request for information from the Canadian government as preparations are laid for the eventual purchase of a ground-based air defence system. This photo shows ADATS, a previous Canadian military air defence system. (FILE PHOTO)

“We are pleased that the Department of National Defence and the RCAF has trusted Arcfield to continue its service for the CF-18 aircraft,” said Jacques Comtois, director of Canadian operations, Arcfield Canada. “For 35 years, our organization has been a dedicated and valued partner to the Canadian Armed Forces supporting Canada’s fighter fleet, and we look forward to continuing that partnership through this contract.”

This OWSS extension follows the award of a two-year task order to upgrade the CF-18 fleet with a new two-way data link capability, valued at $28 million.

The defence industry can expect a request for information from the Canadian government as preparations are laid for the eventual purchase of a ground-based air defence system. The estimated cost of the project is between $500 million and $1 billion.

The system would focus on dealing with the threats from incoming rocket, artillery and mortar munitions, air to surface missiles and bombs, and remotely piloted aircraft systems. The system would also be able to target cruise missiles, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

A contact is expected to be awarded in 2026 and the first systems in place a year later.

The Canadian Army had plans to intro- duce a new air defence system around 2017 but that project never went forward.

In 2020 then army commander Lt.-Gen. Wayne Eyre told Esprit de Corps that ground-based air defence was a priority for the service. “We see the evolving threat from drones, from rockets, and other forms of indirect fire,” explained Eyre, who has since been promoted to chief of the defence staff. “We have to be able to protect ourselves.”

He noted that sophisticated sensors capable of identifying the location of enemy positions as well as detecting incoming warheads would be particularly important for ground-based air defence.

Saab’s programmable Carl-Gustaf munition, designated HE 448, was fired for the first time in front of an audience at a live fire event in Karlskoga, Sweden, the company announced May 6. The firings took place May 3-4, 2022, in front of an audience with representatives from 30 different nations and included shoulder- fired engagements demonstrating the capabilities of the new programmable High Explosive (HE) round. A new Fire Control Device (FCD), designated FCD 558, was also demonstrated at the event, according to Saab.

The new HE 448 programmable round has the ability to communicate with the new Fire Control Device 558 via a new protocol known as Firebolt. The HE 448 round provides the FCD 558 with the exact information on round type and propellant temperature and combines this with target distance entered by the operator to determine the best trajectory. This means that Carl-Gustaf operators will be able to quickly configure a chambered round and so increase their operational effectiveness, Saab officials noted.

The firings indicate the new systems are ready for delivery, according to the company. In December 2021, Saab was contracted to deliver the new HE 448 munition and Fire Control Device 558 to the Swedish Armed Forces.

Canada’s Air Defence Anti-Tank System (ADATS) was considered too expensive to replace if damaged during training. As a result these vehicles have spent most of their 30 year service life in a warehouse. (FILE PHOTO)

INDUSTRY WATCH Who’s who and what’s what in the defence sector

A U.S. Air Force F-35 fighter jet at Abbotsford, BC in 2016. The Canadian government has selected the F-35 as its new fighter jet. (PHOTO BY DAVID PUGLIESE)

by David Pugliese

WITH THE SELECTION of the Lockheed Martin F-35 as Canada’s new fighter jet, the project to acquire the 88 aircraft enters what the federal government calls the “finalization phase.” But few details are being released.

“During the finalization phase, the US government and Lockheed Martin must successfully demonstrate that a resulting contract would meet all of Canada’s requirements and outcomes, including value for money, flexibility, protection against risks, and performance and delivery assurances, as well as high-value economic benefits for Canada’s aerospace and defence industry,” Public Services and Procurement Canada noted in a statement.

But that statement has sparked puzzle- ment in some quarters of Canada’s defence world. For instance, why was the F-35 selected when the U.S. and Lockheed Martin have yet to “successfully demonstrate” that the plan meets all of Canada’s requirements and will deliver “economic benefits?”

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited says it has launched the De Havilland DHC-515 Firefighter (formerly known as the CL-515) program.

“After an extensive business and technical review, we are pleased to announce that we have launched the De Havilland DHC-515 Firefighter program, which will involve negotiating contracts with our European customers and ramping up for production,” said Brian Chafe, Chief Executive Officer of De Havilland Canada.

The DHC-515 Firefighter will build on the history of the Canadair CL-215 and CL-415 aircraft which have been a critical part of European and North American aerial firefighting fleets for over 50 years, the firm noted. Significant upgrades are being made that will increase the functionality and effectiveness of the firefighting aircraft.

European customers have signed letters of intent to purchase the first 22 aircraft pending the positive outcome of government-to-government negotiations through the Canadian government’s contracting agency, the Canadian Commercial Corporation. De Havilland Canada says it expects first deliveries of the DHC-515 by the middle of the decade, with deliveries of aircraft 23 and beyond to begin at the end of the decade.

