November 19, 2018 | Local, Naval
DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN
New submarines won't be part of the future mix for the Royal Canadian Navy, at least in the foreseeable future.
Several years ago there were some suggestions that a possible replacement for the Victoria-class submarines might be in the works. In 2017 a Senate defence committee recommended the subs be replaced.
The Commons defence committee also recently recommended that the Victoria-class subs, bought used in 1998 from the United Kingdom, be replaced with submarines capable of under-ice capabilities.
But the Liberal government has rejected that recommendation. The recommendation was the only one of the 27 made by the Commons defence committee that was rejected outright in a response delivered to the committee last month.
The committee had recommended that the federal government respond to NATO calls to improve the quality of their naval fleets and underwater surveillance capabilities by starting the process of replacing Victoria-class submarines with new boats that have under-ice capabilities. It also recommended increasing the size of that fleet to enhance Canada's Arctic and North Atlantic defence preparedness.
But the Liberal government pointed out in its response that it is in the midst of the most intensive and comprehensive fleet modernization and renewal in the peacetime history of the Royal Canadian Navy. Canada is recapitalizing and increasing the size of its surface fleet through investments in 15 Canadian Surface Combatants, two Joint Support Ships, and five to six Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships, it added. “The government has also committed to modernizing the four Victoria-class submarines to include weapons and sensor upgrades that will enhance the ability of the submarines to conduct Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and deliver necessary improvements of platform and combat systems to extend operational capability to the mid-2030's,” the government response noted.
Canada is also engaged in the re-building of the anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the fleet through the introduction of technologies, sensors and weapons while preparing to transition to the fleet of the future, it added. “As part of the NATO S&T Organization, Canada is participating in the Maritime Unmanned Systems S&T Pre-Feasibility Studies that focus on ASW and naval mine warfare capabilities with Allied nations that have the same capability targets,” the government stated. “In addition to increasing existing platform capabilities, the RCN is also in the process of re-vitalising individual and collective ASW training and advancing distributed mission training and synthetic training environments.”
Last year Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan praised the capability submarines provide Canada. “No other platform in the Canadian Armed Forces can do what a submarine can do,” Sajjan said. “No other platform has the stealth, the intelligence-gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance capability and the deterrence to potential adversaries that a sub does.”
Upgrading the Victoria-class subs is more “prudent” than buying new subs, Sajjan said at the time.
Without upgrades, the first of the submarines will reach the end of its life in 2022, according to documents obtained last year through Access to Information by the Canadian Press. The last of the boats would be retired in 2027.
November 9, 2023 | Local, Aerospace
The first Boeing T-7A Red Hawk for the Air Force has completed its 1,400-mile cross-country flight to Edwards AFB to move forward with flight testing.
October 15, 2018 | Local, Aerospace
Strengthening Canada's leadership in AI-driven robotics to support jobs NEWS PROVIDED BY Canadian Space Agency New lunar rover concept contracts awarded to MDA and Canadensys Aerospace Corporation LONGUEUIL, QC, Oct. 15, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is positioning Canada's space community to maintain its global leadership in space robotics. Accordingly, the CSA announced today that it is investing $1.6 million in two concepts for lunar rovers that would use artificial intelligence to make their own decisions. Canadian businesses MDA, a Maxar company, and Canadensys Aerospace Corporation have each been awarded a contract worth $800 000 to develop an innovative concept for the CSA. The CSA made the announcement at the start of a three-day event to promote Canadian space capabilities to major space companies, including Blue Origin, Airbus Defense and Space and Moon Express. As part of ongoing discussions with the international space community to prepare options for Canada's participation in the next chapter of space exploration, the CSA recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Moon Express, a US-based company. This agreement will enable Canadian firms and researchers to offer Moon Express their expertise and capabilities. The CSA will also explore the potential of using the company's lunar lander service for the delivery of future Canadian payloads. These activities will foster the growth and innovation of Canadian businesses in our modern economy and increase opportunities for them to export their technologies and services. Quick facts The contracts awarded to MDA and Canadensys Aerospace will support 61 well-paying jobs and position Canada to play an important role in future missions to the Moon with international partners. A lunar rover would be crucial for scientific research: it would collect lunar samples for return to Earth and test technology required for a future pressurized rover able to transport astronauts on the Moon's surface. The ability to make decisions using artificial intelligence represents a new chapter in planetary rover technology: the rover would be able to assess its immediate environment, analyze risks, and autonomously plan its trajectory to meet objectives. Rovers with autonomous decision-making abilities will be able to accomplish a greater number of science objectives more efficiently. 