Canadian Forces News

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Canadian Forces to Receive Additional Force Protection Vehicles

Publisher: Force Protection, Inc.
Date: 11/17/2008

Ladson, SC (November 17, 2008 -- Force Protection, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRPT) today announced that it has received a modification under contract M67854-07-C-5039 for the delivery of 14 of its Buffalo A2 route-clearance vehicles and 34 of its Cougar vehicles to the Canadian Government. The undefinitized contract modification carries a dollar value not to exceed $49.4 million and includes vehicles, spare parts and field support. The vehicles are scheduled for delivery in 2009.

This represents the second order for Force Protection vehicles by the Canadian Government. In 2007, Force Protection delivered five Buffalo and five Cougar vehicles for the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command.

Michael Moody, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Force Protection, stated, “Our NATO allies continue to face threats from roadside bombs, landmines and many other types of improvised explosive devices. We are delighted that the Canadian military will be receiving this life saving equipment for use in supporting their operations in the global war on terror. This order further solidifies our belief that the Cougar and Buffalo are proving to be the most survivable, sustainable vehicles on the battlefield. We are very pleased that the Canadian government has chosen to procure additional vehicles from Force Protection.”

About Force Protection, Inc.
Force Protection, Inc. is a leading American designer, developer and manufacturer of life saving survivability solutions, predominantly ballistic- and blast-protected wheeled vehicles currently deployed by the U.S. military and its allies to support armed forces and security personnel in conflict zones. The Company’s specialty vehicles, the Cougar, the Buffalo and the Cheetah, are designed specifically for reconnaissance, forward command and control, and urban operations and to protect their occupants from landmines, hostile fire, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs, commonly referred to as roadside bombs). The Company also is the developer and manufacturer of ForceArmor™ an armor package providing superior protection against explosively formed projectiles (EFPs) now available for a wide range of tactical-wheeled vehicles. The Company is one of the original developers and primary providers of vehicles for the U.S. military’s Mine Resistant Ambush Protected, or MRAP, vehicle program. For more information on Force Protection and its vehicles, visit www.forceprotection.net.

Safe Harbor Language
This press release contains forward looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on beliefs and assumptions by Force Protection’s management, and on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. A number of important factors could cause actual result to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Examples of these factors include, but are not limited to, our ability to fulfill the above described order on a timely basis, our ability to effectively manage the risks in our business; the reaction of the marketplace to the foregoing; and other risk factors and cautionary statements listed in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

DND seeks more than $2B for vehicles for Afghanistan

Insiders question strategy given tough economic times


David Pugliese, The Ottawa Citizen

Published: Monday, November 17, 2008
The Department of National Defence plans to ask the government to approve a multibillion-dollar package to purchase new armoured vehicles and rebuild others that have been worn down by continued use in Afghanistan.
Defence Department equipment and policy bureaucrats, along with army officers, are working on the proposal they hope will be presented sometime next month.
They will ask Defence Minister Peter MacKay to approve three vehicle projects at once and the value of the combined equipment package is estimated to be more than $2 billion.
But privately, some defence industry and military representatives are questioning the strategy of asking the government for blanket approval of such a large amount of money at a time of increasing concern over the economy.
They worry that the price of the vehicle programs will make it easy for some members of cabinet to raise objections and withhold approval for all three.
The Defence Department plan proposes the purchase of what is being called a "close combat vehicle," which would accompany the army's Leopard 2 tanks into action. The proposal also calls for the purchase of a new armoured tactical patrol vehicle and an upgrade of the existing LAV-3 armoured vehicle fleet, which has been worn down in Afghanistan.
Mr. MacKay's press secretary, Jay Paxton, said the minister is open to looking at all equipment proposals from the department.
"The government has been clear in that they will provide our troops with the equipment and protection needed to do the jobs asked of them," Mr. Paxton said. "Having said that, no proposal has come forward to Minister MacKay's office on this particular vehicle acquisition."
Defence officials hope by tying the three projects together they can better explain the need for the vehicles and how they fit into the overall military structure.
The push for new vehicles for the army comes at a time when the air force and navy are also proposing large-scale equipment purchases.
The navy wants a new joint support ship, Arctic patrol vessels and eventually a replacement for its destroyers and frigates. At the same time, about $3 billion will be spent modernizing the existing Halifax-class frigates.
The air force want to acquire 16 Chinook helicopters, new maritime patrol aircraft, search-and-rescue planes and an eventual replacement for the F-18 fighter aircraft.
Alan Williams, the Defence Department's former assistant deputy minister for materiel, said combining programs for blanket approval from cabinet is a risky proposition. He said the Harper government needs to be informed about where the vehicle programs fit into the overall defence policy, what the procurement strategy will be and why these three programs, above others, should proceed.
"You're talking about a couple of hours' worth of discussion for each project," said Mr. Williams, author of the book Reinventing Canadian Defence Procurement. "If you bundle three together, it could be a non-starter.
"It's a lot for ministers to get their head around at one time," he added.
Some cabinet ministers might also object to giving the department blanket approval and may want more control over the process, he said.
The purchase of new vehicles for the army is outlined, but without specifics, in the Conservative government's Canada First defence strategy, released earlier this year.
An army report leaked to the Citizen in the spring outlined the degree to which the Afghanistan war has taken a toll on the LAV-3s, as well as the army's other vehicle fleets.
"All of our equipment is either deployed, being reset, used in training or broken and waiting either labour or spare parts," wrote army commander Lt.-Gen. Andrew Leslie in the January report.
There is concern among some in the Canadian Forces about whether there will be enough money in future budgets to finance all of the equipment purchases, but Mr. MacKay has continued to point out that the Canada First strategy lays out enough funding for any new acquisitions.
© The Ottawa Citizen 2008