De Havilland Canada acquired the Canadair CL program in 2016 and has been contemplating a return to production since 2019. The new DHC-515 Firefighter matches the other aircraft in the De Havilland fleet in terms of lifespan, ruggedness and Canadian aerospace engineering quality, according to the company. The final assembly of the aircraft will take place in Calgary, where work on the CL- 215 and CL- 415 aircraft currently takes place. It is anticipated that more than 500 people will need to be recruited over the coming years to successfully deliver this program.

The Liberal government has announced that the Canadian military will receive $8 billion in new funding but few details on where that money will be spent have been released.

It is expected that some of the funds will be used to launch a program to modernize capabilities of NORAD, including replacement of the joint U.S.-Canadian North Warning System. Some cost estimates for such a significant project range from $10 billion to $20 billion.

Defence Minister Anita Anand is expected to unveil the modernization program in the coming months. “Make no mistake: Canada will be at the table in the short term with a robust package to modernize NORAD – a system that has kept Canadians and Americans safe for over 60 years,” Anand said at a defence conference in Ottawa on March 11.

Some of the new funding revealed in the April 7 budget will go to cyber security, a potential large-size growth area for the defence industry. The Communications Security Establishment will receive $875.2 million over five years starting this year to deal with increasing cyber threats. After that five-year period, the CSE will receive $238.2 million annually, specifically to address the “rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape.”

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited says it launched the De Havilland DHC-515 Firefighter (formerly known as the CL-515) program. The aircraft will be built in Calgary. (DE HAVILLAND AIRCRAFT PHOTO)

The runup to this year’s budget saw an unprecedented lobbying campaign by retired generals and academics and think-tanks linked to the Department of National Defence to boost military spending. The $8 billion in new funds from the Liberal government was in contrast to the lack of new money for health initiatives that were part of the Liberal government’s election campaign; more money to be transferred to the provinces to train new doctors to deal with the nation-wide doc- tor shortage and additional funds for the mental health crisis.

But despite that $8 billion boost for the Canadian Forces, defence analysts claimed the increase was a small pittance.

The Canadian government says it has completed what it calls a significant acquisition under the Airspace Coordination Centre Modernization (ASCCM) project. Canada signed an $8.6 million (US) acquisition and in-service support contract with Elbit Systems UK. The contract will deliver the last software required for the complete modernization of CAF’s Airspace Coordination Centres (ASCC). Delivery of these remaining software components is expected by June 2022.

Once fully modernized, the ASCCs – which can either be integrated into land vehicles or be set-up remotely in various infrastructure spaces – will be a digit- ally based, information-sharing system interoperable with allies and integrated with military and civilian airspace control systems, according to the government.

Under the ASCCM project, with a total estimated value of $44 million, the Canadian Forces has also augmented the current ASCC capabilities. That was done with the delivery of the following: five upgraded Light Armoured Vehicles (LAV) 6.0 configured as new Airspace Coordination Centres; five Medium Sup- port Vehicle System Specially Equipped Vehicle Shelters (ISO container-based workspaces) specially equipped as new ASCCs; new data link radios (to maintain digital communications between ground, air, and navy systems), laptops, and Land Command Support Systems applications for use in the LAV and mobile shelters; new airspace coordination software; and simulation and training tools.

Initial Operational Capability of the ASCCs is expected in November 2022, with full operational capability in November 2023.

Blue Air Training Corp. and Top Aces Corp., announced what they called the completion of an “industry changing business combination”. Customers for both companies will now benefit from Blue Air’s best-in-class Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) training expertise, and the capabilities of Top Aces to exercise their pilots against the world’s most advanced fleet of contracted aggressor aircraft. “As countries worldwide look to ramp up combat readiness, the demand for highly specialized and affordable contracted Adversary Air (ADAIR) and JTAC services is on the rise. We’re extremely proud to join forces with Blue Air, bringing together two of the most capable and experienced ADAIR and JTAC training providers in the world,” Paul Bouchard, CEO of Top Aces Holdings Inc. said.

Both Blue Air and Top Aces Corp. will continue to be headquartered in Las Vegas, NV, and Mesa, AZ, respectively and will operate independently under the same names. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

INDUSTRY WATCH: Who’s who and what’s what in the defence sector

CAE announced the Canadian government has extended the contract for the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) program through to 2027. (DND PHOTO)

by David Pugliese

CAE ANNOUNCED the Canadian government has extended the contract for the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) program through to 2027. That contract extension includes a one-year option to extend through 2028 if necessary. CAE notes the deal is worth more than $550 million.

By extending the NFTC contract with CAE and aligning it with the Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) program managed by KF Aerospace, the Canadian government now has both of its existing pilot training programs contracted through 2027, the firm noted. That will enable the government to conduct an orderly transition to the next-generation Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program when it is ready.

As the prime contractor, CAE operates the NFTC base facilities, delivers the ground-school classroom and simulator training, and supports the live flying training with a cadre of instructors on a fleet of Beechcraft T-6 (CT-156 Harvard) and BAE Systems Hawk (CT-155 Hawk) aircraft. CAE operates the NFTC program out of 15 Wing Moose Jaw in Saskatch- ewan and 4 Wing Cold Lake in Alberta in cooperation with the Canadian govern- ment. The NFTC program combines basic, advanced, and lead-in fighter training as part of the comprehensive military pilot training program.

