Russian aggression and cyber-warfare key issues for Canada to confront: Sajjan

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  December 30, 2019 | Local, Aerospace

  Canadian surveillance satellite system now operational

  DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN Canada's RADARSAT Constellation Mission is now operational and federal government departments will start receiving data from the surveillance and earth observation satellites. The RADARSAT Constellation Mission, or RCM, was launched June 12 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The constellation of three satellites will provide daily images of Canada's territory and maritime approaches, as well as images of the Arctic, up to four times a day, according to the Canadian Space Agency. It will have daily access to 90 per cent of the world's surface. The RCM is also equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS), allowing improved detection and tracking of ships, including those conducting illegal fishing, the CSA noted. The constellation is orbiting Earth at an altitude of 600 km. Each of the satellites has a life expectancy of seven years. The Canadian government owns the satellites. The three spacecraft were assembled in the Montreal area by the prime contractor MDA. Over a dozen federal government departments and agencies will use RCM images. It is estimated that the Canadian government will use approximately 250,000 images from the satellite constellation every year. That represents a fiftyfold increase from the days of the first RADARSAT-1 system, according to the Canadian government. The majority of the data transmitted from RCM is expected to be used by the Canadian Forces and the Department of National Defence. RCM follows the highly successful RADARSAT-1, launched by NASA in 1995, and RADARSAT-2, put into orbit by the Russians in 2007. Initial work on RCM began in 2005. The project cost an estimated $975 million. The RCM project was led by the Canadian Space Agency and supported by its principal users: the Department of National Defence, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Public Safety Canada. https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/canadian-surveillance-satellite-system-now-operational

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  December 7, 2018 | Local, Aerospace

  Pénurie de pilotes : le casse-tête des forces armées canadiennes

  Les conclusions du rapport du vérificateur général soulignant une pénurie de pilotes militaires au Canada résonnent particulièrement au Manitoba, où la formation initiale des pilotes des Forces armées canadiennes est donnée et supervisée. Un texte de Pierre Verrière Il est difficile de parler de l'Aviation royale canadienne sans évoquer le Manitoba. Pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale, les pilotes de tout le Commonwealth venaient y suivre leur formation avant d'être déployés en Europe. Depuis 1992, la troisième École de pilotage des Forces canadiennes située à Portage-la-Prairie, à une heure de Winnipeg, assure la formation de base des pilotes canadiens. Enfin, c'est à Winnipeg qu'est situé le quartier général de la 2e Division aérienne du Canada, responsable de l'instruction des pilotes. Or, ce sont justement ces pilotes qui font gravement défaut, selon le vérificateur général du Canada. Ce dernier met notamment l'accent sur les pilotes de chasse. Selon le vérificateur, il en manque plus du tiers pour satisfaire aux exigences opérationnelles. Parmi les raisons évoquées, on compte le rythme auquel les pilotes quittent l'aviation, qui est plus rapide que celui auquel elle peut en former de nouveaux. Entre avril 2016 et mars 2018, l'Aviation royale canadienne a ainsi perdu 40 pilotes de chasse qualifiés et en a formé seulement 30 nouveaux. Ce problème n'est cependant pas nouveau ni étranger pour les responsables de la formation des pilotes. Article complet: https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1139188/penurie-pilotes-forces-armees-canadiennes-manitoba

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  October 2, 2019 | Local, Security

  Liberty Defense to test HEXWAVE at Toronto Pearson

  Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd., a leading concealed weapons detection solutions company, announced that it has signed a collaboration agreement with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) to beta test HEXWAVE. GTAA operates Toronto Pearson International Airport in Mississauga, west of Toronto in Ontario. Toronto Pearson is Canada's largest airport facility, welcoming 49.5 million passengers in 2018 alone. Toronto Pearson will be the first airport to partner with Liberty to test HEXWAVE. “Aviation security has been a key driver of the development of new security technologies and services globally, helping travelers to feel safe in an ever-changing threat environment,” said Bill Riker, CEO of Liberty Defense. HEXWAVE uses 3D radar imaging and artificial intelligence, primarily to detect and identify weapons, as well as other threats and anomalies. It enables security teams to detect these threats at the perimeter of a property without obstructing the movement of large groups of people. HEXWAVE enables a layered defense strategy, which provides security teams with more time to manage threats. “It is not our intention to replace the existing security measures in airports, but to extend the security perimeter of aviation facilities by providing security between the curb and airport gate, which is a great example of how a layered defense approach can be implemented. Furthermore, HEXWAVE's ability to operate in both indoor and outdoor environments further enables the security parameter be expanded, in combination with its modular and scalable design, which will help make transportation infrastructure, such as airports, safer,” added Riker. “The GTAA is committed to a proactive security philosophy that stays ahead of emerging threats across our aviation infrastructure to minimize risk for passengers, employees and property. We track emerging technologies with the goal of balancing our operational security needs with overall customer service to make moving through Toronto Pearson a positive experience,” said Dwayne Macintosh, Director of Corporate Safety and Security for the GTAA. This beta testing phase is a key part of HEXWAVE's development process. The incremental testing of the system in actual facilities can help to ensure that the product is aligned with market requirements. “HEXWAVE caught my attention with its capability to detect both metallic and non-metallic objects and the flexibility for its deployment across the airport. We work with our partners to evaluate their products and evaluate how they can complement our operational reality. We're excited to work with Liberty Defense to see how we can make HEXWAVE a success at Toronto Pearson,” added Macintosh. This beta testing phase is a key part of HEXWAVE's development process. Testing the system in operational and diverse facilities can help to ensure that it is aligned to market requirements. Beta testing is expected to begin later in 2019 and progress into 2020. Liberty will also beta test HEXWAVE at FC Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena in Germany, Rogers Arena in Vancouver, B.C., Maryland Stadium Authority's Camden Yards Complex, in the state of Utah, with the Virginia Division of Capitol Police, in Sleiman shopping centers, in a Hindu temple, and in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. https://www.skiesmag.com/press-releases/liberty-defense-to-test-hexwave-at-toronto-pearson