May 31, 2023 | Local, Aerospace
According to an independent study conducted by Doyletech Corporation, selecting the Boeing P-8 Poseidon for Canada's Multi-Mission Aircraft requirement would bring significant benefits to the country.
https://skiesmag.com/news/boeing-p8-poseidon-contribute-358m-annually-canada-selected-study/
December 2, 2022 | Local, Aerospace
Skies recently sat down with LGen Kenny, the commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, to discuss a variety of topics including acquisition projects, the personnel shortage, and the Air Force 2035 strategy.
November 16, 2018 | Local, C4ISR, Security
HALIFAX — Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan says Russia's disruptive behaviour on the world stage is a key concern for Canada. Sajjan made the remark Friday at the opening of the Halifax International Security Forum, a three-day event that has attracted security experts and politicians from around the world. The minister cited Russia's annexation of Crimea and its aggressive posture toward neighbouring Georgia as examples of a worrisome trend. "The disruptive nature that Russia has taken, it goes against the rules-based order that we're used to," he told a news conference at a downtown hotel. He said the recent commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions. "It's even more important now that nations act in a responsible manner; that we do not provoke," he said. "Unfortunately, because of the actions that Russia has taken, we do need to make sure we send a strong message of deterrence, and with NATO we are doing that." Canada has taken a particular interest in confronting Russia's use of so-called hybrid warfare, which blends conventional warfare and cyber-warfare to destabilize democracies, Sajjan said. Peter Van Praagh, president of the Halifax International Security Forum, said Russia's internal struggles have had an impact on the rest of the world. "Russia is a great country historically, but Russia is also a failing country, simultaneously," Van Praagh told reporters. "Russia is struggling with both of those things going on at the same time." On Saturday, a panel of experts will take part in a discussion titled: "Beijing's Cravings, Kremlin's Gremlins: Freedom's Foes." "Russia doesn't have the same advanced tools that Canada and NATO has," Van Praagh said. "Russia is using different tools to exert influence ... We can't allow Russia or any other country to interfere in the operations of domestic democracies." The conference, which has attracted 300 delegates from 70 countries, is being held in conjunction with a meeting of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Van Praagh also cited the end of the First World War 100 years ago, saying delegates to the conference will be keeping that key event in mind. "Looking at 1918 through the prism of 100 years is a good reminder of the cost of war," he said. "It is also a reminder of our responsibility to protect our democracy. The work of democracy is never quite complete." It's the fourth time Sajjan has attended the security conference as defence minister. He said other key issues that require delegates' attention include the conflicts in Syria and Yemen, ongoing political changes on the Korean peninsula and Canada's renewed role as an international peacekeeper. "For a decade, (the forum) has been the place to discuss global defence and security issues that define our times," he said. Among those invited to speak at the forum is U.S. Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Dunford is the highest-ranking military officer in the United States and an adviser to President Donald Trump. The delegates to the forum are almost exclusively from democratic regimes. Michael MacDonald, The Canadian Press https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2018/11/16/russian-aggression-and-cyber-warfare-key-issues-for-canada-to-confront-sajjan
August 27, 2019 | Local, Aerospace
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is to get at least two new Leonardo CH-149s as part of the Canadian government's $1.39 billion mid-life upgrade for its Cormorant fleet. Announcing the move Aug. 22 in Comox, B.C., Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said the upgrades to the existing fleet of 14 Cormorants, which are primarily used for search and rescue (SAR) operations, would extend their life to at least 2042. The upgrade program will bring the Cormorants to the latest AW101-612 standard, currently being delivered to Norway to provide that country's new search and rescue fleet. The capability enhancements and equipment improvements in the upgrade include upgraded avionics in a new glass cockpit; new sensors, radar and search enhancement technology; more powerful digitally-controlled engines; wireless in-cabin communications; LED lighting; and rescue hoist upgrades. “Canadians rely on the women and men of the Royal Canadian Air Force to conduct successful search and rescue operations in challenging circumstances,” said Sajjan. “These enhancements to the CH-149 Cormorant fleet will ensure that search and rescue crews have the right equipment to continue providing these life-saving services.” The upgrade program also includes synthetic training solutions delivered by CAE, including Canada's first AW101 full motion simulator. Other companies working to deliver the upgrade include IMP Aerospace and Defence, GE Canada (which will provide the new engines), and Collins Aerospace (which will provide the new cockpit displays and avionics). “Every year, the Royal Canadian Air Force flies about 1,000 missions in support of search and rescue, a core mission of the Canadian Armed Forces,” said LGen A.D. Meinzinger, commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force. “These upgrades to the CH-149 Cormorant, and an increase in fleet size ensures the RCAF will continue to deliver search and rescue services in the challenging Canadian environment.” Canada's Cormorant fleet began service in 2000, and are currently based at 19 Wing Comox, B.C,; 9 Wing Gander, N.L.; and 14 Wing Greenwood, N.S. In 2005, CH-149s from the Trenton main operating base were redistributed to those three bases, but with the addition of at least two CH-149s to the fleet, the type will return to Trenton and replace Bell CH-146 Griffons in the SAR role. Leonardo said the upgrade program will be delivered with “no interruption or reduction” in Canada's rotary search and rescue capabilities. https://www.skiesmag.com/news/rcaf-to-get-2-more-ch-149-cormorants-as-part-of-fleet-modernization/