A dedicated team is being created to start the process, which is sure to be the beginning of a controversial debate around the need for the vessels in the Canadian Navy.
https://globalnews.ca/news/8026392/royal-canadian-navy-replacing-submarine-fleet/
September 27, 2021 | Local, Aerospace, C4ISR
AN/APG-79(V)4 radars are part of a badly needed upgrade package for Canada's legacy Hornets as the country continues to struggle to buy new fighters.
March 15, 2019 | Local, Aerospace
DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN The Defence department's procurement chief says the Royal Canadian Air Force might not need the seven used Australian F-18 aircraft being purchased for parts afterall. Canada is buying 25 used F-18s from Australia, with 18 of those to be flown and seven to be either stripped down for parts or used for testing. The aircraft to be flown will augment the existing RCAF CF-18 fleet until a new generation fighter jet can be purchased. But Pat Finn, the Department of National Defence's Assistant Deputy Minister for Materiel, said there may be no need for the seven F-18s. “The seven, whether or not we actually take them at this point, we're still looking at that,” Finn recently told the Commons defence committee. “What we're actually finding is the number of spares that they've been able to provide to us is more than adequate. Rather than take aircraft apart and go through that cost, we're taking the spares. We may not, in fact, at this point look at any of the seven.” It is unclear whether there will be a reduction in the cost of the purchase or the overall project cost if the seven airframes are not acquired. The DND also clarified what is happening with the engines on the Australian F-18s. Rumours have been circulating in the retired military community that the engines are being stripped out of the planes and given back to Australia. “Only the engines from the first two Australian F-18s (four engines total) are being returned to Australia, at their request,” explained DND spokesman Dan Le Bouthillier. “Australia needs those engines to meet their own operational requirements.” In order to take advantage of an advanced delivery date for the first two Australian aircraft, Canada agreed to return those aircraft's engines to Australia, but the plan is to get an equivalent number of engines back at a later date, he added. “Canada has sufficient engines in reserve to support this plan and this will have no impact on operations,” Le Bouthillier stated. “We therefore found this to be a reasonable request, and agreed to it.” https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/rcaf-may-not-need-7-of-the-25-used-australian-f-18s-says-defence-procurement-chief
May 21, 2019 | Local, C4ISR
The Government of Canada awards $500,000 in funding to this highly innovative Greater Montréal business May 21, 2019 – Kirkland, Quebec – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) Reflex Photonics is a leader in the design, manufacturing and marketing of electronic optics and photonic products for the defence, aerospace and telecom sectors, and for data centres. It supplies rugged embedded transceivers for interconnection in harsh environments. This highly innovative company has posted impressive growth in recent years; in 2018, it invested over $2 million in research and development. To help it maintain its momentum, the company has been awarded a $500,000 repayable contribution from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. This financial assistance will allow Reflex Photonics to acquire specialized state-of-the-art equipment, including an error rate tester and analysis software, as well as process automation equipment. The funding was announced today by the Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Louis, Francis Scarpaleggia. Specifically, this Government of Canada assistance will allow Reflex Photonics Inc. to meet the growing demand of prime contractors, increase its production and ensure better quality control of its products. With a total investment of almost $2 million, this project will also result in the creation of high-value jobs that will help increase economic opportunities for the middle class. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovative Canadian businesses. A driving force of the economy, innovation is the key to success because it generates growth that benefits both businesses and communities. This is why we are committed to ensuring that businesses are able to rely on adequate resources to create and market innovative products. Quotes “Support for high-tech companies helps strengthen the Canadian economy, maintain our international competitiveness and generate wealth. High-performing and forward-looking, Reflex Photonics unquestionably contributes to the economic growth of both Montréal and Canada as a whole, and creates jobs for the middle class.” Francis Scarpaleggia, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Louis “Our government gives Canadians the means to become more competitive and to thrive in the global economy. The funding announced today for Reflex Photonics is in line with Canada's competitive advantages generated through this company's expansion project, and will boost economic growth.” The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED “We are privileged to have loyal, passionate and dedicated employees that have contributed immensely to the success of Reflex in the recent years. Certainly, our strategic partners, both clients and suppliers have also been a source of continuous motivation to develop new products and technology with high added value. I am also very honoured to lead Reflex, which is now recognized internationally as a leader in its industry. The investments from our financial partners, as well as the expansion of our head office, allow the company to continue its growth while adapting to the needs of the markets that we service.” Noël Dubé, President and CEO, Reflex Photonics Inc. https://www.canada.ca/en/economic-development-quebec-regions/news/2019/05/reflex-photonics-will-be-able-to-pursue-its-growth.html