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

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

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

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

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

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.”

Industry Watch: Who’s Who and What’s What In The Defence Sector

THE ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY accepted delivery of its third Arctic and Offshore Patrol ship while the first of its class will undergo repairs to its malfunctioning generators.

The RCN accepted delivery on Sept. 2 of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays.

Built by Irving Shipbuilding of Halifax, Nova Scotia, the vessel is the third of six new AOPS being delivered to the RCN.

HMCS Max Bernays will remain at the Her Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard Halifax while post-acceptance work and final ship preparation work are completed. In 2023, the ship will be transferred to the West Coast, with CFB Esquimalt as its designated homeport.

In the meantime, the Royal Canadian Navy has discovered the reason for the latest mechanical breakdown on first AOPS, HMCS Harry DeWolf.

HMCS Harry DeWolf had to scrub its participation in exercises in the far north in August because of the failure of its main diesel generators, critical for the vessel’s propulsion system.

HMCS Harry DeWolf left Halifax on Aug. 15 for the Operation Nanook exercise but it already had one of its four main diesel generators inoperable. Several days later when the ship was off the east coast of Newfoundland another of the vessel’s main diesel generators failed, forcing a return to Halifax.

Navy Lt. Rudee Gaudet noted in an email to Esprit de Corps that technicians found that a coolant leak in the two diesel generators was the cause of the problems. HMCS Harry DeWolf will now enter a pre-scheduled maintenance period, which will run until the end of October, and the repairs to the generators will be done then, she added.

The ship is expected back to conduct “force generation activities” in November and early December, said Gaudet.

The failure of the main diesel generators on HMCS Harry DeWolf is just the latest is a series of mechanical problems for the ship. The vessel was to have joined in on Operation Nanook in early August but was initially left in port because its fire suppression system wasn’t working properly.  With the fire suppression system repaired, HMCS Harry DeWolf left Halifax but then the generator problems emerged.

The Royal Canadian Navy stated that the failure was an “isolated incident.”

But in October 2020 the Canadian Press news service reported HMCS Harry DeWolf was forced to return to port after its freshwater generator and communications systems failed. It was while the ship was docked the crew also found the cooling pumps on two of the ship’s four diesel generators had broken, the news service reported.

The RCN has responded to the AOPS issues with a strategic communications campaign to portray military equipment – like all equipment – as sometimes being prone to breakdown.

In an emailed statement LCdr Brian Owens noted “mechanical issues arise from time to time” in the navy’s ships and HMCS Harry DeWolf had been
serving Canada extremely well since being delivered in 2020.

Rear Admiral Brian Santarpia told journalists Sept. 2 that “whether the ship is one year old or 30 years old, like the frigates, things are going to break and we fix them.”

Privately, however, defence sources tell Esprit de Corps the breakdowns plaguing HMCS Harry DeWolf were embarrassing as it led to the vessel being unable to even reach the Arctic on a joint operation will allied forces. Those sources pointed out that despite Santarpia’s claims they couldn’t recall one of the frigates having to scrub its participation in such a high profile exercise because of a mechanical breakdown.

Rolls-Royce Canada employees voted in favour Sept. 1 of a new collective agreement that will be in place until March 2028. The support for the agreement is the result of extensive discussions with the CSN union and the contribution of the conciliators of the Quebec Ministry of Labour who supported discussions between the union and employer parties. The agreement will provide 25 per cent increases in salary over its duration and maintain attractive terms and conditions for the Rolls-Royce Canada workforce.

Rolls-Royce Canada said in a statement that it welcomed the agreement which affects  company’s nearly 500 employees at its Lachine. Quebec site. 

Rolls-Royce Canada Limited, a subsidiary of Rolls-Royce plc, began operations in Montreal, in 1947. Now located in Lachine, the company is specializes in providing civil and military aircraft engine repair and overhaul services.

Saab announced Sept. 7 that it has received an $81 million U.S. order for Carl Gustaf ammunition and AT4s.

The ammunition and weapons will be distributed to the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. special forces. Deliveries will take place in 2024.

Saab announced Sept. 7 that it has received an $81 million U.S. order for Carl Gustaf ammunition (Carl Gustaf launcher shown in this photo) as well as man portable shoulder fired AT4s. (PHOTO COURTESY SAAB)

The order was placed under the auspices of a previous agreement signed in 2019 between Saab and the U.S. Army that allows the U.S. to buy Carl-Gustaf ammunition and the single-shot AT4 should-fired weapon systems during a five year period.

The Canadian Coast Guard officially welcomed its medium interim icebreaker in late August.

The Canadian Coast Guard invested in three medium interim icebreakers to supplement its icebreaking fleet. The icebreakers were converted by Chantier Davie Shipyard.

The welcome was for the CCGS Jean Goodwill, the second of the three medium interim icebreakers. The CCGS Jean Goodwill is named after Jean Cuthand Goodwill O.C., the first Indigenous nursing program graduate in Saskatchewan. She was a founding member of the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada, and served as the organization›s president for seven years.

The CCGS Jean Goodwill will provide icebreaking services primarily in the Atlantic regions and the St. Lawrence Waterway as other icebreakers are being scheduled for major refits. 

In August 2018, Chantier Davie of Lévis, Quebec was awarded a $610 million dollar contract for the acquisition and conversion of three interim icebreakers for the Coast Guard. The three icebreakers were acquired to supplement the Coast Guard’s existing fleet during vessel life extension and repair periods, providing continuous on-water capability during scheduled maintenance periods.

CCGS Jean Goodwill was accepted into the Coast Guard fleet in November 2020. The first of the three icebreakers, CCGS Captain Molly Kool, entered into service in late 2018. The third icebreaker, CCGS Vincent Massey, is expected to join the fleet sometime in the fall of 2022. On June 30, 2021, CCGS Jean Goodwill took its maiden voyage to the Arctic by departing its homeport in Dartmouth, NS.  

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

By David Pugliese

Delivery of New Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Aircraft Opens The Door to a New Era for the RCAF

With the arrival of the first C-295 fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft at CFB Comox on Sept. 17 the Royal Canadian Air Force is now preparing its crew training regime and getting ready for the delivery of additional planes.

The second and third aircraft are anticipated to arrive in Canada by the end of 2020, Department of National Defence spokeswoman Jessica Lamirande told Esprit de Corps.

Aircrew interim training is scheduled to start in November, followed by initial operational testing and evaluation in early 2021, she added. Both activities will be conducted at 19 Wing, Comox.

Initial operational capability is anticipated in summer 2022, Lamirande noted.

A $2.4 billion contract for 16 new CC-295 fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft to replace Canada’s fleets of Buffalo and Hercules H aircraft was awarded to Airbus Defence and Space on December 1, 2016. The contract also includes all In-Service Support elements, training and engineering services, the construction of a new training centre in Comox, BC and maintenance and support services.

«Airbus is really proud to be able to celebrate this important milestone: the arrival of the first out of 16 Fixed Wing Search and Rescue C295 at the Canadian Forces Base Comox,” Airbus Defence and Space Chief Executive Officer, Dirk Hoke, said in a video statement displayed during the official aircraft welcome event held at the 19 Wing Comox Air Base. “Thanks to the excellent collaboration with Canadian officials we have overcome the challenges caused by COVID-19 and we were able to deliver the aircraft. Despite the current pandemic, we are confident of achieving the program target of six deliveries by the end of this year. We look forward to our continued collaboration and to the C295 Canada.”

Aircraft will roll off the production line at an average rate of five per year, with the sixteenth expected to come off the assembly line in mid-2022. That final aircraft will be delivered sometime in the fall of that year. Each aircraft must complete initial operational capability preparations and testing to be ready for service, according to the RCAF. The new aircraft will be referred to as Kingfishers.

The RCAF will operate the new fixed-wing fleet from 19 Wing Comox, 8 Wing Trenton, 14 Wing Greenwood, and 17 Wing Winnipeg; the same locations currently providing search and rescue services across the country.

Five aircraft will be based first at 19 Wing Comox, with two of those allocated to the Operational Training Unit, Lamirande noted. Then, three aircraft will be at 8 Wing Trenton, three aircraft will operate out of 14 Wing Greenwood, and finally, three aircraft will be based at 17 Wing Winnipeg. The remaining two aircraft will be rotated through the four bases to cover periods where aircraft must undergo maintenance, she added.

The new CC-295 FWSAR aircraft are being equipped with sensor suites that will include a search radar to detect objects from long range (more than 40 kilometers, depending on object size) and in all weather conditions; an electro-optical/infra-red sensor to detect and identify objects, including heat radiation during searches where vision is obscured (e.g. night searches, searching in wooded areas, etc.); an automatic identification system to identify and locate transponder-equipped ships; a communication system that will increase interoperability with other search and rescue assets; and, a new mission management system that can record and track multiple search objects at the same time.

