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The company wants the aviation public to know that product support for the estimated fleet of the 2,000 aircraft still in service remains robust.

Ukraine is free to use Canadian-donated tanks and armoured vehicles inside Russia, the Department of National Defence said Thursday.

The national capital was examined as a permanent base for new CC-330 Husky refueling planes, but was ultimately rejected, documents show.

The Liberal government's recent internal budget cutting exercise at the Department of National Defence (DND) has deprived the army's system for maintaining equipment and vehicles of up to $150 million, CBC News has learned.

News release Digital Harbour Phase 2 and new vessel tracking challenge support innovation in maritime technology August 12, 2024 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) / National Defence High quality data, and the platforms necessary to collect and analyze that data, are key to enabling public and private organizations in the marine sector to make informed decisions. The Government of Canada is investing to support innovation, research and commercialization across marine sectors.   Support for marine sector innovation Today, Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour, announced a total Government of Canada investment of $3,196,647 for two data-related projects at COVE. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, and the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence. A non-repayable contribution of $586,807 through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program will help COVE design, implement and launch phase two of its Digital Harbour Initiative. Digital Harbour uses an integrated system of sensors to collect and analyze marine data to help users make important operational, logistical, security and lifesaving decisions in real time. Phase two will develop the necessary digital infrastucture to collect data on a larger scale. An additional $2,609,840 in federal support through Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) and ACOA will support the launch of a vessel tracking challenge in partersnhip with COVE. This two-year challenge will give small- to medium-size businesses access to DRDC underwater acoustic sensors in the Halifax Harbour to help them develop innovative solutions to detect, classify and track vessels under a variety of conditions. Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to drive innovation, create jobs and strengthen the region’s growing ocean economy. Quotes “We are leading the way in marine research and tech here in Atlantic Canada. Through great partnerships between ACOA, Defence Research and Development Canada and COVE, we are helping companies access the tools they need to make breakthroughs and create jobs and opportunities for people in our region.” - The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA "Improving maritime surveillance is a key priority under Canada’s updated defence policy, Our North Strong and Free. Today’s announcement will strengthen COVE’s ability to find innovative solutions to the security challenges faced by Canada and its Allies. We are pleased to partner with COVE – a valuable partner to Defence Research and Development Canada, and a member of the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) network.” - The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence “Big things are happening in Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, and COVE, a one-of-kind innovation hub in the marine tech sector is playing a significant role in our region’s success. A real jewel in Halifax Harbour, COVE is helping start-ups, companies of all sizes, research institutions, and government work together to expedite innovation, competitiveness, and development of various ocean technologies. By investing in projects like the Digital Harbour Initiative and the vessel tracking challenge, we are helping develop talent, improve supply chain opportunities, and build the entrepreneurial ecosystems needed to foster more ocean start-ups.” -Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour  “Our partnership with ACOA is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving marine innovation. Together, along with partners like Defence Research and Development Canada, we are building a robust ecosystem that leverages cutting-edge data technology to advance the marine sector. This support not only enhances our ability to innovate but also strengthens the global competitiveness and sustainability of Canadian small and medium enterprises.” -Melanie Nadeau, Chief Executive Officer, COVE Quick facts COVE is an innovation hub and home to more than 60 marine tech companies and organizations that are creating the world’s next practical, commercial and revolutionary marine tech advances and more than 350 through its programs.  The Digital Harbour Initiative, launched in January 2023, provides data collection, storage and transmission infrastructure, insights related to collected data, infrastructure for testing of products and other services, and access to real-time and historical data to support research and industry activities.   In June, at the 2024 H2O Home To Overseas Conference in Halifax, DRDC challenged small- to medium-size companies to take on the vessel tracking challenge. Innovators will be able to apply to join this challenge through Innovative Solutions Canada this fall. DRDC is funding the vessel tracking program at $2,381,634 (non-repayable), through ACOA. This vessel tracking challenge is part of DRDC’s future Maritime Surveillance program, to support NORAD modernization through science and technology. ACOA is providing an additional $228,206 non-repayable contribution to the challenge through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program. Associated links COVE COVE partners with CarteNav to digitalize Halifax Harbour - COVE (coveocean.com) Digital Harbour Initiative Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence Funding for Continental Defence and NORAD Modernization Defence Research and Development Canada Regional Economic Growth through Innovation https://www.canada.ca/en/atlantic-canada-opportunities/news/2024/08/investment-in-real-time-data-propels-marine-research.html

“Canada’s environment provides unique challenges,” an RCAF briefing noted, including frigid temperatures and satellite coverage limits.

