July 25, 2018 | Local, Aerospace
DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN
In May, the federal government announced that it had decided on modernizing the RCAF's search and rescue helicopters rather than take another route, such as purchasing new aircraft. Leonardo was selected to upgrade its Cormorant search-and-rescue helicopters and provide seven additional aircraft.
The government doesn't have full details on what this will cost taxpayers as various options have to be sorted out. But it gave an estimate of the project as between $1 billion and $5 billion, a price tag that includes the purchase of simulators and support equipment.
Last month, the federal government acknowledged that it had received correspondence from a number of aerospace firms raising issues about the sole-source deal with Leonardo.
“We have received some responses,” Pierre-Alain Bujold, a spokesman for Public Services and Procurement Canada, stated in an email to Defence Watch at the time. “PSPC officials are currently reviewing the responses, in collaboration with the Department of National Defence and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.”
“Once this review is complete, officials will determine appropriate next steps and inform respondents accordingly,” Bujold added.
But industry representatives now report that they have been informed of the government's decision and their concerns were dismissed. The sole-source deal will proceed. (Sikorsky had pitched the Canadian government on new build S-92s. The S-92 is the basis for the RCAF's new Cyclone helicopter. Other companies also suggested it made more sense to have a common fleet of S-92s/Cyclones to conduct maritime missions as well as SAR).
But Department of National Defence officials say it was determined that it was more cost effective to stay with the Cormorant fleet as it is a proven aircraft the RCAF knows well.
The upgrade program is expected to include the latest avionic and mission systems, advanced radars and sensors, vision enhancement and tracking systems.
May 31, 2023 | Local, Aerospace
Le ton monte entre les prétendants au contrat pour le remplacement des avions militaires de surveillance d’Ottawa. Si Boeing est convaincu de sa supériorité, il ne devrait avoir « aucun problème » à soutenir un appel d’offres, suggère Bombardier — un terrain sur lequel le géant américain n’ose pas s’aventurer.
February 16, 2018 | Local, Aerospace
DAVID LJUNGGREN OTTAWA REUTERS UPDATED FEBRUARY 15, 2018 Boeing Co, locked in a trade dispute with the Canadian government, has applied to stay in the race to supply Canada with 88 new fighter jets, three well-placed sources said on Thursday. Companies had until Feb. 9 to express an interest in taking part in a competition for planes worth between $15-billion and $19-billion. Ottawa will release its specifications next year, at which point firms can bid. Boeing did let Canada know it was interested, said the sources, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. The decision does not mean the firm will necessarily put forward its F-18 Super Hornet. Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The U.S. aerospace company infuriated the Canadian government last year by launching a trade challenge against planemaker Bombardier Inc, accusing it of dumping airliners in the American market. Although a U.S. trade commission dismissed the complaint on Jan. 26, Boeing can still appeal the decision or launch another complaint against the Canadian firm. Well-informed sources said last week Ottawa has made clear to Boeing that its chances of winning the 88-jet deal would be harmed if it pursued the Bombardier case. Defense experts say Lockheed Martin Corp's new F-35 stealth fighter is likely the front runner. Dassault Aviation SA and Airbus SE also are expected to compete, but with planes that first flew in the 1990s. Ottawa says bids will be evaluated in part on the basis of "past and recent economic behavior of potential bidders leading up to the procurement." That test is months away from being finalized, meaning Boeing has no idea whether Ottawa would be satisfied if it did drop the challenge, the sources said. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/boeing-still-in-race-to-supply-canada-with-fighter-jets-sources/article37993487/
September 5, 2018 | Local, Land
September 4, 2018 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces From September 10 to 21, 2018, Canadian defence scientists and Canadian Armed Forces personnel will be conducting a series of technology research experiments in the city of Montreal alongside participants from partner nations including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. Activities will include testing and assessing new technologies in various urban environments and landscapes. The Contested Urban Environment 2018 experiment (CUE 18) will take place around the Côte-des-Neiges Armoury, around Belvedere Kondiaronk on Mont Royal, along rue de la Montagne, and at Silo 5 in the Old Port area. Most of the activity will happen during the day, however, there will be also be periods of testing at night. All military personnel participating in the CUE 18 experiment will be unarmed. This activity is being conducted in support of advancing research around how to best conduct military operations in urban environments. Measures are being taken to ensure minimum inconvenience to those in the area, however the public is advised that certain areas may be inaccessible during CUE 18 experiment. Questions concerning local issues including traffic disturbances, road closures etc. should be directed to the City of Montreal. Questions from the public regarding the experiment can be directed to Department of National Defence's science and technology organization, Defence Research Development Canada at CUE18_EUC18@forces.gc.ca. Questions from media can be directed to the Department of National Defence's Media Relations Office at mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca.