January 25, 2023 | Local, Land
Canada prepares to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine
The Canadian Forces is looking at sending Leopard tanks to Ukraine but is still examining exact numbers it can donate, National Defence and industry sources…
December 14, 2018 | Local, Naval
Trade tribunal puts frigate program back on track
Murray Brewster · CBC News
The federal government's plan to award to a group of companies led by Lockheed Martin Canada the contract to design and support the construction of the navy's new frigates has been — nominally — put back on track.
The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) has rescinded an order, issued late last month, that prevented the signing of the deal.
The decision to reverse course was made Monday after Public Services and Procurement Canada "certified in writing that the ... procurement is urgent and that a delay in awarding the contract would be contrary to the public interest," according to a copy of the ruling.
The decision opens the way for the government to finalize the contract, which is still under negotiation.
The Lockheed Martin Canada-led team was selected in October as the preferred bidder after a nearly two-year-long competition to select an off-the-shelf design for the 15 new warships that eventually will replace the navy's frigates.
One of the competitors, Alion, asked the CITT to investigate the procurement deal, saying the preferred warship design will need substantial changes and doesn't meet the navy's requirements as spelled out in the government tender.
The company also has asked the Federal Court in a separate filing for a judicial review of the long-awaited decision. That case is still pending.
The federal government hopes to be able to sign a contract this winter.
The order to postpone implementing a deal could have had a devastating impact on the $60 billion program, which already has suffered a series of delays.
One of the biggest concerns involved an anticipated production slowdown at the go-to shipyard for warship construction, Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax.
The federal government is expecting gap of, possibly, 18 months between the completion of the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships and the beginning of construction on the new frigates, known as Canadian Surface Combatants.
The Liberal government has attempted to mitigate the slowdown by confirming the construction of six Arctic patrol ships. Further delays to the new frigates would have made that worse.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trade-tribunal-puts-frigate-program-back-on-track-1.4941507
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January 23, 2023 | Local, Aerospace
Parliamentary budget officer to examine Liberal government decision to buy F-35
PBO Yves Giroux sent a letter to Defence Minister Anita Anand on Jan. 16 outlining the data he is requesting from her department.
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July 22, 2022 | Local, Aerospace
Establishment of 3 Canadian Space Division
July 22, 2022 – Ottawa – Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Today, Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and Brigadier-General Mike Adamson, Commander of 3 Canadian Space Division, participated in a ceremony that marked the establishment of the RCAF's newest Division - 3 Canadian Space Division, at National Defence Headquarters Carling in Ottawa, Ontario. 3 Canadian Space Division is an evolution from the RCAF's Director General Space organization. As the responsibility for space operations has steadily grown over the last decade, the space-focussed team within the RCAF has been re-organized to meet this expanded scope. Building on the space initiatives outlined in Canada's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the establishment of 3 Canadian Space Division recognizes the critical importance of space in all Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operations and day-to-day activities, and is a step forward in protecting Canadian interests in space. This newest RCAF Division will streamline, focus, and improve how space-based capabilities support critical CAF requirements such as communications, command and control, navigation, weather and situational awareness. The RCAF will remain the functional authority for space for the CAF. Quotes “As the international security environment becomes increasingly complex, space is a critical domain for our national security. The establishment of 3 Canadian Space Division marks an important step forward in our work to build a cutting-edge, innovative military that can anticipate and act in response to tomorrow's threats. We salute the members of the Royal Canadian Air Force for their continued excellence within the space domain.” The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence “Space-based capabilities are vital to modern military operations and as such, space must be integrated across the Canadian Armed Forces and steeped in our operational planning. The establishment of 3 Canadian Space Division marks another step forward in growing the space expertise and capabilities we depend on to successfully and effectively conduct operations.” General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff “The space domain is of critical importance, now more than ever, when considering its role in guiding military operations and enabling a vast range of day-to-day activities for Canadians. The establishment of 3 Canadian Space Division enables the Royal Canadian Air Force to ensure we have the right organizational structure to continually deliver spaced-based effects across the CAF, while also ensuring we are aligned with our allies who have established similar Space Commands.” Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger, Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force “It is with great pride and humility that I command 3 Canadian Space Division on behalf of the many dedicated women and men who have long recognized the importance of the space domain to military operations. This is a team that works with endless commitment and enthusiasm to support the Canadian Armed Forces. I know these dedicated space specialists will continue to blaze trails, now and into the future.” Brigadier-General Mike Adamson, Commander, 3 Canadian Space Division Quick facts 3 Canadian Space Division is projected to employ approximately 175 military and civilian personnel once fully grown in the next few years. This is an increase of 85 positions from Director General Space and is synchronized with growth that is supported by the defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. The establishment of 3 Canadian Space Division will also include the re-establishment of 7 Wing, which will comprise 7 Space Operations Squadron and 7 Operations Support Squadron. 7 Wing will provide space-based data and capabilities in support of CAF operations. The CAF's space-based capabilities are used to deliver communications, command and control, navigation, weather, and situational awareness in support of military operations and activities. Such activities can include search and rescue, monitoring Canada's maritime approaches to reinforce Arctic sovereignty, support to NORAD operations, and support to decision-making in overseas operations. Canada's commitment to the Combined Space Operations Initiative continues to be a priority for 3 Canadian Space Division. This agreement includes Australia, France, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, and provides opportunities to enhance cooperation on defence space activities. Associated links The Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Joint and Combined Space Program Royal Canadian Air Force Facebook Page Royal Canadian Air Force Twitter Page Contacts Media Relations Department of National Defence Phone: 613-904-3333 Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2022/07/establishment-of-3-canadian-space-division.html