44 organizations are attending the CSA's Industry Days from October 15-17, during which time over 70 business-to-business meetings will take place. Quote "Canada's space sector not only inspires Canadians to reach for the stars, it has for a long time been at the forefront of Canadian science, technology and innovation. With these investments, our government is supporting a key sector of our economy that creates good jobs and will continue to propel Canada's innovation economy to new heights." The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Website: http://asc-csa.gc.ca Email: ASC.Medias-Media.CSA@canada.ca Follow us on Social Media SOURCE Canadian Space Agency For further information: Canadian Space Agency, Media Relations Office, Telephone: 450-926-4370 Related Links http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/strengthening-canadas-leadership-in-ai-driven-robotics-to-support-jobs-697585211.html
January 30, 2019 | Local, C4ISR
Three contracts to enhance the Canadian Armed Forces' integrated IT systems OTTAWA, Jan. 30, 2019 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is providing its women and men in uniform with the equipment they need to do their jobs and protect Canadians, while maximizing economic benefits to Canadians. Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of National Defence, has awarded three contracts, with a combined value of $621.5 million, to General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada. The contracts will provide support over five years for the Land Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (LC4ISR) system. The Canadian Army depends on these communications and information systems to inform and direct land operations. This includes: Cyber Security Engineering Support: contract valued at up to $56.5 million to support the protection of data information systems from theft and damage to the information they contain Engineering and Integration Support: contract valued at up to $367.25 million to fully integrate the LC4ISR system Transition Software Support: contract valued at up to $197.75 million to provide software support that helps integrate various data points, such as GPS-based position reporting, into a single system to allow for timely and informed decision-making The three contracts combined will help sustain approximately 494 highly skilled jobs in Ottawa, Ontario, and Calgary, Alberta. Quotes "These contracts are yet another example of how our government is building a more agile, better-equipped military, while providing meaningful economic opportunities for Canadian businesses. The Canadian Armed Forces carry out important missions on behalf of all Canadians and require the latest technologies to better understand their operating environment and to detect incoming threats." The Honourable Carla Qualtrough Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility "Through our defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, we are ensuring that our women and men in uniform are well equipped to do the important work we ask of them. The LC4ISR system is a foundational component by which Canadian Army troops stay in touch with each other, our allies and headquarters. These contracts are about ensuring the Canadian Army has what it needs to successfully carry out operations both now and into the future." The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan Minister of National Defence "These defence contracts will bring highly skilled jobs and foster economic benefits to Canadians while supporting the operations of the Canadian Army. These investments exemplify our commitment to deliver on the vital goals set out in Strong, Secure, Engaged." Chandra Arya Member of Parliament for Nepean "Our government is ensuring that Canadians have the support they need to access highly skilled jobs and to benefit from a prosperous economy. These contracts will enhance equipment for the Canadian Armed Forces, increase skills development and grow Key Industrial Capabilities in cyber resilience." The Honourable Navdeep Bains Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Quick facts The Canadian Army's LC4ISR capability is a highly integrated tactical system comprised of interconnected networks of digital communications and information systems that primarily support the Land Forces in operations. These contracts were awarded through fair, open and transparent procurement processes. The Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy applies to these projects, creating jobs and supporting key industrial capabilities in Canada. Related products National Defence's Defence Capabilities Blueprint website Tender notice – LC4ISR – Cyber Security Engineering Support Tender notice – LC4ISR – Engineering and Integration Support Tender notice – LC4ISR – Transition Software Support Defence Procurement Strategy Investing in the Canadian Armed Forces Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-announces-information-technology-investment-for-canada-s-military-816325030.html