August 8, 2018 | Local, Aerospace
DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN
The federal government's plan to move ahead with the modernization of Cormorant search and rescue helicopters could see the return of Cormorants on the flight line at Trenton, Ont., says the Canadian Forces. The RCAF is hoping for “the potential re-introduction of the CH-149 Cormorant helicopter to Trenton” once the Cormorant modernization program is finished, it added. If that happens the Griffon helicopters currently assigned to 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron, would be returned to the Tactical Utility Helicopter role, according to the military.
The Italian aerospace firm, Leonardo, will do the modernization on the Cormorants as part of a project to upgrade the helicopters and to add seven more aircraft to the flight line. No timeline has been provided for the modernization and a contract has yet to be signed.
In the meantime, the CH-146 Griffon helicopters continue to fulfill the rotary wing search and rescue role from 8 Wing Trenton. A number of improvements have been made to the CH-146 Griffon helicopters based at 8 Wing Trenton to enhance their operational capability in the SAR role, according to the RCAF. These improvements include:
Critical aircraft performance parameters have been increased to allow crews to remain in the hover for longer periods during exercises and rescue missions
The Griffon's rescue hoist has been upgraded to increase its speed and responsiveness during critical rescue operations
A new life raft system and a low altitude warning system were installed, both of which improve crew safety during operations over water
New avionics were fitted in late 2012 to improve long range communication capabilities and provide the ability to track the helicopter's exact location during missions
The aircraft's bubble windows were repositioned to maximize the spotters' effectiveness while conducting visual searches from the Griffon
September 17, 2023 | Local, Security
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.
March 7, 2023 | Local, Other Defence
March 7, 2023 – Kingston, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Defence Minister Anita Anand announced that Canada has deployed seven Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Medical Technicians and Medical Assistants from Canadian Forces Health Services units to Poland, where they will train members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the skills needed to save lives effectively in combat situations. Canadian medical trainers will integrate into the Polish-led training that is centred on advanced tactical medical skills, with a particular focus on combat survivability. With training commencing in early March, each training serial is set to last for approximately one month. The CAF personnel involved in this training come from units across Canada. Additionally, Canada is extending its ongoing efforts to train Ukrainian sappers in Poland under Operation UNIFIER until October 2023. Through this training, which commenced in fall 2022, approximately 45 CAF members are equipping Ukrainian combat engineers with specialized skills such as engineering reconnaissance, and the use of explosives for demolition and demining. Since February 2022, Canada has committed over $1 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. This includes eight Leopard 2 main battle tanks, an armoured recovery vehicle, over 200 armoured vehicles, a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) with associated munitions, 39 armoured combat support vehicles, anti-tank weapons, small arms, M777 howitzers and associated ammunition, high-resolution drone cameras, winter clothing, and more. Quotes “Russia’s attack on Ukraine is an attack on democracy, freedom, and sovereignty. In the face of this unjust and horrific war, Canada’s support for Ukraine is resolute. Through donations of military aid, training of Ukrainian sappers, and now, training of Ukrainians on combat first aid, Canada is equipping the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the skills and equipment that they need to win this war and save lives. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.” The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence Quick facts Canadian Armed Forces members are supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the United Kingdom and Poland under Operation UNIFIER, providing training on a range of military skills. Between 2015 and 2023, Canada has trained more than 35,000 members of Ukraine’s security forces as part of Operation UNIFIER. The Canadian Armed Forces have been assisting with the delivery of military aid for Ukraine within Europe from Canada and on behalf of our Allies and partners, having transported over seven million pounds of military donations since March 2022. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2023/03/canada-deploys-medical-trainers-to-operation-unifier-and-extends-engineer-training-in-poland.html
October 16, 2023 | Local, Land
Manipulated footage pulled from the Arma 3 video game has previously been attributed to front lines in Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine.