Next defence policy must be achievable and fully funded

On the same subject

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  August 15, 2019 | Local, Naval

  Government of Canada awards third contract to help maintain Canada's fleet of combat vessels

  GATINEAU, QC, Aug. 15, 2019 /CNW/ - Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government of Canada is revitalizing a world-class marine industry in order to provide the women and men of the Royal Canadian Navy with the safe and effective warships they require to protect Canadian sovereignty. The government is investing more than $7.5 billion in the Royal Canadian Navy's 12 Halifax-class frigates to provide necessary ongoing maintenance until they are retired in the early 2040s. Today, the Government of Canada awarded a $500-million contract to Irving Shipbuilding Inc., of Halifax, Nova Scotia, to carry out maintenance work on the Halifax-class frigates. This initial five-year contract guarantees a minimum of three frigates for the shipyard, with work planned to begin in the early 2020s. The contract is expected to rise in value as additional work packages are added. This contract is expected to result in up to 400 jobs at the shipyard, plus hundreds of related jobs for marine sector suppliers and subcontractors across the country. On July 16, 2016, the Government of Canada awarded similar contracts to Seaspan's Victoria Shipyards Limited in Victoria, British Columbia, and Chantier Davie in Lévis, Quebec. The Canadian Surface Combatants will replace the Halifax-class frigates and the retired Iroquois-class destroyers. With them, the Royal Canadian Navy will have modern and capable ships to monitor and defend Canada's waters, to continue to contribute to international naval operations for decades to come and to rapidly deploy credible naval forces worldwide, on short notice. Construction on the Canadian Surface Combatants is scheduled to begin at Irving in the early 2020s. Quotes "The National Shipbuilding Strategy continues to support the women and men of the Royal Canadian Navy by providing them with safe, reliable ships to carry out their important work on behalf of Canada. This contract is another example of how the Strategy is helping to maintain our existing fleet, while supporting economic opportunities for the Canadian marine sector across the country." The Honourable Carla Qualtrough Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility "This announcement is essential for supporting the modernization of the Royal Canadian Navy. With our government's continued investment, our navy will continue to contribute to maritime security and stability around the world. This is a testament to how our defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, continues Canada's re‑engagement in the world. I am proud of our sailors and the great work they do." The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan Minister of National Defence Quick facts Docking maintenance work periods are essential to ensure the Halifax-class frigates are available and reliable during their operational cycle and deployments. Of the current fleet of Halifax-class frigates, 7 have their home port in Halifax, Nova Scotia, while the 5 others are based in Esquimalt, British Columbia. The Royal Canadian Navy requires that at least 8 of the 12 frigates are able to deploy at all times to meet the Navy's commitment to the Government of Canada. The Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, including the Value Proposition, was applied to this procurement. These frigates monitor and control Canadian waters, defend Canada's sovereignty, facilitate large-scale search and rescue activities, and provide emergency assistance when needed. The frigates operate with and integrate into the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and coalitions of allied states in support of international peace and security operations. Introduced into service in the 1990s, the Canadian-built Halifax-class frigates were recently modernized to remain effective and operationally relevant until the Canadian Surface Combatants enter into service https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-awards-third-contract-to-help-maintain-canada-s-fleet-of-combat-vessels-818012638.html

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  September 13, 2021 | Local, Aerospace

  Babcock Leonardo Canadian Aircrew Training adds three new strategic partners to its FAcT team

  Marcello Sukhdeo, Vanguard Magazine September 10, 2021 The Babcock Leonardo Canadian Aircrew Training team recently announced the addition of three partners – FlightSafety International (FSI), L3Harris Technologies and Top Aces – for Canada's Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. Canada is looking to procure a 25-year contract aircrew training program that provides aircraft, ground-based training systems, civilian instructors, and essential services, such as air traffic control, aircraft and airfield maintenance, accommodation, and food services for the Royal Canadian Air Force. According to a news release, Babcock Leonardo Canadian Aircrew Training is committed to providing an innovative training solution and optimal benefits to Canada's economic and strategic goals through the FAcT program. This is further deepened by the team's far-reaching know-how and strong ties with Canada. “We are extremely proud to have FlightSafety International, L3Harris Technologies and Top Aces join the Babcock Leonardo Canadian Aircrew Training Team. We believe that together we can deliver added value to Canada now and in the future and we are ready to provide the best solution for the Royal Canadian Air Force,” said Jana Lee Murray, Program Director, Babcock Leonardo Canadian Aircrew Training. New partner, FlightSafety International, is a premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. “We're excited to join this powerhouse of a team and bring our 70 years of ground-based training in support of the Royal Canadian Air Force,” said Brad Thress, President & CEO of FlightSafety International. “More than 40 international governments put their trust in FlightSafety to train their aviators and the company has a long history of supporting aviation training in Canada through their Montreal and Toronto learning centers.” The other new team member, L3Harris, is one of Canada's largest and most diverse defence and security companies and is committed to adding value to the Canadian economy through high-tech jobs, innovation, and diversity whilst designing solutions for the future. Located in Mirabel, QC, L3Harris is Canada's leading In-Service Support and Systems Integrator. “L3Harris offers our Canadian teammates the best, most cost-effective and innovative solutions for the FAcT aircraft,” said Ugo Paniconi, General Manager, L3Harris in Mirabel. The third new strategic partner added recently, Top Aces, provides advanced adversary and joint terminal attack controller training to the world's leading Air Forces. Top Aces has the largest fleet of commercially-operated fighter aircraft in active service and is the first company in the world to acquire the supersonic F- 16. The mission-critical training offered by Top Aces enhances the operational readiness of combat forces by providing a realistic real-world experience while creating significant cost efficiencies and extending the lifecycle of military fleets. The company is changing the face of air combat training with its unparalleled safety record, outstanding team and an industry-leading 94,000+ hours of operational training flown in support of its customers worldwide. “Top Aces is a proud Canadian company and trusted training partner to our Canadian Armed Forces since 2005. We're excited to bring our 17 years of experience delivering high performance fighter aircraft training to this team,” said Jason Regenwetter, Vice President of Business Development. Canada is expected to award FAcT by 2023.

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  August 14, 2024 | Local, Aerospace

  Ottawa examined as permanent base for new refuelling planes, but ultimately rejected: RCAF documents

  The national capital was examined as a permanent base for new CC-330 Husky refueling planes, but was ultimately rejected, documents show.