The RCAF provided to Esprit de Corps a list of equipment and design changes that are unique to Canada’s CC-295s. They include:

• Rockwell Collins ProLine Fusion Cockpit

• Head Up Display (HUD)/Enhanced Vision System (EVS)

• Bubble Windows

• Surveillance Radar made by ELTA

• Electro Optical (EO)/Infrared (IR) (MX15 model)

• Dual Satellite Communications (SATCOM) installation

• Cyber security firewall

• Wireless Intercom System (WIS)

• Drag reduction – main landing gear doors, vanes

• Fuselage reinforcement for ditching + ditching hatch

• Wing reinforcements (to meet fatigue life requirements)

• Semi Prepared Runway Operations (SPRO) improvements (gravel
deflector or reinforced radome)

• Computed Air Release Point (CARP)

• Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS)

• Marker Dispenser Tube (MDT)

• Aeromedical configuration – patient treatment area

• Paint Scheme – non-slip paint on upper surface, propeller tip paint

• Lavatory / galley layout

 The Rockwell Collins ProLine Fusion Cockpit, the Electro Optical/Infrared and the Surveillance Radar are seen by the RCAF as some of the more important attributes of the aircraft.

Part of the project includes the construction of a new training centre, which is being built in Comox by CAE. That centre includes ten classrooms, as well as sophisticated training devices such as a full-flight simulator, a cockpit procedures trainer, a sensor station simulator, and an aircraft maintenance trainer. The centre will be used to train both maintenance and aircrews.

Canadian company AirPro will provide day-to-day management of all in-service support for the provision of engineering, logistics, maintenance, training, IT systems, infrastructure and materiel support throughout the contracted CC-295 life cycle. Significant high-value jobs have been and will continue to be generated from this contract with Canadian companies such as PAL Aerospace, Pratt and Whitney Canada, CAE, and AirPro, according to the federal government.

In preparation for the training of maintenance crews a C-295 aircraft arrived at CFB Comox in February. The big difference between that plane and the one that arrived Sept. 17 is that the earlier aircraft, while almost identical to a C-295, does not have nor need the full mission equipment capability to conduct search and rescue missions. It is not one of the 16 C-295 aircraft being procured under the fixed wing search and rescue project. Instead, it is considered an additional asset that is part of the training solution and will be taken apart. “It will be used to train maintenance technicians on rigging, removal and reinstallation procedures,” explained Department of National Defence spokesman Dan Le Bouthillier. “Therefore, not all components need to be operationally functional and can instead be less expensive replicas.”

That plane will be registered as a training asset, not an aircraft.

Industry Watch: Who's who and what's what in the defence sector

By David Pugliese

The Canadian Army is equipping its snipers with new weaponry and will soon be going to industry with its specifications. The procurement will be for 229 bolt action sniper rifles to be designated as the C21. The rifles will be used for long-range shooting and will come in two different calibres.

The C21 program is unique in that it will be open to all small arms companies which want to bid, rather than a sole-source purchase directed to Colt Canada.

The C21-Multi Calibre Sniper Weapon or MCSW will be a modular sniper rifle platform that will allow the use of various calibres to meet operations and training needs. The chosen calibre for operational use is the .338 Lapua Magnum while the preferred calibre for training is the 7.62 x 51 mm NATO (.308 Win),  Warrant Officer Mike Tousignant, who is a sniper working in the Directorate of Land Requirements, explained to Esprit de Corps. 

The system allows the user to swap between calibres while maintaining the same form, fit and functions provided by the common frame and its accessories, he added.

Viking Air Limited of Victoria, BC, and the Fuerza Aerea del Peru (FAP) have renewed their Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft support contract for a further five years. The deal was originally initiated in 2016. The FAP operates twelve Series 400 Twin Otters that provide civil protection, environmental monitoring, critical infrastructure support and emergency medevac services in the remote Amazonian regions of northeast Peru, according to Viking.

Logistik Unicorp Inc. has been awarded a contract to provide non-operational
clothing and footwear for the Canadian Armed Forces. The non-operational clothing and footwear contract (NOCFC) will provide the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces with clothing, primarily for non-operational and non-combat duties, all managed by one company. For example, these types of clothing and footwear are often worn when military members are participating in a parade. The benefits of this type of clothing solution include the ability for people to order items they need online and have it shipped to their door, according to the Department of National Defence. It also includes quicker turnaround times for product improvements, and a reduced risk of running out of stock.

Logistik Unicorp will be required to conform to mandatory Canadian content requirements, which in turn will help ensure that the majority of the manufacturing of clothing and footwear items is done in Canada.

The NOCFC will supply approximately 1,500 items of clothing for more than 160,000 people. This includes clothing items such as Regular and Reserve Force service dress uniforms, shorts, shirts, hats, shoes, as well as occupation-specific clothing items, such as those for civilian and military firefighters, military police and civilian drivers. Also included is clothing for the Canadian Rangers, Junior Rangers and Cadets.

A contract valued at $415 million was awarded to Logistik Unicorp Inc. of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, for an initial 6-year period. It includes options valued at up to $2.7 billion over 20 years. 

CAE announced the appointment of Daniel Gelston as Group President, Defence & Security, effective August 24. He will be based in Washington, D.C. and will be succeeding Heidi Wood, CAE’s Executive Vice–President, Business Development & Growth Initiatives, who was also acting as interim Group President.

OSI Maritime Systems of Burnaby, BC, highlighted that NUSHIP Supply (II), the Royal Australian Navy’s new Supply class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ship, has successfully completed its sea acceptance trials in Ferrol, Spain. OSI is contracted by Navantia to design and deliver Integrated Bridge Systems for the Royal Australian Navy’s SEA 1654 AOR Program. In addition, OSI is providing onboard training and supervision of the system as the ship transits to its delivery destination.

“Working directly with Navantia was a rewarding experience,” Ken Kirkpatrick, President and CEO, OSI Maritime Systems., said in a statement “It brought together partners from Spain, Australia, and Canada, and demonstrated the cooperation that is possible in the global ship building industry even with the challenges brought on by COVID-19.”

NUSHIP Supply (II) is the first of two ships being delivered to the Royal Australian Navy. When commissioned, the ships are intended to carry fuel, dry cargo, water, food, ammunition, equipment and spare parts to provide operational support for the deployed naval or combat forces operating far from the port on the high seas for prolonged operational periods.

The future Canadian Coast Guard vessel, the CCGS John Cabot, cruised out of English Bay in Vancouver on Aug. 18 to begin sea trials. The event marked another major milestone for this third Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel (OFSV) built by Seaspan Shipyards under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. 

The future CCGS John Cabot began sea trials just six weeks after its official launch on July 3 at Seaspan’s North Vancouver shipyard, the company noted. The time span between launch and sea trials is considered best-in-class in the shipbuilding industry and echoes the ship’s 97 per cent complete status at launch, according to Seaspan. The firm pointed out that is a rare accomplishment at launch that exceeded international benchmarks. 

On completion of sea trials, the future CCGS John Cabot will be prepared for delivery to the Canadian Coast Guard and then will sail to her home port St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. There she will take her place in the Coast Guard fleet alongside sister ships CCGS Sir John Franklin and CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier. 

“Moving from launch to sea trials in record time, particularly during a global pandemic, is a testament to the incredible talent and determination of the Seaspan Shipyards team, and intense collaboration and teamwork from our supply chain partners and the Canadian Coast Guard,” said Mark Lamarre, Chief Executive Officer, Seaspan Shipyards.

The ship is the third OFSV built by Seaspan Shipyards under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. She will join her sister ships already in service — the CCGS Sir John Franklin, delivered in December 2019 and now stationed in Victoria, BC, and the CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier, delivered on June 2019 and currently stationed in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. 
Montenegro’s Air Force has signed a purchase agreement for two Bell 505 Jet Ranger X’s from Bell Textron Inc. The aircraft will be used to train the Montenegrin military pilots. The Bell 505s will be built by Bell Textron Canada at their facility in Mirabel, Que.

INDUSTRY WATCH: Who's Who And What's What In The Defence Sector

By David Pugliese

Saab has started Gripen production in Brazil. The work is being done at Saab Aeronáutica Montagens or SAM, the company’s first aerostructures plant outside of Sweden for the new Gripen E/F fighter. This site is now building sections of Gripen, which will then be delivered to the final assembly facilities at the Embraer plant in Gaviao Peixoto, Sao Paulo, Brazil and to Linkoping, Sweden.

In 2014, Saab signed a contract with Brazilian government for the development and production of 36 Gripen E/F aircraft. In September last year, the first Brazilian Gripen E aircraft was delivered to start the flight test program. 

