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Major-General Jeff Smyth will welcome the first two CT-102B Astra II training aircraft to 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Part of a future 23-aircraft fleet, they support the $11.2B, 25-year Future Aircrew Training program with SkyAlyne to prepare Royal Canadian Air Force personnel.
A forensic investigation determined that documents former MP Chris Alexander used to accuse journalist David Pugliese of being a Russian asset were forgeries. Despite Alexander’s claims, experts found the files computer-generated and inconsistent with archival records. Pugliese condemned the smear as part of ongoing attacks on Canadian journalism.
Warrant Officer George Hohl, a Vehicle Technician from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, was found deceased in Latvia after being reported missing on September 2, 2025. Serving nearly 20 years, he deployed on multiple operations, including LENTUS, GLOBE, and REASSURANCE. Investigations continue. Our sincerest condolences go to his family and friends.
A Canadian Armed Forces member, Warrant Officer George Hohl of 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, has been missing in Ādaži, Latvia, since September 2, 2025, while deployed on Operation REASSURANCE. Latvian Police, Canadian Forces Military Police, and NATO are conducting extensive search efforts.
Canada, alongside Australia, the Philippines, and the United States, completed a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone. Involving naval ships and patrol aircraft, the exercise reinforced interoperability, freedom of navigation, and commitment to international law. Canada’s continued participation strengthens regional security, peace, and stability.
The Soldiers of Suicide (S.O.S.) Memorial dedication at Beechwood honoured fallen soldiers who took their own lives, offering families recognition and support. Led by Lise Charron, with guests Paul “Trapper” Cane and Xavier Remillard, the ceremony featured lanterns, music, and resources, emphasizing solidarity, remembrance, and breaking the silence around suicide.
The Royal Canadian Navy has accepted HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, the sixth and final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel. Designed for Arctic sovereignty and global operations, AOPVs have already proven their versatility through multiple deployments. This milestone strengthens Canada’s naval presence and supports shipbuilding under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Today marks 80 years since VJ Day, ending WWII after Japan’s surrender. Canadians fought with distinction in the Pacific—from Hong Kong’s brutal siege to defending the West Coast and Aleutians. This often-overlooked chapter honours their courage, endurance, and sacrifice in securing peace half a world away.
On August 9 in Halifax, the Royal Canadian Navy named its final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, honouring Canada’s last Victoria Cross recipient. Gray, a WWII naval aviator, died in 1945 attacking a Japanese ship. The vessel will patrol Arctic waters, embodying Gray’s enduring courage and service.
The Canadian Armed Forces are reinforcing Arctic sovereignty through multiple summer and fall operations. Naval, air, and land assets, alongside Canadian Rangers and Indigenous partners, will patrol and conduct exercises across the Arctic, enhancing domain awareness, deterring threats, and strengthening collaboration with allies, particularly the U.S., in defending North America.
Gregg Evjen has been appointed President of KF Aerospace, effective September 1, 2025, as part of the company’s succession plan. With 35 years at KF, Evjen brings deep operational and regulatory expertise. CEO Tracy Medve will continue leading KF Capital. Evjen is widely respected in Canadian aviation circles.
A Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130J Hercules will conduct a flyby over the National Peacekeepers’ Day ceremony in Ottawa on August 10, 2025. Flying no lower than 500 feet, the event is weather-dependent. The aircraft supports missions like transport, search and rescue, tactical airlift, and aircrew training.
In fall 2025, the Royal Canadian Navy will pay off eight of its twelve Kingston-class ships during formal ceremonies in Halifax and Esquimalt. Four vessels will remain operational in Halifax to support missions. The RCN will maintain capabilities through fleet consolidation and new platforms replacing the retiring Kingston-class vessels.
Commissionaires Canada celebrates its 100th anniversary on July 25, 2025. Founded in 1925 to provide meaningful employment to veterans, it has grown into Canada’s largest veteran employer and trusted security provider. Centennial events nationwide honour its legacy, evolution, and continued commitment to those who’ve served and Canadian communities.
The Canadian Tank Museum will unveil Project Uplift on July 25, 2025—the world’s first wheelchair-accessible lift system for armoured personnel carriers. This Canadian innovation, driven by community support and inclusivity, ensures that people with physical disabilities can fully experience military history and tank rides with dignity, safety, and joy.
As part of Canada’s $38.6B NORAD modernization, DND has selected initial sites for the Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar project in Kawartha Lakes and Clearview Township. These mark key steps toward Arctic security. Public engagement begins soon, with initial construction expected in winter 2026 and operations by late 2029.
On July 15, Defence Minister David McGuinty visited NORAD headquarters in Colorado for the Deputy Commander Transfer of Appointment Ceremony. He reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to NORAD modernization, Arctic security, and missile defence. McGuinty announced the removal of restrictions on Canada’s air and missile defence, enhancing national sovereignty and defence capabilities.
Canada is deploying 600 troops to Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 25 in Australia and Papua New Guinea, its largest Indo-Pacific deployment since Operation HORIZON. Involving 30,000 personnel from 19 nations, the exercise enhances multinational readiness across domains, showcasing Canada’s integrated military capabilities and commitment to regional security and international cooperation.
The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires celebrates its 100th anniversary on July 25, 2025, honoring a century of service, veteran support, and community safety. Events nationwide will highlight its mission and legacy, including ceremonies by Commissionaires Great Lakes at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre and the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet became the first woman to command the Royal Canadian Air Force, succeeding Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny. The ceremony, led by Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan, celebrated leadership transition, RCAF modernization efforts, and its centennial. Speiser-Blanchet pledges to prioritize personnel, modernization, and partnerships.
On July 7, 2025, Canada awarded CACI, Inc. - FEDERAL $169 million for the next phase of its Counter Uncrewed Aircraft System (CUAS) program. The contract supports CAF’s Operation REASSURANCE, integrating CUAS on armoured vehicles and providing 10 years of support to enhance protection against small hostile drones.
The fifth report by External Monitor Madame Therrien confirms the CAF is on track to meet all 48 Arbour recommendations by year’s end. Key reforms include updated definitions, expanded support services, improved recruitment and promotion practices, and alignment with public service harassment policies. Leadership affirms commitment to lasting culture change.
Minister of National Defence David McGuinty marked the start of a $850 million infrastructure project at CFB Trenton to support Canada’s new CC-330 Husky fleet. The upgrades will enable long-term operations, create up to 1,000 jobs, and include a new hangar, training facilities, and runway improvements through 2033.
HMCS Edmonton and Yellowknife have deployed on Operation REASSURANCE, joining NATO’s mine countermeasures group in Europe from July to October 2025. Equipped with advanced underwater tech and dive teams, their mission supports maritime security, sea mine clearance, and undersea infrastructure protection, showcasing Canada’s commitment to NATO and collective defence.
Exercise TRIDENT FURY 2025 wrapped after two weeks of multinational training on Vancouver Island involving over 1,000 personnel from Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. The exercise enhanced interoperability in maritime, air, and land operations, showcasing Canada’s commitment to joint readiness, sovereignty protection, and strengthening regional and global defence partnerships.
On June 24, Esprit de Corps attended a luncheon at Veterans House Canada, organized by Jay Sanko to support homeless veterans. Featuring Afghan-Canadian caterer Qais Azimy and attended by military leaders and city officials, the event highlighted community-driven efforts to expand veteran housing nationwide and honour those who served.
Commissionaires Nova Scotia marks its 100th anniversary at the 2025 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo by partnering with Mi’kmaq artist Emma Stevens to raise awareness about human trafficking. Stevens’ performance of “I Want to Rise” highlights Indigenous vulnerability, while CNS continues its advocacy with training initiatives and public outreach across Nova Scotia.
Defence Minister David McGuinty will visit Latvia June 25–26, 2025, meeting his Latvian counterpart, thanking deployed Canadian troops, and attending the NATO Multinational Brigade command transfer ceremony. His visit highlights Canada’s commitment to NATO, regional defence, and solidarity with allies against security threats.
David Pugliese, Ottawa Citizen journalist and Esprit de Corps senior writer, received the Canadian Association of Journalists’ Charles Bury President’s Award for decades of investigative reporting on Canada’s military. Despite efforts to silence him—including false spy allegations and harassment—Pugliese’s work exposing corruption and failures in the DND remains impactful and unwavering.
Commissionaires Nova Scotia launches Purpose & Protection, a new podcast exploring the stories and values of Canada’s only not-for-profit security provider. Debuting in advance of the Commissionaires’ 100th anniversary in 2025, the monthly series features veterans, leaders, and public servants sharing powerful insights on service, security, and community impact.