September 4, 2019 | Local, Aerospace
THE CANADIAN PRESS
Days after Airbus Defence and Space pulled out of the $19-billion race to replace Canada's aging fighter jets, the only European firm still eligible to compete says it has not decided whether it will.
Saab Canada president Simon Carroll says the Swedish firm is interested in entering its Gripen jet against its two remaining competitors, both of which are from the United States: Boeing's Super Hornet and Lockheed Martin's F-35.
However, Mr. Carroll told The Canadian Press on Tuesday that his company is still analyzing the competition's nitty-gritty details – including a security requirement that forced out two other European jet makers.
All bidders are required to explain by Sept. 20 how they plan to ensure their planes can integrate with the top-secret Canada-U.S. intelligence network known as “Two Eyes,” which is used to co-ordinate the defence of North America.
But in announcing its withdrawal from the competition on Friday, Airbus said meeting the requirement would place “too significant of a cost” on non-U.S. aircraft. French firm Dassault cited the same requirement when it pulled its Rafale jet in November.
“We are still looking at that security assessment side of things from the Two-Eyes perspective,” Mr. Carroll said.
“We don't see any major issues with it as this point in time. Having said that, we're still reviewing everything through the whole [request for proposals] at this point in time and we will reserve the right to make our judgment on whether or not we provide a bid.”
Airbus also raised concerns about changes to a long-standing policy that requires bidders on military contracts to legally commit to invest as much money in Canadian products and operations as they get out of contracts they win.
Bidders can now instead establish “industrial targets,” lay out a plan for achieving those targets and sign non-binding agreements promising to make all efforts to achieve them. Such bids do suffer penalties when the bids are scored, but are not rejected outright.
That change followed U.S. complaints the previous policy violated an agreement Canada signed in 2006 to become one of nine partner countries in developing the F-35. The agreement says companies in the partner countries will compete for work associated with purchases of the planes.
While Saab has previously raised its own concerns about the change, saying it would shortchange Canadian taxpayers and industry, Mr. Carroll said it was “not a hurdle” and that “we think we have a very good offering for what we can offer in Canada.”
Even participating in the competition is not a cheap proposition for fighter-jet makers; while Carroll would not speak to the potential cost to Saab, analysts have previously pegged the cost in the millions of dollars.
While companies are expected to submit their plans to meet the Two Eyes security requirement on Sept. 20, the government has said it will provide feedback and let bidders amend their submissions.
Final bids aren't expected until next winter, with a formal contract signed in 2022. The first plane won't arrive until at least 2025. Successive federal government have been working to replace Canada's CF-18s for more than a decade.
Mr. Carroll praised the government for being transparent as it has worked for years to launch the competition, which followed an aborted attempt between 2010 and 2012 to buy F-35s without a competition.
“We're supportive of the government processes and what they've done moving forward,” he said.
“The transparency from the government has been very good. They've given ample opportunity for us to review documents. They've been very open in saying that these are the dates and these are the times.”
February 13, 2023 | Local, Aerospace
OTTAWA — A model F-35 sits in a place of prominence on the corner of Lt.-Gen. Eric Kenny's desk. The miniature grey aircraft is propped in the air by a plastic stand as if it is flying, and Royal Canadian Air Force markings are visible on its wings.
May 22, 2020 | Local, Aerospace
Unmanned Systems Canada/Systèmes Télécommandés Canada (USC-STC) recently announced that its 18th annual Unmanned Canada Conference and Exhibition will be presented virtually this year, allowing for an even greater variety of keynotes and content from Canadian and international experts – with none of the concerns associated with COVID-19. USC-STC's online conference, UC20Remote, will take place at the same time planned for its physical conference – early November 2020. “Taking UnmannedCanada.20 online will equal or surpass our established tradition of exceptional conference experience and content,” said conference chair Jordan Cicoria. “The virtual venue allows us to bring experts from around the globe together in a way never before possible.” USC-STC's conference committee made the decision after carefully weighing the benefits of offering a virtual conference experience during the COVID-19 era. Those benefits include: The ability to provide an equivalent, high-quality conference experience with our usual high standard of keynotes and speakers; New option to access conference proceedings and materials post-event; Multiple ticket choices during a year when many companies expect to see budgets for travel and conference slashed; Value for sponsors and exhibitors with the virtual exhibition floor. The UC20Remote conference — as with other annual USC-STC events — will gather key providers, thought leaders, and regulators from the unmanned industry around the globe. “We can assure attendees this will be a memorable and high-quality event at price points suitable for every budget,” said USC-STC chair Michael Cohen. “I look forward to welcoming familiar faces — and new ones — for a spectacular online gathering this November.” https://www.skiesmag.com/press-releases/unmanned-systems-canada-announces-uc20remote-virtual-conference
March 27, 2023 | Local, C4ISR
The Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) Quantum Science and Technology Strategy Implementation Plan, known as Quantum 2030, is a roadmap to ensuring DND/CAF is better prepared for the disruptive potential of quantum technologies for defence and security over the next seven years. Examples of the military potential of quantum technologies include positioning, navigation and timing where Global Positioning Systems (GPS) don’t work; sensors to detect chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats; secure communication and code-breaking; and advanced materials and medical research. Research and development into emerging technologies and countermeasures will ensure DND/CAF is prepared to be an early adopter, work with allies and stay ahead of potential adversaries. The implementation plan includes five calls to action for DND/CAF: Identify who is expected to use quantum technologies within DND/CAF; Train personnel for a base level of understanding of quantum, known as quantum literacy; Harmonize quantum investments across DND/CAF; Access state-of-the-art technology through innovation programs; and, Engage industry and academia. Quantum 2030 identifies four promising quantum technologies with defence and security applications and lays out a seven-year plan to develop prototypes ready to be tested in the field by the year 2030. Quantum-enhanced radar Quantum-enhanced light detection and ranging (LiDAR) Quantum algorithms for defence and security Quantum networking The seven-year plan is divided into three phases including recruiting and training personnel, scientific development, and field testing and demonstrations. Quantum 2030 builds on the DND/CAF Quantum Science and Technology Strategy, which was published in January 2021, and aligns with the Government of Canada’s National Quantum Strategy, released in January 2023. Related links: DND / CAF Quantum Science and Technology Strategy National Quantum Strategy https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/reports-publications/overview-quantum-2030.html