Canada's artificial intelligence leadership extending to space

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  March 15, 2019 | Local, Aerospace

  RCAF may not need seven of the 25 used Australian F-18s, says defence procurement chief

  DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN The Defence department's procurement chief says the Royal Canadian Air Force might not need the seven used Australian F-18 aircraft being purchased for parts afterall. Canada is buying 25 used F-18s from Australia, with 18 of those to be flown and seven to be either stripped down for parts or used for testing. The aircraft to be flown will augment the existing RCAF CF-18 fleet until a new generation fighter jet can be purchased. But Pat Finn, the Department of National Defence's Assistant Deputy Minister for Materiel, said there may be no need for the seven F-18s. “The seven, whether or not we actually take them at this point, we're still looking at that,” Finn recently told the Commons defence committee. “What we're actually finding is the number of spares that they've been able to provide to us is more than adequate. Rather than take aircraft apart and go through that cost, we're taking the spares. We may not, in fact, at this point look at any of the seven.” It is unclear whether there will be a reduction in the cost of the purchase or the overall project cost if the seven airframes are not acquired. The DND also clarified what is happening with the engines on the Australian F-18s. Rumours have been circulating in the retired military community that the engines are being stripped out of the planes and given back to Australia. “Only the engines from the first two Australian F-18s (four engines total) are being returned to Australia, at their request,” explained DND spokesman Dan Le Bouthillier. “Australia needs those engines to meet their own operational requirements.” In order to take advantage of an advanced delivery date for the first two Australian aircraft, Canada agreed to return those aircraft's engines to Australia, but the plan is to get an equivalent number of engines back at a later date, he added. “Canada has sufficient engines in reserve to support this plan and this will have no impact on operations,” Le Bouthillier stated. “We therefore found this to be a reasonable request, and agreed to it.” https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/rcaf-may-not-need-7-of-the-25-used-australian-f-18s-says-defence-procurement-chief

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  October 31, 2017 | Local, Naval

  ALL SYSTEMS GO: LIKE CLOCKWORK, THE RESOLVE-CLASS NAVAL SUPPORT SHIP IS LAUNCHED

  Québec City, Monday October 16th 2017: Davie Shipbuilding today announced that during the weekend it launched the largest naval vessel ever to be delivered from a Canadian shipyard – on time, to budget and at an internationally competitive cost. Commissioning of all onboard systems began in early September and on the 16th November 2017, the ship will perform its sea-trials prior to achieving Full Operational Capability (FOC). During the sea-trials – overseen by Lloyds Register – the ship's safety, quality, systems and functionality will be tested against the high military standards and specifications which it has been built to. The build quality and modern design of this ship, with the latest Canadian naval systems, is testament not only to Davie's experience, infrastructure and unparalleled expertise but also to the incredible contribution by the hundreds of Canadian suppliers involved. Over 900 Canadian companies have contributed to the build of the ship, including the supply of key military-specified equipment such as its Integrated Navigational and Tactical System (INTS), its NATO-compliant Replenishment-At-Sea (RAS) systems and its naval Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). Alex Vicefield, Chairman of Davie Shipbuilding, commented, “The delivery of this ship has clearly demonstrated that there is a Canadian shipyard capable of delivering complex naval platforms on time, to budget and at internationally competitive prices. In the knowledge that the Royal Canadian Navy needed this ship urgently, our 1,400 staff have worked day and night to ensure that it is not only delivered on time but that it is of a quality that will be able to serve Canada proudly for decades to come. The success of this multi-functional design, which is equally suited to both combat and humanitarian operations, has generated worldwide interest from foreign navies.” Spencer Fraser, CEO of Federal Fleet Services, added, “Our Canadian crew are all onboard and are ready to begin operations alongside the Royal Canadian Navy. We have prepared for this moment for two years and we will very soon be ready to support Canadian Forces in any theater of operations, worldwide, at a minute's notice.” http://www.davie.ca/news/systems-go-like-clockwork-resolve-class-naval-support-ship-launched/

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  January 26, 2018 | Local, Naval

  Weapons system support contract to help protect Canadian ships, sailors

  News Release From National Defence January 26, 2018 – Esquimalt, B.C. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces The Government of Canada is committed to providing the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces with the equipment they need, as outlined in Canada's new defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged. Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, announced the award of a contract in support of weapons systems that will protect Canadian ships and sailors over the next two decades. Valued at $704 million, this contract will also benefit Canadians, as it is expected to create and maintain more than 450 well-paid, skilled jobs across the country. Under this contract, Raytheon Canada Limited will upgrade and support 21 Close-In Weapons Systems for the Royal Canadian Navy. These rapid-fire, radar-guided gun systems provide the most effective naval self-defence system available against close-in threats such as missiles, small ships, and aircraft. These systems are currently in use on the Navy's Halifax-class frigates, and will also be installed on the Protecteur-class joint support ships following their construction. Quotes “Today's announcement is aligned with the goals we set out in Strong, Secure, Engaged – we are making strategic investments in the Royal Canadian Navy that will help protect our sailors as they conduct the full spectrum of operations in a modern security environment.” – Minister of National Defence, Harjit S. Sajjan “As a result of the government's ITB policy, Raytheon Canada Limited will make important investments in Canada to support well-paying, middle class jobs, foster economic growth and help spur innovation across the country in small and medium enterprises. That's how we ensure innovation works for all Canadians.” – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains Quick Facts The Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) In-Service Support contract will be valid until late 2037, and comprises an initial 10-year service period with three options of five, three and two additional years, respectively. The CIWS is the world's most widely deployed close-in weapons system and currently in service with 24 nations. This level of interoperability will allow the Navy to take advantage of future improvements made by our allies. The Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy (ITB), including the Value Proposition, applies to this contract and will support the growth of a sustainable Canadian defence and marine industry. In addition, Raytheon Canada Limited has committed to investing in Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises and research and development activities. Contacts Byrne Furlong Press Secretary Office of the Minister of National Defence Phone: 613-996-3100 Media Relations Department of National Defence Phone: 613-996-2353 Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811 Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2018/01/weapons_system_supportcontracttohelpprotectcanadianshipssailors.html