News release August 12, 2024 – Bagotville, Quebec – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Today, Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, announced the beginning of construction on a new Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) facility at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Bagotville.  This facility will enable Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members to posture and deploy Canada’s incoming fleet of CF-35A fighter jets in a flight-ready state in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) operations. The new 7,400 m2 QRA facility at CFB Bagotville will include aircraft hangar bays, office space and sleeping quarters for personnel, and a 17,000 m2 secure fenced compound surrounding the facility. Once completed, it will help CAF personnel support Canada and the NORAD mission and quickly respond to any threats in North American airspace.   Construction is estimated at approximately $120 million and will sustain more than 600 jobs in the region. The facility is expected to be completed in 2027. The design and construction contract has been awarded to Pomerleau Inc of Lévis, QC.  This investment is part of Canada’s $38.6 billion NORAD Modernization Plan, announced by the Government of Canada in June 2022. This represents the most significant upgrade to Canada's NORAD capabilities in almost four decades. In particular, the QRA facility is part of the NORAD Modernization Plan’s Defence of Canada Infrastructure Project (DCFI), which commits funding to upgrade fighter infrastructure and NORAD QRA capabilities at bases across Canada to operationalize and employ the CF-35A for continental defence. This project will provide Canadian Armed Forces personnel with the infrastructure they need to support the NORAD mission, including Operation NOBLE EAGLE, which deters, detects, and defeats potential threats to U.S. and Canadian airspace 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Quotes “This investment in Bagotville will enable our personnel at the base to plan, posture, and deploy our new fleet of CF-35A fighters rapidly and effectively. Today’s milestone is a clear sign of Canada’s commitment to modernizing our NORAD infrastructure and capabilities in support of the continental defence mission. In close collaboration with our American allies, our government will continue to make the necessary investments to protect North America as our continent faces new security challenges.” The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence “For decades, NORAD has ensured the defence of North American aerospace. Today, we are reaffirming our commitment to this unique binational command, and investing in new infrastructure so that Canadian Armed Forces members can effectively deploy fifth-generation fighter jets in support of NORAD’s mission. Our government will continue to invest in new military infrastructure that supports the combat power of the Canadian Armed Forces.” Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence  Quick facts NORAD ensures U.S. and Canadian aerospace control, to include air defense operations, through a network of alert fighters, tankers, airborne early warning aircraft, rotary wing air interceptors, and ground-based air defense assets cued by interagency and defense radars. By using this network of sensors, NORAD detects airborne objects approaching North America and conducts its air defense mission by tracking, identifying, and taking appropriate actions. Appropriate actions may include, but are not limited to, monitoring a track, scrambling fighters to intercept and identify an approaching aircraft, and/or escorting an aircraft through an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) or a Temporary Flight Restriction Area. In June 2022, the Minister of National Defence announced funding for Canada's continental defence capabilities, including to modernize the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD). This represents the most significant upgrade to Canada's NORAD capabilities in almost four decades. NORAD modernization will ensure that the CAF can sustain a strong military presence across the country, including in Canada’s North, through investments in infrastructure and support capabilities. The two main operating bases for Canada’s fighter aircraft are 4 Wing Cold Lake and 3 Wing Bagotville. As announced in January 2023, Canada is acquiring a new fleet of 88 F-35 aircraft, which will be known as the CF-35A by the Royal Canadian Air Force. 36 of the 88 incoming CF-35As will be stationed at 3 Wing Bagotville, and the remaining (52) will be stationed at 4 Wing Cold Lake. CFB Bagotville opened in 1951 as a training base for the squadrons serving with the Canadian Division in Europe to support the air defence operations of the newly formed Canadian and American forces (which became NORAD in 1958). Following the September 11, 2001, attacks, NORAD established Operation NOBLE EAGLE. Operation NOBLE EAGLE is the name given to all North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) aerospace warning, control, and defense missions in North America. Through Operation NOBLE EAGLE, NORAD deters, detects, and defeats potential threats to U.S. and Canadian airspace 24/7/365. CAF personnel at 3 Wing Bagotville continue to play a critical NORAD role in helping monitor and respond to potential threats.  A modified design-build approach is being used for this project. This means that the project’s design and construction have both been awarded to one successful bidder under one single contract, as opposed to the traditional method, which contracts separately for design and construction. The facility will be constructed to LEED Silver standards and will use energy efficient options wherever possible. By modernizing and greening our defence infrastructure, we are supporting the needs of a modern military, while reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and saving on energy costs.  Through our updated Defence Policy—Our North, Strong and Free—Canada is building on its 2022 NORAD Modernization Plan, with a slate of new equipment and infrastructure that will strengthen our capabilities to defend Canada and North America, such as modernized infrastructure and a new fleet of airborne early warning aircraft. Canada’s efforts to bolster domestic and continental defence, including by modernizing NORAD, are also contributions to strengthening NATO’s Western Flank, and will ensure North America remains a safe base from which we can deploy forces in support of Allies and partners.

