7 janvier 2019 | Local, Aérospatial
MONTREAL — President Donald Trump's push to create a U.S. space force is being welcomed by military experts in Canada, and the executive director of one defence think tank says Canada should consider following suit.
"At some point we might like to think about a space force," Matthew Overton, executive director of the Conference of Defence Associations Institute, said in an interview. "Thinking about space as a separate entity in itself that deserves attention and expertise, I think is a good idea."
But it is not something that needs to be done immediately, he added, suggesting Canada should first develop a centre of excellence on space knowledge.
Last month, Trump took a first step toward a space force when he signed an order to create a U.S. Space Command, which pulls together space-related units from across military services into a co-ordinated, independent organization.
The move comes amid growing concerns that China and Russia are working on ways to disrupt, disable or even destroy U.S. satellites.
The U.S. air force has operated a space command since 1982, and its mission is "to provide resilient, defendable and affordable space capabilities for the air force." It also operates the mysterious X-37B space plane, known simply as its orbital test vehicle. The unmanned plane has already completed four clandestine missions, carrying classified payloads on long-duration flights.
Overton, who served in the Canadian Forces for 39 years, noted that Canada's Air Force already has a space component. It is led by Brigadier General Kevin Whale, Director General Space. Its mission, a spokesman said by email, is "to maintain space domain awareness, and to develop, deliver and assure space-based capabilities."
Overton said Trump's space force makes a lot of sense, but he expects there will be tension as the new entity gets down to work with other branches of the military. He gave the example of the GPS network, which is crucial for land, air and sea forces, but could become a space force responsibility.
"What is the relationship with other forces? How do you work out that dynamic?""
Wayne Ellis, who served in the Canadian military for 20 years, agrees that a U.S. space force is a good idea.
"I think there's enough activity and potential activity to concentrate resources in that domain, which probably merits a separation from the air force," Ellis, a past president of the Canadian Space Society, said in an interview.
"Perhaps now is a good opportunity to look at a totally separate branch — at least for the U.S."
He noted that Canadian military personnel have worked side by side with the U.S. military for decades. "A lot of these positions are actually space positions at various bases so, at some point, our posted personnel are going to be interacting with the U.S. space force as it gets set up," he added.
James Bezan, the Conservative defence critic, said he wants to see more details about the space capabilities Americans envision.
"For Canada, my sense is that we need to watch this and see how it evolves," he said. Before Canada considers creating its own space force, Bezan added, it should focus on making Norad — the bilateral North American Aerospace Defence Command — more effective.
"I would think that any co-operation that we do with the States as it relates to North American defence, as it relates to aerospace, should be part of the Norad discussions," he said.
Randall Garrison, the NDP defence critic, criticized Trump's plan to launch a sixth branch of the U.S. military.
"New Democrats are fundamentally opposed to the militarization of space and believe that space should only be used by all of humanity for peaceful purposes," he wrote in an email.
"New Democrats urge the government of Canada to uphold the principles of peaceful space exploration and to engage with our allies on a renewed call for the drafting of an international treaty aimed at the prevention of an arms race in space."
Overton pointed out that space has long been exploited for military purposes, and there's no way it can be avoided.
"Communications satellites, GPS and intelligence communications, you name it — all that is there," he said.
The office of the Minister of National Defence noted in a statement that "space-based capabilities have become essential to Canada's operations at home and abroad.
"That is why Canada's defence policy ... commits to investing in a range of space capabilities such as satellite communications, to help achieve global coverage, including the Arctic."
The statement goes on to say that "Canada will continue to promote the peaceful use of space and provide leadership in shaping international norms for responsible behaviour in space."
— With files from The Associated Press.
Peter Rakobowchuk, The Canadian Press
24 août 2022 | Local, C4ISR
Ottawa—August 22, 2022 - Together with CDW Canada, General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada announced today that it has been awarded a multi-year contract to provide the Network Command and Control Integrated...
4 novembre 2020 | Local, Aérospatial, Naval, Terrestre, C4ISR, Sécurité
AAA CANADA WILL PRESERVE MORE THAN 250 TEMPORARY JOBS IN QUEBEC THANKS TO THE SUB-ASSEMBLY OF CAE AIR1 MECHANICAL VENTILATORS MONTREAL, Nov. 3, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - A few months ago, the Canadian government awarded CAE, a world leader in civil aviation, defence and security, and healthcare training, an order for 10,000 units of CAE Air1, its new model of mechanical ventilator designed to save lives in hospitals across the country. AAA Canada, a leading manufacturer in industrialization and production, has been mandated by CAE to carry out certain sub-assemblies of this very important device. During these difficult times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this partnership is indeed, very promising. To ensure the fulfillment of this major mandate, AAA Canada has invested more than $450,000 in infrastructure required for the development of sub-assembly lines at affiliate company sites located respectively in Laval and Mirabel. The contract, won by AAA Canada, allows it not only to recall a large number of its workers whom were temporarily laid off following the crisis that affected the aerospace industry as a whole, but also to proceed with the creation of several temporary positions. An invaluable mandate at a time when the economy is faltering, and businesses are running out of steam. "The health crisis has stifled the Quebec and Canadian economy. The production of the CAE Air1 gave it an unexpected second wind. Thanks to the government's unwavering support, CAE's ingenuity and the great responsiveness and flexibility of our workers, we will be able to maintain and create nearly 250 temporary jobs, while helping to save lives. We are very grateful to CAE for this wonderful opportunity and I am extremely proud to witness, once again, AAA Canada's great determination to dare and innovate," said Avit Lévesque, General Manager of AAA Canada. "This is a substantial subsidy as it is equal to the threat this second wave presents to the public health and to the overcrowding of hospitals nationwide. We are proud to have AAA Canada among the Canadian suppliers involved in this collective effort to fight COVID-19. We thank them for their excellent support, expertise and agility," added Stéphane Roche, Vice President Global Procurement Sourcing and Real Estate at CAE. About AAA Canada (www.aaa-canada.ca/home) AAA Canada, an affiliate of DRAKKAR Aerospace & Ground Transportation, is a specialized subcontracting and technical assistance services company related to industrialization and production processes, operating in the aerospace, ground transportation, energy and now health sectors. AAA Canada has a team of passionate workers and draws its strength from the AAA European Group located in the 4 corners of the globe. Supported by AAA Group's international expertise, we provide a proven intervention method to deliver a high-quality finished product to our customers. Our approach to productivity, timeliness, quality and efficiency gives us a place of choice within our clients' facilities and operations. About CAE (www.cae.com) CAE is a high technology company, at the leading edge of digital immersion, providing solutions to make the world a safer place. Backed by a record of more than 70 years of industry firsts, we continue to reimagine the customer experience and revolutionize training and operational support solutions in civil aviation, defence and security, and healthcare. We are the partner of choice to customers worldwide who operate in complex, high-stakes and largely regulated environments, where successful outcomes are critical. Testament to our customers' ongoing needs for our solutions, over 60 percent of CAE's revenue is recurring in nature. We have the broadest global presence in our industry, with approximately 10,000 employees, 160 sites and training locations in over 35 countries. www.cae.com SOURCE AAA Canada For further information: Contact Person: AAA Canada, Rosalie Côté, Senior Director - Communication & Marketing, rosalie.cote@drakkar.com, 514-806-0798 https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/a-second-wind-for-the-quebec-and-canadian-economy-885079492.html
14 juin 2023 | Local, Aérospatial
DND said the RCAF was unable to participate because 'many of our aircraft and personnel are currently committed to modernization activities'