The tail cone and front fuselage of the single-seat version of the Gripen fighter are the first aerostructures to enter into production at SAM. Subsequently, the aerodynamic brakes, rear fuselage, wing box and front fuselage for the two-seater version will also be manufactured at SAM.

The Saab Gripen is one of the contenders to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18 fighter jets. Saab has also suggested that if the Gripen is selected as Canada’s new fighter aircraft it could assemble the planes in Canada.

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has signed a contract with General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada for delivery of the Protector Remote Weapon Stations (RWS) to the Canadian Army. The Protector RWS will be integrated on Canada’s fleet of armored combat support vehicles. Canada signed its their first Protector RWS contract in 2005 followed by additional contracts in 2012 and 2014.

The Canadian Army will receive the latest generation Protector RWS, a Remote Weapon Station prepared for wireless control, counter UAS capability, multi-sensor fusion, as well as other new functions required by the expanding user community.

The contract is worth more than $50 million.

The Kongsberg Protector RWS is also outfitted on the Canadian Army’s Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles. The company has delivered about 20,000 Protector systems to militaries around the world.

 Leonardo DRS, Inc. announced July 7 that the company has delivered its 70,000th mission command computing system known as the Mounted Family of Computer Systems (MFoCS), to the U.S. Army. The delivery marks two decades of providing the U.S. military advanced tactical computing units for ground combat vehicles and command post operations. MFoCS systems provide ruggedized modular computing capabilities for the U.S Army and other services, giving warfighters the next-generation of computing and display technology with faster processing performance, according to  Leonardo DRS. This enables support for simultaneous applications as well as the integration of additional sensors and communications networks.

The Canadian government announced it will enter into a contract with Brampton-based MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Inc. (MDA) to build Canadarm3. The smart robotic system is Canada’s contribution to the U.S.-led Lunar Gateway for the Artemis program. The development of Canadarm3 will extend and strengthen Canada’s well-established global leadership in space robotics, according to the federal government.

Canadarm3 will be composed of a next-generation smart robotic arm, a small dexterous arm and a set of specialized tools. Using advanced machine vision, software and advances in artificial intelligence, the highly autonomous system will be able to perform tasks without human intervention.

In 2019, Canada became the first nation to join the United States-led Lunar Gateway, the next major international collaboration in human space exploration following the legacy of the International Space Station. The Gateway is an important part of an ambitious plan by NASA and international partners, including Canada, to send humans deeper into space than ever before. 

Meggitt Training Systems has been awarded a $4.4 million (U.S.) contract extension from Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of the Department of National Defence, to provide in-service support to the Canadian Armed Forces for Meggitt’s Small Arms Trainer (SAT) and Indirect Fire Trainer (IFT). 

The original contract won by Meggitt Training Systems (Quebec), a subsidiary of Suwanee-based Meggitt Training Systems Inc., began in June 2015 and includes operator and maintenance support for related training activities. “Meggitt has been a proud supplier of weapon simulation to the Canadian Armed Forces for more than 20 years,” Ed Duckless, president of Meggitt Training Systems (Quebec), said in a statement.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer, joined a small number of Seaspan Shipyards employees and special guests on July 3 to break the customary bottle of champagne against the bow of the future CCGS John Cabot, officially launching the third Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel (OFSV) for the Canadian Coast Guard. The July launch of the future CCGS John Cabot is a particularly impressive achievement given that construction was completed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Seaspan officials pointed out. Seaspan Shipyards significantly adapted its normal operations to continue building the ship while ensuring the health and well-being of employees, customers, partners and the community. The traditional public celebration was scaled back to a skeleton launch party including Dr. Henry, Tsleil-Waututh elder Margaret George, representatives from the Canadian Coast Guard, and the handful of employees needed to launch the vessel.
Dr. Henry, who began her career as a medical officer with the Royal Canadian Navy, was invited by Seaspan to officially launch the vessel in recognition of her leadership and efforts to keep British Columbians safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 1,200 Seaspan Shipyards employees and more than 400 Canadian small and medium-sized companies and their thousands of employees across the country contributed to the construction of the vessel which entered the water at 97 per cent complete. The CCGS John Cabot, the CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier and the CCGS Sir John Franklin are the first class of ships built under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. Measuring 63.4 metres, the CCGS John Cabot will be one of the most advanced and capable ships of its size and type in the world, according to Seaspan. Her sister ships, the CCGS Sir John Franklin, now stationed in Victoria, British Columbia, and the CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier, stationed in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, are already in service. 

Following sea trials and upon delivery to the Coast Guard, anticipated later this summer, the CCGS John Cabot will be based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

INDUSTRY WATCH: Who's Who And What's What In The Defence Sector

By David Pugliese

Seaspan delivers second Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel

Seaspan Shipyards announced Dec. 10 that it completed the delivery of CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier, the Canadian Coast Guard’s newest Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel or OFSV. It is the second OFSV delivered by Seaspan, which was her sister ship, the CCGS Sir John Franklin. 

These two ships are the first large vessels delivered under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

More than 600 Canadian firms were involved in the project.

Measuring 63.4 metres, the CCGS
Capt. Jacques Cartier is one of the most advanced and capable ships of its size and type in the world, according to Seaspan. Fully equipped to support Fisheries and Ocean scientists in the collection and analysis of data on Canada’s marine ecosystems and the impacts of climate change, the vessel features a full suite of modern systems, including high-tech fishing trawls and four science labs — a wet lab, a dry lab, an ocean lab and a control lab, the company added. The OFSV also has a deployable drop keel, loaded with a wide array of sensors to support the vessel’s research
mandate.

The CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier will also support search and rescue operations and environmental response. A third OFSV under construction at Seaspan Shipyards is structurally complete and on schedule to be delivered in August 2020, Seaspan added.

The Department of National Defence says it will work with Airbus to ensure the completion of technical manuals needed for the new Fixed Wing Search and Rescue Aircraft.

The first of the new C295 aircraft was supposed to be handed over in early December but that was not done as there have been challenges in the completion of the required technical manuals, DND noted.

“We continue to collaborate with Airbus, prioritizing the work required in order to deliver the new search and rescue aircraft safely and effectively,” DND spokesman Dan Le Bouthillier said. “While it is not yet known if this will cause a delay in final delivery, we remain optimistic that the supplier can work towards an acceptable solution so that our on-site testing and evaluations can be done prior to flying the first aircraft to Canada next spring, as previously planned.”

In the meantime, Collins Aerospace Systems used the Dubai Air Show to highlight the fact that the new C295 tactical aircraft come equipped with the firm’s state-of-the-art Pro Line Fusion flight deck. That will significantly advance the capabilities of C295 operators, Collins Aerospace Systems noted. The selection marks the first fixed-wing search and rescue platform to include Pro Line Fusion among its standard equipment. Collins Aerospace is a unit of United Technologies Corp.

The Pro Line Fusion flight deck designed for the C295 includes key features to help operators during search and rescue, and other tactical missions. It includes: our 14.1-inch (35.8 cm) touchscreen displays to provide a more intuitive interface for pilots to interact and customize their information on the flight deck; night-vision goggle capability to help ensure successful missions in low light conditions;  Head-Up Displays that enable the pilot to keep their eyes up for enhanced situational awareness;  Enhanced Vision System (EVS) sensor that allows pilots to see through low-visibility conditions; overlaid weather radar that shows a graphical depiction of weather along the flight plan for easy viewing; Integrated Terrain Awareness and Warning System that enables high-resolution 3D obstacle depiction and enhances mission safety, and fully integrated Mission Flight Management Systems supporting Search and Rescue patterns, Computed Air Release Points and High Altitude Release Points.

In addition, the flight deck was designed to meet evolving airspace and regulatory requirements, future-proofing it for years to come, Collins Aerospace pointed out.

Dave Schreck, vice president and general manager for Military Avionics and Helicopters at Collins Aerospace, said the flight deck implementation is an excellent example of how the firm is able to apply the latest commercial avionics technology and integrate it with military functions and capabilities for customers. He noted the Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics system will reduce pilot workload and increase ease of operation for all future C295 operators

L3Harris Technologies recently delivered two F/A-18 Hornet aircraft to NASA after successfully completing depot-level modifications and repair work. The two aircraft were recently delivered to NASA by L3Harris Canadian Fighter Center of Excellence. Vertex Aerospace LLC selected L3Harris to work on the NASA F/A-18 Hornet aircraft in 2018. As part of the scheduled maintenance work, L3Harris has addressed structural modifications, while maximizing the availability of the aircraft for operational use. The work involved structural modifications to eliminate flight and landing restrictions. L3Harris is seen as a world leader in developing and implementing F/A-18 structural modification and life extension solutions, having already completed major structural programs for the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force, and assisting other F/A-18 users, including the Swiss Air Force, the Finnish Air Force, and the U.S. Navy

The United Arab Emirates used the Dubai Airshow to announce it intended to conclude a contract amendment for the purchase of two additional GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft from Saab. The potential order value related to the contract amendment would be around $1 billion U.S.