News release 45-day consultation on economic security open until September 23 August 9, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada Supply chain disruptions, rising protectionism and unfair trade practices can undermine Canada’s access to international trade markets, compromise our supply chains and harm our national security. They can also hurt Canadian competitiveness, jobs and economic prosperity. Canada is continuously looking to promote resiliency and a level playing field while ensuring its economy remains competitive and secure. Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, announced the launch of public consultations on potential new measures to advance and defend Canada’s economic security interests. The consultations, which will be held over 45 days from August 9, 2024 to September 23, 2024, will help assess whether Canada has the best tools to promote economic prosperity and resilience. As a trading nation, Canada’s prosperity relies on a system of rules and institutions that provides predictability and stability for international trade and investment. Canada remains firmly committed to supporting an open, fair and inclusive rules-based international trade system. To participate in these consultations, please read the privacy notice statement and send your written submission to the email address indicated on the consultations web page before September 23, 2024. Canada also launched on July 2, 2024, consultations on potential policy responses to unfair Chinese trade practices in electric vehicles (EV). This was a separate consultation led by the Department of Finance Canada. The consultations closed on August 1, 2024. Quotes “We are engaging with Canadians to ensure that our economy remains strong and secure in the face of policies and practices that can undermine our competitiveness and prosperity. We are seeking Canadians’ views on ways in which we can improve our economic security toolkit to advance Canada’s growth and defend its economic interests.” - Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Related products Public consultations on potential new measures to advance and defend Canada’s economic security interests Privacy notice: Public consultations on potential new measures to advance and defend Canada’s economic security interests https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2024/08/launch-of-public-consultations-on-potential-new-measures-to-advance-and-defend-canadas-economic-security-interests.html

