MDA to Build 17 Satellites to Enhance Globalstar's LEO Constellation

On the same subject

• 

  July 11, 2023 | Local, Security

  Canada has wildfires every year. Why won’t it create a firefighting force?

  The worst wildfire season on record has challenged the provincial firefighting resources on which the country relies.

• 

  June 17, 2019 | Local, Naval

  Canada assumes command of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two

  From: National Defence News release June 17, 2019 – Ottawa – National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces Commodore Josée Kurtz of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) officially assumed command of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) during a change of command ceremony held in Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete on Saturday, June 15. Commodore Josée Kurtz assumed command from Commodore Boudewijn Boots of the Royal Netherlands Navy. This deployment is part of Operation REASSURANCE, and Canada's contribution to NATO regional maritime security operations and assurance measures in the Mediterranean region and the Black Sea. Canada continues to answer the call to serve and contribute to international peace and security. As a founding member of NATO, Canada has demonstrated leadership and will continue to do so under our defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged. Quotes “The appointment of Commodore Josée Kurtz to lead this NATO Maritime Group is a demonstration of the Canadian Armed Forces' professionalism, leadership and strong commitment to NATO and our Allies. Our members are a visible symbol of Canada's commitment to international security and cooperation in the region and around the world.” —Lieutenant-General Mike Rouleau, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command “It is an honour and privilege to take command of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two. Over the next six months, I look forward to working with the highly trained and professional sailors from NATO member nations as we take on the challenges of this mission and work together to strengthen global and regional stability.” —Commodore Josée Kurtz, Commander Standing NATO Maritime Group Two Quick facts Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Toronto is deployed with the Maritime Task Force as part of OP REASSURANCE and is now the flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2). SNMG2 is one of four multinational, high readiness maritime forces composed of vessels from allied countries. These vessels are permanently available to NATO to perform tasks ranging from participation in exercises to operational missions. These groups provide NATO with a continuous maritime capability and help to establish Alliance presence, demonstrate solidarity, conduct routine diplomatic visits and enhance interoperability among Allied naval forces. They also serve as a consistently ready maritime force to support the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force. With Commodore Kurtz's appointment, Canada is currently leading three NATO efforts globally. Since June 2017, the CAF have led a robust multinational rotational NATO Battle Group in Latvia as one of four Framework Nations formed as part of the Alliance's enhanced Forward Presence in the Baltic countries and Poland. Since November 2018, Canada has also led NATO Mission Iraq (NMI), which aims to create the conditions for more effective and sustainable Iraqi security institutions and structures. Commodore Josée Kurtz is an exceptional leader and outstanding role model and her appointment demonstrates Canada's leadership and strong commitment to the Alliance. This commitment to multinational naval leadership follows Canada's recent command of Combined Task Force 150 from December 2018 to April 2019. The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is making significant contributions to security and stability around the globe, and is an agile, fighting force that can be rapidly deployed and flexibly employed. A capable, steadfast partner, our sailors, and ships have a solid reputation and are always ready to help, lead and fight. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2019/06/canada-assumes-command-of-standing-nato-maritime-group-two.html

• 

  January 30, 2019 | Local, Aerospace

  Industry, government, and law enforcement have a responsibility to work together to protect aircraft and airports from drones

  New Advisory Bulletin on drone-related disruption to aircraft operations published Montreal, 28 January 2019 – Airports Council International (ACI) World has today published an Advisory Bulletin to help airports address the risks posed by drone-related disruption to aircraft operations. ACI World believes that, while regulators and police will likely be the authority in addressing both enforcement and the preparation of anti-drone measures, all industry stakeholders must work with the relevant agencies to take action to protect the safety of aircraft operations. The recent disruption caused by the reported drone sightings at London Gatwick Airport – and recent temporary cessation of some operations at London Heathrow Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport following reported sightings of a drone – are the most widely-publicised of a series of incidents which have created debate about the best approach to preparing for – and dealing with – drone-related issues. ACI's latest Advisory Bulletin proposes that airports lead the discussion and work closely with national authorities and local law enforcement agencies to develop a risk-based approach to dealing with the risks of drone incursions. This approach should take into account the impact on aircraft operations and available mitigation measures including anti-drone actions. “The recent drone-related disruption at airports in Europe, and their potential impact on airport safety and operations, have raised significant questions for airport operators around the world on their preparedness to handle situations like this,” ACI World Director General Angela Gittens said. “The highest authority for enforcement activities and initiating anti-drone measures will clearly be the relevant national authority, such as the Civil Aviation Authority in the case of the UK, and local law enforcement agencies. “It is incumbent on all industry stakeholders, however, to take action to protect the safety of aircraft operations in coordination with these agencies. Airport operators should be aware of national laws and regulations pertaining to drones, with an understanding that these may reside outside of civil aviation.” The Advisory Bulletin lays out actions that an airport could take to lead the discussion with governments, regulators and law enforcement agencies to strengthen anti-drone measures and mitigations; they include: Coordinating with national authorities on the creation of bylaws governing the operation of drones in the vicinity of the airport Identifying geographic boundaries of “No Drone Zones” (no fly zones for drones) on and in the vicinity of the airport, especially approach and take-off flight paths Coordinating with authorities on regulations and obtaining guidance on the requirements for airports to implement anti-drone technologies Reviewing its assessment of the security risks associated with the malicious use of drones as part of the airport Security Risk Assessment Establishing means to suppress/neutralize unauthorized drones within the airport boundary especially adjacent to runways and flight paths, and agreeing which agency is responsible for areas outside the airport boundary or not on the airport operator Ensuring that any new anti-drone measures do not create unintended safety hazards and unmitigated risks to other manned aircraft, authorized drones and aviation infrastructures, and Establishing a Concept of Operations and Standard Operating Procedure for anti-drone measures based on advice from the national authorities. ACI World has requested that members share their experience and lessons learnt on anti-drone measures and drone related incidents so that relevant practices can be adopted across the industry. Notes for editors Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world's airports, was founded in 1991 with the objective of fostering cooperation among its member airports and other partners in world aviation, including the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Air Transport Association and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2019, ACI serves 646 members, operating 1,960 airports in 176 countries. ACI World's Advisory Bulletin – Airport preparedness – Drone related disruption to aircraft operations – has now been published. ACI has issued an Advisory Bulletin in July 2016 and a Policy Paper on Drones in July 2018. https://aci.aero/news/2019/01/28/industry-government-and-law-enforcement-have-a-responsibility-to-work-together-to-protect-aircraft-and-airports-from-drones/