The original development and production contract for GlobalEye was awarded to Saab at the Dubai Air Show in November 2015 by the United Arab Emirates with an initial order for two systems. An additional order by the UAE for a third system was announced in 2017. GlobalEye provides air, maritime and ground surveillance in a single solution, according to Saab. It combines a new extended range radar with the ultra-long range Global 6000jet aircraft from Bombardier.

MBDA has signed an agreement to purchase GDI Simulation from Airbus. Terms of the deal are not being disclosed.

GDI Simulation is one of the leading French players in simulation for the French Armed Forces. GDI Simulation, based in the Ile de France, has over 70 employees. It develops, assembles, integrates and maintains simulation systems for ground vehicles and for MBDA battlefield missiles, for the French and foreign armed forces. GDI Simulation will continue to operate independently under the ownership of MBDA.

INDUSTRY WATCH: Who's Who And What's What In The Defence Sector

By David Pugliese

Government prepares for submarine in-service support program, Airbus shows off first C295 for Canada. The Canadian government has started the process to put in place a long-term in-service support program for the Victoria-class submarines as the existing contract finishes on June 30, 2023. In June it issued to industry a request for information. The government held an industry conference on July 16 in Gatineau to provide a procurement timeline, industry engagement plan and overview of the project. The federal government will invite firms to qualify for the project. The request for proposals is expected to be finalized by the fall of 2020 and the RFP issued then. Bid evaluations would start in the summer of 2021 and a contract awarded in spring 2022, Marc-Andre Charbonneau, spokesman for Public Services and Procurement Canada, noted in an email to Esprit de Corps. Maintenance and sustainment work could be repositioned between coasts to meet operational requirements. But all contractor-lead maintenance periods would be performed on the west coast.

The first Airbus C295, purchased by Canada for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Fixed Wing Search and Rescue Aircraft Replacement program rolled out of the paint shop showing off its final livery at Airbus facility in Seville, Spain, Airbus announced Oct. 8. The aircraft will now go through the final preparation phase before its delivery to the RCAF, planned to take place in Spain before the end of the year. GeoSpectrum Technologies announced Sept. 26 the successful trial of the Towed Reelable Active Passive Sonar (TRAPS) on board the HMCS Glace Bay, completing the final assessment of the system. The Department of National Defence’s science and technology organization, Defence Research and Development Canada, recently conducted performance trials with HMCS Glace Bay, the second Kingston Class vessel from which the GeoSpectrum’s TRAPS sonar was operated. The sonar performed well through the trials period, meeting predicted ranges in target detection, in both passive and active modes against different targets, and the system was easily deployed and recovered by a single operator, according to the company. The system offers towed active sonar capability for low, medium, and high frequencies as well as passive sonar. Paul Yeatman, President of GeoSpectrum, said TRAPS is an ideal system to augment Royal Canadian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities and allow Canada to better support missions such as anti-narcotics operations. GeoSpectrum has already been selected for international programs involving the TRAPS system, developed with support from Industrial Research Assistance Program and Build in Canada Innovation Program with Curtiss-Wright.

GeoSpectrum Technologies is based in Dartmouth, NS and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd. Finland has selected Saab as the combat system provider and integrator for the Finnish Navy’s four new Pohjanmaa-class corvettes within the Squadron 2020 program. The contract period will be from this year up to 2027 and the scope will include a range of solutions, including Saab’s 9LV Combat Management System, related sensors and other systems. All of the Finnish Navy’s current vessels feature at least one system from Saab, with the majority of vessels operating several systems from Saab. Rheinmetall has developed a new 60mm mortar for infantry and special forces. The RSG60 features design and engineering characteristics which make this indirect fire system very light and easy to handle. A few quick manual adjustments turn the 15.8 kg standard infantry version into a commando mortar weighing just 6.8 kg, with no need for tools.

This makes the RSG60 a two-in-one solution. Depending on the ammunition and charges, the standard version can attain ranges of up 3,200 metres. Equipped with a thirty centimetre-longer barrel, the range increases by around 500 metres. The commando variant of the RSG60 has a range of around 2,000 metres.  Development of the new mortar began in October 2017. The RSG60 has repeatedly undergone successful test firing. The U.S. government has announced that Canada is purchasing new radios as part of its upgrade of CF-18 fighter jets and Hercules transport planes.

The Canadian government will spend $58 million buying the 152 MIDS-JTRS radios. “Canada intends to upgrade its current inventory of CF-18 Aircraft, CC-130J, and the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Ground Stations with the purchase of these MIDS JTRS (5) terminals to be fully interoperable with U.S. and allied forces to support and compliment joint operations in a net-enabled environment; have modernized electronic protection and secure, jam-resistant wave forms; and be capable of improved Link 16 message exchange and information fidelity including support to advanced weapon employment,” the U.S Defense Security Cooperation Agency noted. Also included are spare cables and MIDS batteries; Link-16 mobile racks; diagnostic support tools; technical documentation; training and engineering technical support; and other related elements of logistics and program support. Viasat, Incorporated, headquartered in Carlsbad, CA, and Data Link Solutions, headquartered in Cedar Rapids, IA, will provide the equipment. Serco Group PLC has completed the acquisition of Alion Science & Technology Corporation’s Naval Systems Business Unit, including the firm’s Canadian business. The purchase price was $225 million. The acquisition significantly expands Serco’s work for the Canadian government for multiple maritime programs, according to the company. Among those are contracts with Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards for design agent services on the Royal Canadian Navy’s Joint Support Ship. Serco’s existing business in Canada includes supporting clients in the defence, aviation, and transportation sectors. 

INDUSTRY WATCH: Who's Who And What's What In The Defence Sector

(Volume 25 Issue 8)

By David Pugliese

Rheinmetall will supply more Argus soldier systems to the Canadian Armed Forces with deliveries scheduled to begin next year.

The Canadian military have exercised options under the Integrated Soldier System Project (ISSP) to procure an additional 1,256 Rheinmetall Argus soldier systems, the company says. The order is worth $22 million.

The Canadian government initially contracted with Rheinmetall to start the qualification phase of the Canadian Army’s Integrated Soldier System (ISS) in 2015. That was successfully completed.

The final production phase of the Argus soldier system is now underway, with 1,632 units slated for delivery this year, according to Rheinmetall.
General Jon Vance, Chief of Canadian Defence Staff, described Rheinmetall’s Argus soldier system, which is already in service with the Canadian Armed Forces, as a tool “that will improve situational awareness for [the] dismounted troops, allowing better command and control and improving their performance and protection.” Vance noted that the Argus soldier system “puts on the soldier or anybody on the ground the ability to understand their environment.”

Besides Argus, examples of already fielded Rheinmetall systems include the German Bundeswehr’s Future Soldier – Expanded System. Also included is the advanced Argus New Generation and Gladius 2.0. All of these systems bring individual infantry soldiers, combat vehicles and unmanned systems in to what Rheinmetall calls the tactical sensor-to-shooter network.

L3 WESCAM announced at the end of July the successful delivery of its first MXTM-15 electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) system to Airbus Defence and Space in support of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue aircraft replacement program. L3 WESCAM noted that the on-time delivery of the MX-15, the first of 20 planned deliveries, is a significant milestone as the Canadian Department of National Defence begins to replace its legacy SAR aircraft, the CC-115 Buffalo and CC-130H Hercules. “L3 is proud to partner with Airbus on this much-anticipated Canadian program – as it really hits close to home for WESCAM and its large base of Canadian employees,” Matt Richi, President of L3 WESCAM, said. “The aircraft and the technologies that support this program have been referred to as ‘game-changers’ for Canada, and we couldn’t be happier to be a key system in the overall solution.” 

Canada has a search area of 18 million square kilometers, making time-critical SAR operations challenging. The high-sensitivity sensors and advanced GEO and intuitive technologies within the MX-15 will provide SAR operators with exceptional day and night visual capabilities, despite atmospheric interference, and will operate with detection and identification ranges that will help to shorten search grid patterns and on-scene search times, the company pointed out. 

Australia has selected Rheinmetall for the future delivery of new military trucks and modules to the Australian Defence Force under the LAND 121 Phase 5B program. Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia will deliver more than 1000 high mobility logistics trucks and more than 800 modules to the ADF under the new program, which is an extension of the current LAND 121 Phase 3B Project. Deliveries will start in 2019 and will run to 2024. 

MDA, a Maxar Technologies company said it has acquired Neptec Design Group Ltd., a firm that produces leading electro-optical and electro-mechanical systems and high-performance intelligent Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) for $42 million.