Statement August 8, 2024 – Vancouver, B.C. – National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence of Canada, and the Honourable Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia, released a joint statement following their bilateral meeting. Statement 1. Canada and Australia enjoy a partnership based on shared history, values and friendship. Facing an increasingly complicated strategic environment, we commit to strengthen our defence relationship and reinforce our collective ability to respond to global challenges. 2. We commit to enhancing the interoperability of our armed forces. We will explore ways to reduce barriers to collaboration, including through arrangements to facilitate value-added defence and industrial activities and to support operational cooperation. We will reinforce collaboration in space, cyber, research and development, advanced capabilities, and science and technology. We remain committed to the Five Eyes partnership. Increased Military Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific 3. As Indo-Pacific nations, we support a region that is peaceful, stable, prosperous, which includes respect for sovereignty and adherence to international law. We underscored the need for all countries to manage strategic competition responsibly and work to reduce the risks of conflict. We commit to deepen our operational cooperation, including by exploring opportunities to conduct joint sails, cooperative deployments, and multilateral exercises and training.  4. Australia welcomes Canada’s increased defence presence throughout the Indo-Pacific region, as outlined in Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. Since the release of this strategy, Canada has increased its annual naval deployments and defence engagement throughout the region, creating additional opportunities for joint training in all domains. Canada welcomes the focus on the Indo-Pacific in Australia’s National Defence Strategy. 5. We continue to enhance our interoperability through participation in multilateral exercises, including in the South China Sea. Australia welcomes the involvement of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Vancouver in Exercise KAKADU next month, and plans for a follow-on ship re-armament activity, which will demonstrate the ability to provide logistics support to regional operations. Australia welcomes Canada’s participation in Exercise TALISMAN SABRE in 2025 and similar future exercises. Global Security 6. As the strategic environments of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific deteriorate we recognize developments in one region directly impact security in the other. We value Australia’s contribution to NATO as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner, which supports an integrated response to global challenges. We welcome the flagship projects NATO launched with its Indo-Pacific partners during the NATO Summit in July 2024, which address shared challenges such as cyber defence, hybrid threats, and resilience. 7. We reiterate our support for a sovereign and independent Ukraine, and our unequivocal condemnation of Russia’s illegal, unjustified, and full-scale invasion. We remain committed to supporting Ukraine to end the war on its own terms. We remain gravely concerned over the increased military cooperation between Russia and North Korea and call on all those with influence on Russia, particularly China, to exert it now to end the war. 8. Canada and Australia are concerned by China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea that are inconsistent with international law. We also emphasize the importance of all states’ ability to exercise rights and freedoms, including freedom of navigation and overflight, in a manner that is consistent with international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We reiterate our strong opposition to destabilizing or coercive actions in the South China Sea, including dangerous maneuvers and the militarization of disputed features. We express grave concern over China’s dangerous actions against Philippine vessels near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. These actions jeopardize regional peace, stability, and prosperity. We reaffirmed the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award as final and binding on the parties and noted all states have a responsibility to adhere to international law. We are encouraged by the Philippine’s and China’s diplomatic engagement and commitment to de-escalate tensions. 9. We reaffirm the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and our opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo. We call for the peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue without the threat or use of force or coercion. 10. We recognize the importance of the United Nations Command in securing lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. We condemn North Korea’s destabilizing launches using ballistic missile technology and its pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. We are concerned by North Korea’s malicious cyber activity. We support international efforts to monitor North Korea’s sanctions evasion activities. 11. We reaffirm our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the protection of civilians, the release of all hostages, and a sustained increase in the flow of assistance to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation. We reiterate our call on all parties to the conflict to agree to a comprehensive ceasefire deal. We are gravely concerned about the recent escalation of rhetoric and attacks across the Israel-Lebanon border as well as the prospect of further escalation which could destabilize the entire region. We support all diplomatic efforts to calm tensions and continue to urge de-escalation and restraint. Common Platforms and Capability Development 12. Australia and Canada are making significant investments to bolster our defence capabilities in our national defence strategies. We will explore opportunities for mutual learning and training to increase the interoperability and skillset of military members on shared platforms, such as the F-35 fighter aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and our new warship classes based on the Type 26 frigate design of BAE Systems. 13. We recognize operational effectiveness is underpinned by the strength of our cooperation in science, technology, and capability development. We are prioritizing overcoming challenges to the research, development, procurement, and fielding of advanced military capabilities to maintain our technological edge and support regional stability and security. We look forward to further collaboration in that regard, and recognize Canada’s interest in collaborating on advanced capability projects under AUKUS Pillar II. 14. We will continue addressing challenges collaboratively through the combination of our innovation ecosystems. This will help to maintain our collective technological lead in cyber, autonomous systems, quantum technologies, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, space, defence against hypersonic and advanced cruise missiles, and undersea warfare. Cyber and Space 15. We recognize malicious cyber threats and activities have increased in sophistication and scale. We reaffirm efforts to bolster our operational collaboration to address emerging cyber threats through the Five Eyes partnership, and we commit to deepening our cyber cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners. 16. As members of the Combined Space Operations Initiative and Operation Olympic Defender, we remain committed to a secure and stable space domain. We will continue to improve the coordination of space operations and interoperability of space capabilities, assure access to space, and promote the responsible, lawful, and sustainable use of the space domain. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2024/08/joint-statement-on-strengthening-the-canada-australia-defence-relationship.html