Since NFTC program inception in 2000, more than 2,400 students have graduated to become military pilots and the fleet of CT- 156 Harvard and CT-155 Hawk aircraft have flown more than 450,000 hours, CAE stated.

SkyAlyne, a joint venture between two Canadian-based companies CAE and KF Aerospace, is one of two qualified bid- ders for the FAcT program. The second qualified bidder is Babcock Leonardo Canadian Aircrew Training.

The Canadian government has awarded a contract to Nasittuq Corporation, an Inuit owned company, for the operation and maintenance of the North Warning System or NWS.

The NWS consists of a chain of re- motely operated radar stations in the Arctic, which provides aerospace surveil- lance of Canada’s and the United States’ northern approaches.

This new contract is for an initial period of seven years and is valued at $592 mil- lion. The contract also includes four two- year option periods for a total estimated value of $1.3 billion.

Under the contract, Nasittuq will be responsible for preventative and corrective maintenance for the NWS, and ensuring that NWS radar data is always available in support of NORAD and Canadian Armed Forces operations. This includes full logistics support, infrastructure and environmental stewardship, engineering and life cycle material management, and general program and project management.

A transition period between the existing contractor, Raytheon Canada Limited, and Nasittuq will begin on April 1, 2022 and is expected to be completed by September 30, 2022.

The NWS was constructed between 1986 and 1992, and uses a series of long and short-range air defence radar sites. Forty-seven of the 50 sites are located across the Canadian North, and are within Inuit Nunangat, across three Inuit Settlement Areas, represented by Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and the Nuna- tsiavut Government.

Radars are linked by a satellite com- munications network and are remotely monitored and controlled by NORAD from the Canadian Air Defence Sector, located at 22 Wing, North Bay, Ontario.

KWESST Micro Systems Inc. is as- sisting in the development of an initial prototype system that networks soldiers with information from various sources in real time, including the location of friendly forces and adversaries, and facilitates more effective and coordinated fire.

The first orders are for delivery over the course of 2022 by KWESST’s Digitization business unit. The company sees this work as an important showcase precursor for Canada’s next-generation Land Command Support System for various procurements planned under the Liberal government’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged as well as Canada’s Joint Fires Modern- ization Project. That project will enable tactical, operational and strategic fires and effects information to be shared through a digital network in near real-time. This capability will enable instantaneous sharing of the common operating picture including targets, friendly locations and command and control information.

The Liberal government will spend $50 million to purchase between 30 and 40 specialized Canadian-made cameras for Ukraine’s Bayraktar TB2 armed drones. The Bayraktar TB2 is built by Turkey and has been sold to Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Poland and a number of other nations.

The cameras for Ukraine will be purchased from L3Harris Wescam in Hamilton, ON.

In April 2021 then Foreign Affairs Minis- ter Marc Garneau put a halt to exports of the L3Harris Wescam cameras to Turkey for use in the Bayraktar TB2. The ban on exporting the sensors to Turkey came after the Canadian government determined the Baykar drones were used by Azeri forces fighting Armenia in the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. “This use was not consistent with Canadian foreign policy, nor end-use assurances given by Turkey,” Garneau stated at the time.

The Canadian government has awarded a contract to Nasittuq Corporation, an Inuit owned company, for the operation and maintenance of the North Warning System or NWS. (PHOTO BY DAVID PUGLIESE)

The ban on exporting the cameras to Turkey will still remain in place.

Ukraine is believed to have around 50 of the Baykar TB2 drones, which they first bought in 2019.

MDA will provide space imagery to Ukraine’s government to help it counter Russia’s invasion of that country. Mike Greenley, Chief Executive Officer of MDA, released a statement that the company has secured special authorization from the Canadian government to collect synthetic aperture radar satellite imagery over Ukraine. “Images captured by MDA’s SAR technology, which is unique for its ability to see through all weather and cloud conditions, will be merged and analyzed with other sources of imagery from com- mercial Earth observation companies to develop comprehensive near real time intelligence reports for Ukrainian govern- ment officials,” he noted.

Canadian government sources say that RADARSAT-2 will be used to collect the data. “We’re honoured that we are able to use our radar satellite capabilities to contribute to these international efforts, and will continue doing everything in our power to help the Government of Ukraine protect its citizens,” Greenley added.

MDA’s imagery will be shared with a commercial space partner in the United States. The imagery will then be merged and analyzed with additional imagery collected by other Earth observation companies, and intelligence reports will then be shared with the Government of Ukraine. MDA has not released informa- tion on the other companies involved in this venture. MDA did not put any time- lines on the provision of space imagery to Ukraine and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

The Canadian government also an- nounced on March 3 that it would provide Ukraine with $1 million to use for the pur- chase of high-resolution satellite imagery. “Canada is providing funding to an Allied program that enables the rapid collection and dissemination of commercial satellite imagery to select partners,” explained De- partment of National Defence spokesman Dan Le Bouthillier. “We cannot provide any more details as this is a sensitive Allied program.”