With Neptec, MDA says it will deliver end-to-end robotic systems and an expanded set of solutions, positioning the company to capture growth in U.S., Canadian and global space exploration markets and accelerate advancement into new and expanding space segments. Neptec’s approximately 100 employees in Ottawa, Canada, and Harwell, U.K., will join MDA’s workforce of approximately 1,900 across Canada. The new Sensor business will combine with the newly created MDA Commercial Division.

The CH-148 Cyclone – the RCAF’s new maritime helicopter – recently embarked on its first international deployment. The helicopter, made by Sikorsky, is on HMCS Ville de Quebec which is taking part in Operation Reassurance.  The helicopter is operated by crew from 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron based at 12 Wing Shearwater, Nova Scotia.

In addition, a RCAF Cyclone flew to 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in British Columbia and was also featured at the Abbotsford Airshow in BC. The CH-148 Cyclone will replace the CH-124 Sea King as Canada’s main ship-borne maritime helicopter.

The final bids have been submitted by the various consortiums for the Canadian Surface Combatant program. The bids involve the finalized portions of the bids on designs (the technical design bids were originally submitted in November but July 20 marked the deadline for responses that deal with any questions the federal government may have had) as well as proposals for the financial elements for the project.

There are three groups that have bid on the project. Lockheed Martin Canada, is the prime on the team that includes BAE Systems, CAE, L3 Technologies, MDA, and Ultra Electronics. The team is offering the BAE Type 26 warship for the Canadian program.

Alion Science and Technology, along with its subsidiary Alion Canada, submitted their proposal based on the Dutch De Zeven Provinciën Air Defence and Command frigate. The De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate is a proven NATO vessel, built by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding.

Alion’s combat system solution is based on the systems produced by ATLAS-Elektronik and Hensoldt Sensors. Other key suppliers include L3 Technologies Canada, Raytheon Canada Limited, DRS Technologies Canada Limited and Rheinmetall Canada Inc.

Navantia of Spain also submitted its bid and is leading a team that includes Saab Australia and CEA Technologies. Its proposal is based on the F-105 frigate design, a ship in service with the Spanish navy. W

INDUSTRY WATCH: Who's Who And What's What In The Defence Sector

(Volume 25-06)

By David Pugliese

Rockwell Collins has been selected by Cascade Aerospace to provide a modern weather radar for the Royal Canadian Air Force C-130H fleet. The solution will include WXR-2100 MultiScan as well as new MFD-255 and MFD-268 Multi-Function Displays, according to Rockwell Collins.

The upgrade will provide an enhanced level of weather threat detection to help RCAF pilots perform unique search and rescue missions using the C-130, assisting with the descent into visual flight conditions in order to define coastal boundaries or areas of rugged terrain.
“The RCAF is getting the latest in weather threat detection, all while gaining weight and reliability improvements compared to legacy systems,” Lee Obst, managing director, Rockwell Collins Canada, said in a statement. “As an off-the-shelf, proven solution, it will have a minimal impact on the existing avionics and is an ideal fit for C-130 operators.”
During its role in C-130 missions for the RCAF, the WXR-2100 will use advanced weather radar technology to automatically scan the environment, analyze the hazards, adjust for geographic differences in weather, eliminate ground clutter and provide a simple intuitive presentation of the entire weather threat to the pilots during flight. This hands-off approach reduces overall workload, improves situational awareness and allows for the most efficient operation of the aircraft when deviating flight paths to avoid turbulent weather, Rockwell Collins noted.

Rockwell Collins has also been selected by CAE to provide its Panorama collimated display for the CC-295 full-flight simulator (FFS). CAE will deliver that simulator in support of the RCAF’s Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue program. The Panorama display will be installed on the CAE-built CC-295 FFS, which is part of the comprehensive training program being established to prepare aircrews for their missions in the new Airbus Defence and Space CC-295 aircraft, Rockwell Collins noted. “This is a program that helps save the lives of thousands of Canadians each year and working with CAE and Airbus on training will be a critical component for the RCAF’s success,” said Obst. “The configuration flexibility and enhanced realism of the Panorama display will help better prepare pilots for the new platform.”
The Panorama display is designed for use on simulators requiring a wide field of view, cross-cockpit views and side-by-side training. It supports unobstructed fields of view up to and including 225 degrees horizontal by 60 degrees vertical, making it ideal for critical aircrew training on platforms like the P-8, NH90 helicopter, C-130 and CH-47 Chinook. Rockwell Collins is considered a leader in collimated displays, having fielded over 800 Panorama display systems to a variety of government and commercial customers for more than 25 years.

Davie and Federal Fleet Services reached another milestone with its MV Asterix. In mid-May the supply ship, accompanying Royal Canadian Navy ships, replenished two U.S. Navy vessels at the same time in the North Atlantic. The USN ships were USS Bainbridge and USS Mitscher. 

AHS International has recognized the Department of National Defence and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, for “conducting an extraordinary international effort” to demonstrate flight and shipboard operation of the CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter from a Halifax-class frigate. The award cites successful expansion of the flight envelop to Sea State 6 conditions, where waves reached a height of six meters with winds up to 55 knots (100 km/hour).

On May 16, 2018, representatives from the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Project Combined Test Force accepted the Leonardo International Fellowship Award during AHS International’s annual forum. The award recognizes significant contributions to international vertical flight cooperation.

“The combined industry and government flight test team collaborated fully to demonstrate the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter’s anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions during some of the roughest winter weather imaginable,” William Falk, Sikorsky CMHP director said in a statement. “Successful demonstration of strict ship/helicopter capability is required before the Canadian government can deploy this helicopter weapon system.” 

The CMHP Combined Test Force sailed five times into the waters off Nova Scotia from 2010-2017 during late December to early March when the weather conditions produced the necessary wave heights and winds. In total, the team flew 270 hours and performed approximately 975 landings on the flight decks of HMCS Montréal and HMCS Halifax.   The shipboard tests were part of a 10-year, 2,800-hour flight test program that is expected to conclude in early 2019. The Royal Canadian Air Force will take delivery of the last of its 28 Sikorsky designed and built CH-148 Cyclone aircraft by 2021 to replace the CH-124 Sea King helicopter fleet, which retires this year. 

The U.S. Department of Defense and Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp., announced on May 31 that the firm had received a contract for the 11th lot of F135 propulsion systems, powering all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

The latest contract continues to support program affordability initiatives with reduction in propulsion system price, the company and the department noted. The 11th low rate initial production (LRIP) contract will cover 135 engines, as well as program management, engineering support, production support, spare modules, and spare parts. The total award for the Lot 11 propulsion systems is approximately $2 billion U.S. 

“Pratt & Whitney and our supply chain remain committed to continual cost reduction for the F135 engine and to providing a superior product at the best value for our U.S. and international customers,” John Wiedemer, vice president, F135 Program, Pratt & Whitney, said in a statement. “Since 2009, we have reduced the production cost of the F135 by more than half and are now pursuing additional affordability initiatives to drive down engine production and sustainment costs even further throughout the F-35’s planned lifecycle.” 

To date, Pratt & Whitney has delivered 375 F135 engines. Deliveries of LRIP 11 engines will start this year.

L3 Technologies Canada announced during CANSEC that retired Lt.-Gen. D. Michael Day has been appointed to its Canadian Board, L3 Technologies Canada Group Inc. The board’s mandate is to develop and promote strategic initiatives that advance L3’s competitive position and growth opportunities in Canada and the global marketplace, the firm noted. “I am pleased to welcome Mike to the L3 Technologies Canada Board of Directors,” said Christopher E. Kubasik, L3’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President. “As a former Deputy Commander to NATO and Commander of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, he has extensive operational and policy knowledge, and will be a great asset to the L3 Technologies team.” W

INDUSTRY WATCH: Who's Who And What's What In The Defence Sector

(Volume 25-03)

By David Pugliese

MDA, a Maxar Technologies company, signed a contract worth around $8 million to provide the Department of National Defence with what is being called a Maritime Miniature Unmanned Aircraft Systems (MMUAS). The contract also includes services to support training, resource and equipment development activities and development and validation of naval tactics and new capability development, according to the firm.

MDA’s solution is based on the Puma AE (All Environment) unmanned aircraft built by Aeroviroment. The Puma has the ability to carry additional payloads as required for specific missions. The MMUAS is the first UAS project that will see the RCN operate and maintain its own capability and provide a sustainable shipborne, near real-time, Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) ISR capability with an expected introduction to the fleet in the summer of 2018 onboard Kingston-class ships.

The Puma AE is operated from the same control station as the Raven UAS which has been provided by MDA to the Canadian Army since 2013.

