July 10, 2024 | Local, Naval, Security
Canada definitely plans to move forward with the purchase of new submarines, the federal government announced on the margins of the NATO Summit on Wednesday.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/submarine-blair-trudeau-nato-1.7259718
March 11, 2022 | Local, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security
Defence analyst David Perry of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute said Canada spent years underfunding the military.
August 3, 2020 | Local, Aerospace
By: Valerie Insinna WASHINGTON — The bids are in for Canada's fighter competition, and three companies will go head-to-head for the chance to build 88 new jets. The Canadian government on Friday confirmed that the field is down to two American entrants — Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and Boeing's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet — as well as Swedish aerospace manufacturer Saab's Gripen E. All companies submitted proposals before the July 31 deadline. The contest is scheduled to be decided in 2022, with the first aircraft delivery projected in 2025. Up to CA$19 billion (U.S. $14 billion) is up for grabs. “Our government committed to purchasing a full fleet of 88 aircraft to be able to meet our NORAD [North American Aerospace Defense Command] and NATO obligations simultaneously,” Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said in a statement. “Efficient and modern fighter jets are an integral part of any air force and we continue to work diligently to make sure that we provide the members of the Royal Canadian Air Force the tools they need to protect Canada, both at home and abroad.” Canada could downselect to two bidders in spring 2021 after an initial evaluation of proposals, though it could keep all three companies as options until the final selection of a single bidder in 2022, the Canadian government said in statement. The competing companies must submit proposals that offer economic benefits to Canadian defense contractors and other businesses, as industrial incentives and offsets make up 20 percent of the criteria under evaluation. The proposals will also be evaluated on each aircraft's capability and cost, which will be weighed at 60 percent and 20 percent respectively. The new fighter will replace the Royal Canadian Air Force's fleet of aging CF-18s. For its proposal, Saab will partner with Canadian defense firms IMP Aerospace & Defence, CAE, and Peraton Canada, and will offer a competitive package of industrial and technological benefits, the company announced. “Saab's Gripen fighter is designed to operate in harsh environments and defeat the most advanced global threats. The system meets all of Canada's specific defence requirements, offering exceptional performance and advanced technical capabilities,” said Jonas Hjelm, who heads Saab's aeronautics business. As a partner nation of the F-35 program, Canada has contributed funding for the development of the Joint Strike Fighter and is involved in the production of the jet. In Lockheed's statement confirming the bid, the firm said the F-35 program would support an estimated 150,000 jobs in Canada over its life span. “The 5th Generation F-35 would transform the Royal Canadian Air Force fleet and deliver the capabilities necessary to safeguard Canadian skies,” said Greg Ulmer, Lockheed's F-35 program executive vice president. “The F-35′s unique mix of stealth and sensor technology will enable the Royal Canadian Air Force to modernize their contribution to NORAD operations, ensure Arctic sovereignty and meet increasingly sophisticated global threats.” Boeing's argument for its Super Hornet Block III was simple: The Royal Canadian Air Force already operates F/A-18s, and buying the latest version of the Super Hornet is a proven, affordable option that will allow the service to reuse existing infrastructure and reduce sustainment costs. “We have a partnership with Canada that spans more than 100 years. We don't take that lightly. The response we submitted today builds upon that great legacy and allows us to continue to bring the best of Boeing to Canada and the best of Canada to Boeing,” said Jim Barnes, Boeing's director of Canada fighter sales. “Our proven, two-engine design can operate in the harshest environments and provide support no matter where the mission takes its pilots. That, coupled with Boeing's 100% guaranteed industrial plan, will also deliver long term, well-paying jobs.” https://www.defensenews.com/global/the-americas/2020/07/31/these-three-companies-submitted-bids-for-canadas-fighter-competition/
August 26, 2020 | Local, Naval
GATINEAU, QC, Aug. 26, 2020 /CNW/ - Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government of Canada is ensuring the Canadian Coast Guard has the vessels it needs to keep Canadian waterways safe and accessible, while generating significant economic benefits to communities across Canada. Following an open and competitive process, Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard, has awarded a contract of $4 million to Heddle Shipyards in Hamilton, Ontario, for refit work on the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Griffon. The CCGS Griffon is a high-endurance multi-tasked vessel that performs light icebreaking and buoy-tending operations essential to keeping our waters open and safe for marine traffic. The refit work will include regulatory inspections and certifications; maintenance of structural items and various equipment, including propulsion; as well as the replacement and repair of various compartments, decks, and communication and navigation equipment. This contract will help create or sustain 80 jobs. Quotes "In shipyards across the country, the National Shipbuilding Strategy is guiding work to build, repair and maintain Canada's fleets. We are proud to support the brave and essential members of the Canadian Coast Guard, while creating jobs and strengthening economies in communities across the country." The Honourable Anita Anand Minister of Public Services and Procurement "The women and men of the Canadian Coast Guard are working every day to help keep mariners safe and our shipping routes open. Whether it's patrolling the longest coastline in the world, breaking ice on the Great Lakes or helping save lives on one of Canada's many waterways, our government is ensuring the Coast Guard has the tools and equipment needed to continue serving Canadians proudly. This refit contract will ensure the CCGS Griffon continues to fulfill critical icebreaking operations, essential to keeping our maritime trade going all year round." The Honourable Bernadette Jordan Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard Quick facts The work under this contract is expected to run from August 17, 2020, to October 16, 2020. The CCGS Griffon supports the delivery of several programs, including icebreaking and flood control, and provides a platform for the Canadian Hydrographic Service for mapping of shoreline and water depth. It also aids navigation by servicing, placing and removing navigational buoys. The CCGS Griffon provides icebreaking services primarily on Lake Ontario, on Lake Erie and along the St. Lawrence River to Montréal, Quebec. The vessel entered the Coast Guard fleet in 1970, and its home port is located at the Canadian Coast Guard Base in Prescott, Ontario. The Canadian Coast Guard fleet has a maintenance plan for each of its vessels, which respects Transport Canada inspection requirements, to keep its vessels in safe, reliable working condition. Associated links Canadian Coast Guard Fleet details National Shipbuilding Strategy Heddle Shipyards Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada For further information: Cecely Roy, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Anita Anand, 819-997-5421, cecely.roy@canada.ca; Media Relations, Public Services and Procurement Canada, 819-420-5501, media@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-awards-contract-for-refit-work-on-canadian-coast-guard-ship-griffon-892077121.html