The Prime Minister announces changes in the senior ranks of the Public Service

On the same subject

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  April 24, 2023 | Local, Aerospace

  DND expands contract for SAR lifesaving technology - Skies Mag

  The Canadian Department of National Defence has extended its use of CENTUM?s Lifeseeker for Royal Canadian Air Force search-and-rescue operations.

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  January 23, 2019 | Local, Naval

  Canadian navy pressing ahead on life extensions for submarines

  By Lee Berthiaume, The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The Department of National Defence is pushing ahead with plans to extend the lives of Canada's submarine fleet, with the head of the navy hoping some work will start in the coming months. The movement comes as countries around the world have stepped up investments in their submarine and anti-submarine fleets to protect their waters — and operate in waters not under their control. Canada's four Victoria-class submarines have a troubled history since they were bought second-hand from Britain in 1998, with successive governments investing hundreds of millions of dollars in constant repairs and upgrades. But in an interview with The Canadian Press, Royal Canadian Navy commander Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd said the diesel-powered submarines — HMCS Chicoutimi, Victoria, Corner Brook and Windsor — have finally turned a corner. Lloyd specifically pointed to HMCS Chicoutimi's having recently spent 197 days in the Pacific and Asia even as HMCS Windsor was patrolling the Mediterranean with NATO as proof the submarines are living up to their potential. "The fact we had two boats concurrently deployed, if that doesn't speak to the success of the program, I don't know what does," said Lloyd, who will retire from the military later this year after three years as navy commander. The clock has been ticking on the four vessels: without upgrades, the first of the submarines will reach the end of its life in 2022, according to documents obtained through access to information, while the last will retire in 2027. But the Liberals' defence policy promised to extend the lives of the vessels and Lloyd said defence officials are now working through the details to make sure they can continue to operate into the 2030s. More extensive work is expected to start in about three or four years but Lloyd said efforts are underway to start implementing some minor upgrades by March. Exactly how much upgrading all four submarines will cost remains uncertain, but Lloyd said the figure that officials are working with is about $2 billion. Some experts have previously called for Canada to consider new submarines, rather than extending the lives of the ones it has, but the government has said upgrading the Victoria-class ships is more "prudent." Other experts have said the country doesn't need such expensive vessels. But many other countries around the world are investing in submarine and antisubmarine fleets. NATO has specifically raised concerns about Russian submarines in the North Atlantic, while Canadian frigate commanders patrolling in the Atlantic and Mediterranean have reported more foreign submarines in recent years. "The most proliferated weapon system right now on the planet are submarines," Lloyd said. "They by themselves can impact the outcome of a battle space. And so putting a submarine into a body of water instantly changes the calculus that are currently operating in those bodies of water." Aside from upgrading its submarines, the Canadian military has started to return to its Cold War role as a leader in antisubmarine warfare in the North Atlantic by upgrading its frigates and maritime patrol planes and adding new maritime helicopters. — Follow @leeberthiaume on Twitter. Lee Berthiaume, The Canadian Press https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2019/01/22/canadian-navy-pressing-ahead-on-life-extensions-for-submarines/#.XEjDzVxKiUl

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  August 13, 2019 | Local, Aerospace

  Rotor Maxx Support Ltd. acquires Canadian CH-124 Sea Kings

  Rotor Maxx Support Limited (RMS) is the successful bidder on the Canadian CH-124 Sea King (Sikorsky SH-3) competitive sales process. RMS recognizes what the aircraft need in order to have a viable future and will be upgrading/modernizing them in order to improve flight safety, increase performance and enhance operational reliability before making them available to both military and non-military customers. Already a world leader in all aspects of support for the S61/H-3 series helicopter, RMS is well prepared for the work that lies ahead. The 15 CH-124s will complement RMS's current fleet of eight civilian S61s and allow for expansion of its existing aircraft leasing/sale and total aircraft support (TAS) programs. The acquisition includes a significant inventory of parts, tooling and equipment which, when added to RMS's already comprehensive stock, will contribute extensively to the TAS program included with each aircraft delivery. RMS recognizes that many Canadian companies have equipment, systems and modifications already available or nearing availability to the global aerospace market that could be applied to their modernization program and looks forward to working with any company whose participation adds Canadian content to the finished product. The S61/H-3 has been, and continues to be, exceedingly popular with both military and civilian operations worldwide, so not surprisingly, RMS is already receiving interest from eligible foreign parties. While contact information for all departments can be found on the RMS website, enquiries regarding the CH-124 program (including employment opportunities) should be directed to RMS's CEO, Mike Wiggins. https://www.skiesmag.com/press-releases/rotor-maxx-support-ltd-acquires-canadian-ch-124-sea-kings/