“We are very proud to once again, expand our unmanned aircraft systems and services to support Canada’s Department of National Defence needs,” Mike Greenley, group president for MDA, said in a statement. “MDA’s comprehensive solutions provide the high-assurance, critical surveillance and intelligence capabilities in support of Canada’s front-line sailors and soldiers that allows decisions made with confidence.”

In addition, MDA, also announced it has signed a contract with an unnamed international customer for the provision of turnkey, unmanned aircraft system surveillance services. The contract includes options for additional years. MDA’s UAS service will use a fleet of Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 rotary-wing unmanned aircraft to provide surveillance information.  MDA will be responsible for all aspects of the service including acquisition of all the systems and required infrastructure, training, airworthiness, logistics, supply chain, maintenance and all flight operations, the firm noted.

Rheinmetall”s modular, flexible soldier system (RHEINMETALL)

The S-100 aircraft is a vertical takeoff and landing UAS, which does not require a prepared area or supporting launch or recovery equipment. It operates day and night and is a very capable platform for a wide range of different surveillance payloads to meet a broad set of mission requirements.

MDA’s UAS service will equip the S-100 fleet with L3 WESCAM MX-10 EO/IR payloads. The MX-10 is a high-performance, multi-sensor multi-spectral imaging system for tactical surveillance missions.  It carries multiple sensors including both high-definition day modes and night infrared modes.  The MX-10 is currently operational for twelve nations worldwide on the S-100.

Pratt & Whitney Canada has signed a 12-year Fleet Management Program agreement with Specialist Aviation Services for 24 PW210A engines powering 12 Leonardo AW169 helicopters.

The program has been specifically tailored to SAS’s needs and helps reduce operating costs and simplifies fleet operations management, according to Pratt and Whitney.

Operating primarily in the United Kingdom, SAS provides support to emergency services and other major organizations that rely on aircraft to support their operations. SAS is one of the fleet leaders on the AW169 program.

Colt Canada of Kitchener, Ont. is marketing its small arms products to Ukraine’s government which is expected to eventually re-equip its military with NATO-standard weaponry.

Such a contract could involve up to 100,000 rifles. Colt Canada official Alex Payne, said the firm had an “exploratory type meeting” in January in Ukraine with government officials. It is hoping to set up a demonstration of its small arms in Ukraine sometime in the summer.

Payne noted, however, that the process of selling small arms to Ukraine could take up to two years. The country still has to figure out its procurement and competitive process for any proposed acquisition. “We have as equal a chance as anybody but I think there’s a long process to go through in terms of them of finding the best weapon for the best price,” Payne explained.

In December the Liberal government made changes to Canada’s arms export rules to allow for the sale of machineguns and other small arms to Ukraine. That process was originally started under the Conservative government.

General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada announced it is a network partner of the southern Ontario-based Next Generation Manufacturing Canada Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster.

The Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster is part of the Liberal government’s Innovation Superclusters Initiative. “Advanced manufacturing is a key economic engine for South Western Ontario and as the second largest advance manufacturer in the region, and a leading Canadian exporter, General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada looks forward to collaboratively working with our Supercluster partners,” Danny Deep, vice president of General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada, said in a statement.

Rheinmetall has won the first request for proposals for preliminary studies relating to European Union defence research financed by the EU’s European Defence Union. Under a project known as “Generic Open Soldier Systems Reference Architecture,” or GOSSRA, the European Commission has put the Düsseldorf-based tech group in charge of a consortium consisting of partners from nine different EU member states. 
Under the GOSSRA project, studies will be conducted into developing an open reference architecture as the basis of EU-wide standardized soldier systems. This includes electronics, voice and data communication, software solutions, man-machine interfaces, sensors and effectors.

Rheinmetall makes the German Bundes-wehr’s IdZ-ES soldier system as well as the Canadian military’s Argus system.  

INDUSTRY WATCH: Who's Who And What's What In The Defence Sector

(Volume 25-02)

By David Pugliese

Airbus officially broke ground January 25 on a new state-of-the-art training centre for future C295 aircraft crews and technicians at CFB Comox. The centre is part of the fixed-wing search and rescue (FWSAR) contract awarded to Airbus. The training centre will prepare aircrew and maintenance personnel to operate Canada’s new 16 C295s and will house a full flight simulator, a range of procedures trainers, maintenance training devices, and classroom space, according to the company.

Montreal-based CAE is leading the design and building of the centre under a contract managed by AirPro, a joint venture between Airbus and PAL Aerospace of St John’s, Newfoundland, which was created to provide long-term FWSAR in-service support. CFB Comox will serve as the main training centre for C295 crews, with Airbus operating the facility over the 20-year life of the steady-state contract supported by CAE.

Simon Jacques, head of Airbus Defence and Space in Canada, said in a statement, “Just more than a year into the program we are on schedule and making excellent progress towards the entry into service of the C295, backed by a robust support infrastructure that will serve Canada well for the decades to come.

“Search and rescue is a highly challenging mission with little room for error,” continued Jacques. “We are confident that this superb facility at 19 Wing Comox will provide current and future Royal Canadian Air Force personnel with the skills and knowledge they need to perform their role to the highest standards.”

Canada will receive the first C295 in late 2019, with remaining aircraft being delivered over the following three years. In addition to training services provided by CAE, Canada’s C295s are powered by engines made by Pratt & Whitney Canada and have electro-optical sensors from L3 Wescam.

In other news, Brazil has ordered an additional Airbus C295 search and rescue aircraft that will eventually take to 15 the number of C295s in service with the Brazilian air force. The latest order constitutes the firming of an option included in an earlier contract in 2014.

L3 WESCAM announced at the Singapore air show that it has created smarter, more technologically advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems by incorporating high-performing imaging and processing technologies into its MX-Series product line. These new technologies will enable MX operators to conduct missions with enhanced image processing and greater visual capabilities, the firm noted in its news release.

Advancements to L3’s MX image processing technologies include WESCAM’s embedded Advanced Video Engine (WAVE) and a newly embedded graphics processing unit (GPU). L3 WESCAM’s new Automated Video Tracker (AVT) and embedded Moving Target Indicator (MTI) technologies are supported by this new architecture and provide automatic target acquisition of multiple targets with significantly improved target lock performance in challenging mission scenarios.

Raytheon Canada has received a $704 million contract to maintain and upgrade the Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) operated by the Royal Canadian Navy. The contract covers 21 such systems and will be valid until late 2037.

The rapid-fire, radar-guided gun system provides the most effective naval self-defence system available against close-in threats such as missiles, small ships, and aircraft, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said in announcing the contract.

The contract will update all 21 Phalanx CIWS and provide engineering services, project management, support and disposal services, as well as the procurement of spares and test equipment, according to Canada’s Department of National Defence.

A number of the upgrades will centre on improvements to the gun’s radar system, a Department of National Defence official said.

Rosemary Chapdelaine, the vice president and general manager for Lockheed Martin Canada, has moved on after five years in that job. She has been appointed as the general manager of the Lockheed Martin Baltimore, Maryland, production facility where she will oversee the company’s Controls, Launchers and Weapons System (CLAWS) division. During her tenure at Lockheed Martin Canada, she was instrumental in guiding efforts in winning the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships Combat and Surveillance Systems Integrator contract, submitting the Canadian Surface Combatant bid and expanding the international export base in countries including Chile and New Zealand, the firm noted.

In the meantime, Gary Fudge will be fulfilling the role of acting vice president and general manager for Lockheed Martin Canada. He brings widespread experience to the position and has been with the company for more than 25 years. Currently, Fudge is the capture executive for the Canadian Surface Combatant program and director of Canadian Naval Systems, which includes the Halifax-class modernization project and the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship program.

MDA, a Maxar Technologies company, announced that it has been awarded a contract by Public Service Procurement Canada (PSPC), on behalf of Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) under the Space Operations program within the Joint Force Development portfolio, to develop a threat detection and early warning system to provide protection for Canadian space-based assets. The contract is for the study, concepts, and research and development phases, which could lead to MDA pursuing subsequent phases of technology demonstration and technology pilot.

Satellites support a wide variety of applications like telecommunications and remote sensing, which provide on-going, critical services to individual Canadians, businesses and government agencies. Canada has invested billions of dollars to create these services, which have become essential for Canadian society. Disruption or loss of these services would impact the ability of Canada to respond to emergency situations and to meet commitments to its global allies and would have widespread negative impacts on day-to-day life.

The contract includes the work required for the development of the Threat Detection and Early Warning System (TDEWS) up to a proof-of-concept stage. The TDEWS will incorporate technologies and systems capable of providing automated, reliable early warning of potential in-orbit threats against operational Canadian satellites. The goal is to identify credible threats against space assets to generate operationally relevant intelligence and enable prompt mitigation actions.

