August 9, 2019 | Local, Aerospace

Next phase of Canadian special forces aircraft project to begin soon

DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN

The next phase of the purchase of new surveillance aircraft for Canadian special forces is expected to begin soon with the request for bids for long-term maintenance of the planes.

Canadian special forces will receive three new surveillance aircraft from the U.S. with the planes expected to arrive in 2022.

A request for bids from Canadian firms to provide in-service support is to be released by the end of the summer.

The purchase of the aircraft has raised questions about why the cost is substantially more than what the U.S. Air Force spends to buy the same or similar aircraft. The three Beechcraft King Air planes, to be based at CFB Trenton in Ontario, will be outfitted with sensors and equipment to intercept cell phone and other electronic transmissions. Canadian special forces and, potentially, other government departments will use them for missions overseas and in Canada.

The agreement for the aircraft was finalized on April 26 with the U.S. government. Three aircraft and equipment will be delivered in the spring of 2022, the Canadian Forces noted.

The agreement signed with the U.S. government is for $188 million (CAN).

The U.S. Air Force lists the cost of the MC-12W surveillance aircraft as $17 million each or around $23 million Canadian. That includes communications/sensors and modification of the aircraft for that equipment. So three aircraft should cost in total about $70 million Canadian.

At first it was unclear why Canada was paying more than double what the U.S. spends on the same planes.

But the Department of National Defence now says the extra cost includes more powerful engines and a modernized cockpit. “As such, the cost for this new variant of the aircraft is higher than previous models,” the DND added in a statement. Also included in the overall agreement is two years of field service support and a technical data package which will enable the Canadian government to solicit bids from domestic firms to maintain the planes, according to the DND. No breakdown of the various costs was provided.

The DND also noted that the initial outlay for the aircraft provides the “greatest benefit to Canada's industrial base.” It pointed out that it consulted with industry and determined buying from the U.S. was the best approach.

Canadian industry officials, however, have disputed that claim. Various Canadian firms responded to the federal government's initial request for information in August 2013, highlighting that they could provide the aircraft needed by the Canadian Forces as well as integrate whatever equipment was selected or required by Canadian special forces.

But the procurement was changed to have the aircraft purchased directly from the U.S. government and using U.S. firms.

Attempts by Canadian companies to get an explanation about the change in direction were rebuffed, industry officials say.

But the DND says Canadian firms will be providing the maintenance support for the aircraft.

The federal government will solicit bids for the in-service support contract which will have the potential to cover a 23-year period. “The value of potential maintenance contracts is not yet known,” according to the DND. A draft request for proposals for the in-service support portion has been released with a final RFP expected sometime in the summer. No specific date was provided.

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/next-phase-of-canadian-special-forces-aircraft-project-soon-to-begin

On the same subject

April 9, 2020 | Local, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

Ukraine, Canada defence ministers discuss epidemiological situation in countries’ armed forces
Defence Minister of Ukraine Andriy Taran discussed during a phone conversation with Minister of National Defence of Canada Harjit Sajjan the security situation in Ukraine and around the world amid coronavirus pandemic. “Yesterday, April 7, Defence Minister of Ukraine Andriy Taran had a phone conversation with Minister of National Defence of Canada Harjit Sajjan. The main topic of the dialogue was the discussion of the security situation in Ukraine and around the world in the context of the current epidemiological situation in the armed forces of both countries. The Minister of National Defence of Canada reiterated the continued unconditional support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the willingness of the Canadian Defence Ministry to assist in enhancing the military capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In particular, the parties discussed the continued support for the training mission of Canada in Ukraine and resumption of its activities in full after the completion of measured related to combating coronavirus pandemic,” the press service of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine informs. In the context of enhancing the combat readiness of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Andriy Taran emphasized the invariance of the continuation of consistent defence reform in Ukraine. In turn, Minister Sajjan welcomed the continued reform of the Ukrainian military under NATO standards and assured of support for Ukraine's accession to the NATO EOP and unblocking of the NATO-Ukraine Commission. The Defence Minister of Ukraine confirmed the priority of continuation of the Euro-Atlantic integration policy in the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and also informed the Canadian counterpart about the key goals and priorities of the Ministry's activity. As noted, Harjit Sajjan stressed that the Canadian side was ready to use the Embassy of Canada in Ukraine as a point of contact to promote the mentioned issues among its allies. The parties also discussed a number of issues regarding the continuation of Canada's advisory assistance to Ukraine and the intensification of military and technical cooperation. https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3001306-ukraine-canada-defence-ministers-discuss-epidemiological-situation-in-countries-armed-forces.html
March 31, 2020 | Local, Aerospace

North American aviation product, support & services businesses that are remaining open during the COVID-19 crisis
At Skies, we've heard from a number of Canadian aviation product, support and services businesses that are doing their best to keep our industry moving during this global pandemic. To ensure that operators can still access the support they need, here is a non-exhaustive list of companies who are still open for business in some capacity. This list will be updated regularly. If you would like your company to be added to the list, please email news@skiesmag.com. Airbus Helicopters Canada Air Georgian AirSuite Inc. Alpine Aerotech Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing Corp. Apex Industries Inc. ARTEX Atlantic Avionics Aurora Jet Partners Aviation Business Support Inc. Avmax AvroTecknik Aviation B.C. Aviation Council Boeing Distribution Inc. Cadorath Calm Air International Canadian Airports Council Canadian Air Parts, Ltd. Canadian Air Transport Security Authority Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace CanRep Inc. CanWest Aerospace Inc. CarteNav Solutions (Mission systems) Custom Helicopters DART Aerospace Eagle Copters Essential Turbines, Inc. EuroTec Canada Exchange Petroleum Execaire Fast Air – Air Charter Services Fast Air Jet Centre (FBO) Flight Data Systems FlightPath International FlightSafety Canada (Toronto and Montreal) Flying Colours Corp. FreeFlight Systems Global Airparts Inc. Heli-One Helitowcart Helitrades Heliwelders Canada Ltd. HM Aero Aviation Consulting ICARUS Aero, Inc. Image Air Innotech Aviation KADEX Aero Supply Ltd. Keewatin Air (Aircraft maintenance and hangarage) KF Aerospace Latitude Technologies Levaero Aviation Maxcraft Avionics Ltd. Mid-Canada Mod Center Moncton Flight College Morningstar Air Express National Airlines Council of Canada National Helicopters Inc. Nav Canada Pacific Coastal Airlines (Emergency charter services and reduced WestJet Link flights) PAL Aerospace PAL Aviation Services (Full-service FBO) Passport Helico (Commercial 702/703 and AMO) Perimeter Aviation Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Precision Aero Components Premier Aviation Québec Inc. Rocky Mountain Aircraft Rotor Services Ltd. Sander Geophysics Limited (Air cargo) SEI Industries Select Helicopter Services Ltd. Signature Flight Support – Edmonton Skyservice Business Aviation SKYTRAC Systems StandardAero Sunwest Aviation Szabo Aviation International TEAAM Aeromedical Technisonic Industries Ltd. Tradewind International, LLC TSL Aerospace Technologies Ltd. Turbolyft Aerospace Upper Valley Aviation Ltd. Vanguard Air Care Vmo Solutions Voyageur Aviation Corp. Wasaya Airways Western Propeller Wilderness Helicopters WinAir We're all in this together! #CanadianAviation https://www.skiesmag.com/news/canadian-aviation-product-support-services-businesses-that-are-remaining-open-during-the-covid-19-crisis
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

All news