Canada has wildfires every year. Why won’t it create a firefighting force?

On the same subject

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  October 8, 2019 | Local, Aerospace, Security

  Ottawa Airport Authority to test drone detection technology

  The Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport Authority has partnered with NAV Canada and QinetiQ Canada to trial drone detection technology at Ottawa International Airport (YOW). Named Obsidian Counter UAS System, the technology is equipped to accurately recognise drone features and avoid classifying non-drone activity such as wildlife movement. NAV Canada and QinetiQ will work with the airport authority to install and deploy the Obsidian micro-Doppler radar unit, determining the compatibility of the system in a civilian airport environment. Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport Authority president and CEO Mark Laroche said: “The trial with QinetiQ's Obsidian Counter UAS System will provide all parties the opportunity to test a viable detection and mitigation system at an active airport. “The trial dovetails perfectly with both the Airport Authority's Drone Incident Protocol and the recommendations in the BRTF's Interim and Final reports.” The trial will evaluate the accurate and timely detection of drones or remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). It will assess the effectiveness of the system in initiating the right response to drone / RPAS detection between the airport authority and NAV Canada. The trial will also assess the system compatibility in an international airport environment, which is prone to interference by other partner systems. QinetiQ Canada MD Robert Aubé said: “Obsidian Counter UAS is specifically designed to meet the current and forecast threat of drone incursion upon critical national infrastructure, including daily operations in complex environments such as the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.” NAV Canada is a non-profit corporation that owns and operates the country's civil air navigation system. Last month, two flights were diverted to nearby airports due to suspected drone activity in the surroundings of Dubai International Airport. London's Gatwick Airport closed for approximately 36 hours in December 2018 due to threats posed by illegal drones flying near its runway. It caused widespread disruption and led to the cancellation of approximately 1,000 flights. https://www.airport-technology.com/news/ottawa-airport-authority-drone-detection/

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  September 17, 2023 | Local, Security

  Canada to give C$33 million to help buy air defenses for Ukraine | Reuters

  Canada will contribute C$33 million ($24.5 million) to a British-led partnership that is buying air defense equipment for Ukraine to help it fend off Russian missile and drone attacks, Defence Minister Bill Blair said on Sunday.

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  March 27, 2023 | Local, Other Defence

  Defence Minister Anita Anand announces extension of Operation IMPACT

  March 27, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence, announced that the Government of Canada has extended Operation IMPACT until March 31, 2025. Operation IMPACT is the Canadian Armed Forces’ mission in the Middle East. Through this mission, the Canadian Armed Forces are deployed to build the military capabilities of regional partners and set the conditions for stability and security in the region. Canada’s military efforts are diverse and include contributions to the Global Coalition against Daesh; contributions to NATO Mission Iraq; and contributions to building the military capabilities of Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon. This extension will allow the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to continue to play an important role in supporting regional partners in the advancement of peace and security. Operation IMPACT will continue with the same mandate with CAF contributions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the military line of effort under the Global Coalition Against Daesh, and NATO Mission Iraq. The CAF will also continue to provide training and capacity-building assistance on a bilateral basis with the Jordanian and Lebanese Armed Forces and will continue to provide episodic airlift support to the Coalition from its Operational Support Hub in Kuwait. The presence of CAF personnel in the Middle East, and the capacity-building assistance programmes, support our regional partners’ security forces, enhancing stability and security in the Middle East.  Quotes “Our personnel deployed on Operation IMPACT are helping to advance stability and security in the Middle East. When I visited them in December, I saw directly how their presence makes a difference to our partners and Allies. The Canadian Armed Forces contribute to the prosperity of the region and enhance security as well. With today’s extension, Canada is again demonstrating its commitment to our regional partners and NATO Allies.” The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence Quick facts Since its launch in 2014, Operation IMPACT has provided training to 4,500 Iraqi Security Force members, over 3,400 members of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and 400 members of the Jordanian Armed Forces. In support of the Coalition, Canada conducts train, advise and assist operations with the Iraqi Security Forces and deploys personnel to enhance in-theatre tactical transport, including casualty evacuations, if required.  Joint Task Force IMPACT headquarters and the Operational Support Hub continue to operate in Kuwait. Operation IMPACT includes episodic CC-130J Hercules Tactical Airlift support to move personnel and cargo in the joint area of operations. Associated links The Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS • Operation IMPACT https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2023/03/defence-minister-anita-anand-announces-extension-of-operation-impact.html