Cascade Aerospace Inc. announced it has been awarded a contract for the avionics modernization of one Fuerza Aérea Mexicana (FAM) L-100 (C-130) Hercules aircraft. This contract follows on the recent delivery of two modernized C-130K Hercules aircraft delivered to the FAM and fitted with advanced digital avionics from Rockwell Collins, the company noted.

The upgrade of this aircraft will establish a common cockpit configuration for the entire FAM C-130 fleet. The modernization program includes the installation and integration of an advanced Rockwell Collins Flight2 digital avionics suite. In addition, Cascade will provide operational and technical training for Mexican air force personnel at the company’s facility and headquarters in Abbotsford, British Columbia.

The Canadian government notified Lumiant of Calgary that its application to the Build in Canada Innovation Program has been approved. This official pre-qualification sets the stage for the government to buy up to $1 million worth of Lumiant TitanMade armour tiles for testing by DRDC. TitanMade is a patent-pending titanium ceramic composite material that is ideally suited for ballistic armour applications where weight and thickness are of critical importance.

INDUSTRY WATCH: Who's Who And What's What In The Defence Sector

(Volume 25-01)

By David Pugliese

Canadian sailors have started to train on the Motor Vessel (MV) Asterix. The vessel, a commercial ship that had been converted to supply duties for the Royal Canadian Navy at the Davie shipyards in Lévis, Quebec, will be ready to support Canadian Forces operations starting in February 2018, according to the RCN. A crew provided by Federal Fleet Services will operate the 26,000-tonne Asterix, but navy personnel will be on board to handle maritime operations such as refueling warships at sea. The ship will provide fuel, ammunition and other supplies to warships at sea. It also has medical facilities and room for two helicopters.

Asterix left Quebec City on December 23, 2017 with a crew of 36 Canadian merchant sailors along with Davie personnel and industry contractors and arrived shortly after in Halifax. During the journey, they completed the testing of the ship’s propulsion and navigation systems as well as military systems, according to Davie officials.

The Royal Navy in the UK has successfully conducted the final First of Class firing trials of the new Sea Ceptor air defence system, completing the qualification firings of this new capability for the Royal Navy, according to the firm MBDA, a European developer and manufacturer of missiles. Following on from the first round of trials this summer, the second set of trials from HMS Argyll saw the system tested against more complex scenarios, including rapidly engaging multiple simultaneous threats.

With HMS Argyll having completed development testing of the Sea Ceptor, the weapon system is now being rolled out to the Royal Navy’s other Type 23 frigates.

Leonardo DRS, Inc. announced that its Canadian subsidiary, DRS Technologies Canada, located in Kanata, Ontario, has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Navy to provide four additional Integrated Voice Communications Systems (IVCS) for their Aegis cruisers and destroyers. The award is part of the U.S. Navy’s larger IVCS contract.

The IVCS, also known as the Shipboard Integrated Communications System, or SHINCOM, is the latest generation shipboard communications switch technology which provides red/black secure tactical communications for navy operators, according to Leonardo. The computer-controlled telephone system connects to a ship’s announcing system, shore telephone lines, radio communications and certain battle sound-powered telephone circuits. It also has programmable features ranging from assigning priorities to calls to recording communications in a manner compliant with marine safety standards.

“We are delighted to again be tapped to provide these advanced systems for secure, reliable communications to enhance the mission of these important U.S. Navy ships,” Martin Munro, Vice President and General Manager, DRS Technologies Canada Ltd., said in a statement. “This brings the total number of systems ordered up to 16 out of a possible 30 under our existing contract. It also underscores the great confidence the United States Navy has in the DRS system to provide vital communications management to its fleet of major surface combatants.”

L3 Technologies said it has established International Boards dedicated to supporting and growing L3’s military and commercial business in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. These organizations will oversee the development of and promote strategic initiatives in their respective regions that advance L3’s competitive position and growth opportunities in the global marketplace, the firm noted.

L3 Technologies Canada Group Inc. will be led by its new Chair, Richard Foster, and will focus on expanding L3’s customer base across a diverse product line, which includes innovative electro-optical/infra-red equipment and maintenance, repair and overhaul and in-service support for the Royal Canadian Air Force, as well as integrating communication and platform management systems for a broad range of naval vessels. Additionally, L3 is a key supplier in support of the Canadian Surface Combatant initiative.

On December 8, 2017, Seaspan Shipyards launched the first large vessel to be designed and built under the Canadian government’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. OFSV1 is the first of three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels (OFSVs) to be built by Seaspan. OFSV1 is a 63-metre Canadian Coast Guard fisheries research vessel. The ship will be used to gain a better understanding of the health of fish stocks and their ocean environment. Considerable progress is being made on building the remaining two OFSV ships.

Seaspan will also build the Joint Support Ships and Polar-class icebreaker under the shipbuilding strategy. “Seaspan Shipyards is proud to be building ships in Canada for the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy,” Brian Carter, President & CEO – Seaspan Shipyards, said in a statement December 8, 2017. “Today’s event is an exciting occasion for not only our company and employees, but Canada’s broader shipbuilding and marine industries; it is a chance to celebrate this shared achievement and acknowledge the long-term partnership that exists between Canada and Seaspan to build non-combat vessels in British Columbia.”

MDA, a business unit of Maxar Technologies (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.), announced that it signed a contract valued at approximately $15 million with the NATO Communications and Information Agency. MDA will build a new system to support NATO’s maritime command and control operations under Project TRITON based on a modern software architecture and technology, according to the firm. This capability will be provided on both fixed and deployable systems. MDA will also provide NATO with a stand-alone command and control visualization capability which is planned to become the standardized map and object visualization for all NATO information technology systems, the company added.

In other news, Maxar Technologies announced the appointment of Mike Greenley to serve as Group President of MDA. Reporting to the CEO of Maxar, Greenley assumes responsibility for taking MDA to the next level of growth and profitability, according to the company. His responsibilities will include all of the MDA lines of business and its 1,900 employees. Primary locations include Surveillance and Intelligence in Richmond, BC, Ottawa, and Halifax, NS; Robotics and Automation in Brampton, Ontario; and Satellite Subsystems, in Montreal, Quebec. The appointment is effective from January 15, 2018.

The U.S. Department of Defense has announced that L-3 Technologies Inc. of Arlington, Texas, is being awarded a $10.5 million (US) contract that provides for a software upgrade and integration of the CF-18 operational flight program. Half of the work will be performed at Arlington, Texas with the rest done at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta and CFB Bagotville, Quebec. The work is expected to be completed in November 2021.

INDUSTRY WATCH: Who's Who And What's What In The Defence Sector

(Volume 24-12)

By David Pugliese

NovAtel of Calgary recently announced that its GPS Anti-Jam Technology or GAJT has been selected for the United Kingdom’s Type 26 frigates to meet a requirement as part of a protected navigation system. Eight of the ships are being built for the Royal Navy by BAE.

GAJT protects GPS-based navigation and precise timing receivers from intentional jamming and accidental interference, ensuring that the satellite signals necessary to compute position and time are always available, NovAtel noted in a news release. It is a commercial off-the-shelf product, and comes in versions suitable for land, sea, fixed installations and smaller platforms such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

There is no need to replace GPS receivers already installed, as GAJT works with civil and military receivers including SAASM and M-Code. The selection of GAJT for the Type 26 frigates is the result of cooperation between Drumgrange, with its proven track record for rapid realization of demanding defence design tasks, and Forsberg Services, an established navigation systems company and NovAtel dealer whose high-quality manufacturing was instrumental to the project, Peter Soar, Business Development Manager, Military and Defence of NovAtel said in a statement. He added that, “GAJT is in use operationally and has been shipped to 16 allied nations around the globe. We are grateful for the rigorous technology selection process conducted which led to this choice.”

Naval Group has delivered a brand new visual defence simulator (Simdav) to the French Navy in Brest. It had delivered a similar system to the French Navy at Toulon at the end of 2016. Both deliveries form part of the five-year modernization and through-life support contract awarded by the DGA (the French armament procurement agency) in December 2014. The new systems will allow the crews of the French Naval Action Force (and the grouping of naval infantry and maritime gendarmes) to train under realistic conditions.

QinetiQ Target Systems (QTS) has introduced a new service to the Royal Canadian Navy by emulating the threat posed to large naval vessels by small multi-rotor drones.

A live demonstration was carried out in early November from a Halifax-class frigate under the $8.5-million Unmanned Targets Repair, Overhaul and Engineering contract that was awarded to QTS in 2015.

QTS flew its Snyper multi-rotor target alongside Lockheed Martin’s Indago quadcopter UAV using QinetiQ’s Universal Target Control Station (UTCS), which facilitates the operation of multiple unmanned systems from a single command centre. 

The RCN has operated fixed-wing aerial targets and marine surface targets using QinetiQ’s UTCS for more than 20 years, but the introduction of rotary-wing targets is a first for the service, according to the company.

Rockwell Collins has been selected by the U.S. Navy to provide an upgrade to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Integrated Training System (HITS, pictured here).

“Commercially available technologies, like off-the-shelf drones, are becoming more advanced and more accessible to those who wish to use them to cause harm,” Peter Longstaff, Managing Director, QTS, said in a statement. “QinetiQ simulates these new and emerging threats to help the armed forces understand how to protect their people and assets.”

He said this is part of the firm’s global strategy to modernize test and evaluation by introducing innovative and advanced capabilities that help nations maintain their advantage over potential adversaries.

“The information and results obtained during the demonstration are vital for the RCN’s development of remotely piloted systems used at sea, and the evaluation of ships’ critical defence systems,” added Simon Nadeau, DNR-2 Unmanned Systems Section Head Commander, RCN. “We are very pleased with the support that QinetiQ Target Systems provided to us during this demonstration.”

The Snyper target is one of several QinetiQ technologies designed to help customers tackle threats from small unmanned aircraft, including the Obsidian detection system and a laser weapon currently in development by the Dragonfire consortium that will be capable of destroying drones mid-flight, the firm noted.

The Canadian Armed Forces has officially opened its new facility at 4 CDSB Petawawa to house the base’s fleet of Textron Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles (TAPVs).

The vehicles will be used for a variety of tasks on the battlefield, including reconnaissance and surveillance, security, command and control, and transporting cargo and personnel.

In total, 113 TAPVs will be operated at 4th Canadian Division Support Base (4 CDSB) Petawawa, according to the Canadian Armed Forces. Delivery of the TAPVs to 4 CDSB Petawawa began in August 2017. Fourteen TAPVs are currently located at the new facility, with the rest expected to be delivered in 2018, said Department of National Defence spokesman Daniel Le Bouthillier.

Discovery Air Defence Services Inc. recently announced that it has now flown its first fast jet training mission in support of the Australian Defence Force’s Fast Jet Trial contract. Two DA Defence upgraded Alpha Jets and four Air Affairs Learjets participated in air-to-air missions as Red Air aggressors near Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Williamtown, New South Wales, the company noted. The jets were participating in the RAAF 81 Wing workups for future exercises.

“This inaugural fast jet mission is a great milestone for everyone involved in our new Australian program,” Steven “Bunt” Nierlich, DA Defence Program Manager and a highly experienced former CF-18 pilot, said in a statement. “Discovery Air Defence and Air Affairs Australia are committed to delivering the world’s best adversary training to the Australian Defence Force.”

Rockwell Collins has been selected by the U.S. Navy to provide a new E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Tactics Trainer in support of the E-2D Hawkeye Integrated Training Systems (HITS) III program. The initial contract is valued at $34.5-million with a total of $85.9-million (all in U.S. dollars) on other E-2D training systems currently in service.

Irving Shipbuilding president Kevin McCoy says the firm is hoping to sell Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) to international customers. The firm is building at least five such vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy.

McCoy said there are nations that might want to take advantage of the firm’s “hot production line” and the company has already had some discussions with countries. He did not name the nations interested.

“This is a lengthy process,” he explained. “You have to shake a lot of trees.”

Irving will deliver its first AOPS to the Royal Canadian Navy in 2018.

INDUSTRY WATCH: Who's Who And What's What In The Defence Sector

(Volume 24-11)

By David Pugliese

L3 WESCAM introduced its new mission rehearsal and simulation training solutions product line at the Dubai Airshow, November 12–16. The company provided hands-on customer demonstrations of a fully networked solution, including air, ground, maritime and command stations, at the L3 Technologies exhibit. This highly scalable line of training products will enable MX-Series operators and crew members to train independently or as part of a virtual joint-force team using the latest gaming technology at an estimated 70 per cent cost savings over traditional training courses.

The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) named the operations team led by Benoit Beaudoin at Pratt & Whitney Canada as the winner of the 2017 James C. Floyd Award for Aerospace Achievement. The award is in recognition of the important contributions to Canadian aerospace success, both domestically and in the global marketplace.

Jim Quick, president of the AIAC, said the creation of the Mirabel Aerospace Centre and the Advanced Manufacturing Centres are significant achievements and have revolutionized manufacturing innovation and productivity, not only for Pratt & Whitney Canada but for their Canadian aerospace suppliers and partners.

“Mr. Beaudoin and his team have led the development of next-generation advanced manufacturing facilities and processes, making Canadian aerospace more competitive and creating new opportunities for Canadian aerospace employees,” Quick said in a statement.

Beaudoin, vice president of operations at Pratt & Whitney Canada, said innovation is at the heart of his firm. “What we accomplished at the Mirabel Aerospace Centre and the Advanced Manufacturing Centres was truly a collaborative effort, bearing the fingerprints of many members of the aerospace industry; all of whom embraced the challenge of creating a blueprint for the future of Canadian aerospace manufacturing,” he explained.

Established in 2009 in honour of the chief engineer on the Avro Arrow project, the AIAC’s James C. Floyd Award for aerospace achievement is an annual award that honours exceptional contributions to the Canadian aerospace sector.

Viking Air Limited of Victoria, B.C., has sold its second Series 400 Twin Otter to the government of Panama for use by its Servicio Nacional Aeronaval (SENAN) Air Group based in Cocoli, Panama. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in December.

SENAN is the organization within Panama’s national forces that is responsible for public security through use of naval and air means.

The Viking Series 400 will be equipped with standard wheel gear for its primary role as troop and cargo transport, and will also be configured for medical evacuation to support emergencies as needed, the company noted. The aircraft will be the second Twin Otter to be introduced to SENAN’s operational fleet, and will join the first Viking Series 400 aircraft delivered in December 2016.

Raytheon Missile Systems of Tucson, Arizona, could be providing the RCAF with new missiles. The cost of the purchase is $140-million (U.S.), according to the U.S. State Department which has advised Congress of the Foreign Military Sale.

The procurement includes 32 AIM-120D Advanced Medium-Range Air-to Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), 18 AMRAAM Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs); four AMRAAM Non-Development Item – Airborne Instrumentation Unit (NDI-AIU); two AMRAAM Instrumented Test Vehicles; seven spare AMRAAM guidance units; and four spare AMRAAM control sections for use on their F/A-18 aircraft. Also included in the sale, according to the State Department, are containers; storage and preservation; transportation; aircrew and maintenance training; training aids and equipment, spares and repair parts; warranties; weapon system support and test equipment; publications and technical documentation; software development, integration, and support; system integration and testing; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support; and other related elements of logistics and program support.

The proposed sale is linked to the potential purchase by Canada of “interim” Super Hornets from Boeing.

However, Department of National Defence sources say the missiles can also be used on the CF-18s, which currently are outfitted with another version of the weapons.

“With regards to the AIM-120s, the RCAF currently employ AIM-120 C-5 as part of its medium-range air-to-air missile inventory,” DND spokesman Dan Le Bouthillier added. “The variant mentioned in the Congressional Notice is the variant of the AIM-120 missile currently scheduled to be in production and is designed to be adaptable to multi-platform.‎ If procured, the AIM-120D would be used to best suit the mission‎ requirement.”

Seaspan Corporation has announced that Bing Chen will be joining the company as its chief executive officer and will be appointed to the board of directors in January 2018. Gerry Wang retired as CEO and director of Seaspan in November. Peter Curtis, executive vice president and chief operating officer, is also serving as Seaspan’s interim CEO until Chen’s arrival, after which he will continue in his current role. Over his 25-year career Chen has held executive positions in China, Europe and the United States.

The Royal Canadian Navy will use OSI Maritime’s ECPINS Warship 6.2 on all ships and submarines. ECPINS is a warship electronic chart display and information system, with military capabilities well beyond NATO WECDIS STANAG 4564, according to OSI, a firm headquartered in Burnaby, B.C.

Lockheed Martin and Navantia have signed a renewed memorandum of agreement to collaborate to explore mutually beneficial new business opportunities in the areas of surface ships and naval combat systems.

The two firms have collaborated for 20 years over the provision of the Aegis combat system for the Spanish Navy’s F-100 frigates. Between 2000 and 2010, Lockheed Martin and Navantia delivered four F-100 frigates to the Spanish Navy, and in 2013 a fifth and final was commissioned.

In 2000, the Royal Norwegian Navy selected Navantia to develop and build five Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates, the last one of which launched in 2009. After the Norwegian frigates, the Australian Hobart class was designed, based on the F-100 with an updated Aegis combat system configuration, the first of which was delivered to the Royal Australian Navy in September. Currently, 11 frigates developed by Navantia and Lockheed Martin sail around the globe.