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FIRST PHOTO OF CANADIAN CYCLONE FLYING

Also here is the official press release issued today (late Monday) from Sikorsky:

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov. 17, 2008 – The first CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, which is being developed by Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. for the Canadian government as a replacement for its long-serving SEA KING helicopter fleet, has completed its first flight successfully at Sikorsky’s Development Flight Center in Florida. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

The flight occurred Saturday, Nov. 15. Steered by Sikorsky Test Pilots John Armbrust and Rick Becker using state-of-the-art, fly-by-wire technology, the aircraft hovered and accomplished low-speed handling tasks including forward flight at speeds reaching 30 knots, and sideward and rearward maneuvers. The helicopter, Tail No. 801, will continue to undergo a series of increasingly demanding flight tests leading up to certification and production deliveries.

Sikorsky will build 28 CH-148 helicopters for the Canadian government. “The CH-148 helicopter will be a world leader in sophistication and capability for maritime helicopters,” said Program Manager Dan Hunter. “Today’s successful first flight represents a huge milestone, transitioning the program from the prototype build to the flight test stage. The aircraft performed beautifully, easily achieving each maneuver attempted. We’re extremely pleased.”

The CH-148 helicopter represents the next step in Sikorsky’s long planned extension of the S-92 helicopter into the H-92™ helicopter product line. It is equipped with a fully digital, fly-by-wire system designed to improve significantly the aircraft’s maneuverability, safety and effectiveness. The CH-148 helicopter further builds upon Sikorsky’s rugged S-92 helicopter, which meets the most demanding safety standards in North America and Europe.

Among the most sophisticated rotary wing aircraft in the world, the production CH-148 helicopter will be an extremely versatile, multi-mission aircraft with capabilities including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and troop and cargo transport. It will be fully equipped for ship-based operations including automatic blade and tail fold systems and a deck to aircraft recovery assist system. Capitalizing on proven S-92 helicopter capabilities that include a glass cockpit with advanced avionics, systems allowing flight into known icing conditions, flaw tolerant components and state-of–the-art search and rescue equipment, the CH-148 helicopter will incorporate additional mission systems including Forward-Looking Infrared Radar (FLIR), 360 degree search radar, passive and active acoustics systems, threat surveillance and countermeasure capabilities, and network link communications.

“The stringent qualification and certification standards of the S-92 helicopter will be further extended through the Canadian military certification process resulting in an aircraft that will meet the most exacting civil and military standards in the world,” said Hunter. “Its proven and expanded design focused on reliability, maintainability and safety will provide operational capabilities at world-class life cycle support cost levels.”

 

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NEW WING KITS FOR AURORA CP-140 AIRCRAFT

NEW WING KITS FOR AURORA CP-140 AIRCRAFT


The Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Christian Paradis, the Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay, and the Minister of Industry, Tony Clement, today (Nov. 18 announced that the government awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin for the purchase of ten structural life extension wing kits for the CP-140 Aurora aircraft.

The CP-140 Aurora aircraft is the Canadian Force's long-range patrol airplane. The CP-140 Aurora Structural Life Extension Contract will ensure that the fleet continues to meet airworthiness standards and remains operational for many years.

“These Aurora core structural upgrades will ensure the Canadian Forces can continue to protect Canada’s maritime and northern sovereignty,” said MacKay said in a news release. “And they are in line with the Government’s pledge to provide Canada’s military with the equipment they need to do their job.”

The Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy applies to this contract, meaning that Lockheed Martin will generate one dollar of economic activity in Canada for every dollar it receives from the contract.

 

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LOCKHEED MARTIN CANADA SIGNS $2 BILLION FRIGATE UPGRADE CONTRACT

OTTAWA, November 10, 2008 – Building on its 25-year legacy as the Canadian Navy’s systems integrator, Lockheed Martin Canada and its Halifax-Class Modernization (HCM) industry team today announced the signing of two contracts totaling approximately C$2 billion for the installation, integration and long-term in-service support of a new combat system for Canada’s Halifax-Class frigates.

The Combat Systems Integration (CSI) contract will provide a new command and control system, radars, tactical data links, electronic support measures and other warfare capabilities for the Canadian Navy’s 12 Halifax-class frigates, which were commissioned between 1992 and 1997. Under the terms of the contract, Lockheed Martin also will maintain the current command and control systems until the entire fleet has received the retrofit.

“Our technical solution will deliver tremendous new capability to the fleet, and we are already working towards meeting the Navy’s requirements,” said Tom Digan, president of Lockheed Martin Canada. “In anticipation of contract award, we have for the past several months worked to put in place the necessary infrastructure and sub-contractor arrangements to ensure our ability to begin immediate delivery in respect of the demanding schedule requirements.”

The HCM CSI effort will result in an increase in the hiring of skilled engineering, technical and manufacturing employees at Lockheed Martin facilities in Montreal, Ottawa, Esquimalt and Halifax. Over the next 12 months, Lockheed Martin expects to hire up to 200 new employees.

The HCM CSI effort is supported by Lockheed Martin’s Maritime Systems & Sensors business, which is the combat system integrator for all of the U.S. Navy’s Aegis-equipped cruisers and destroyers, the Littoral Combat Ship Freedom (LCS 1) and for five international navies. In addition, industry team members Saab Systems, Elisra, IBM Canada, CAE Professional Services, L-3 Electronic Systems and xwave all bring relevant domain experience to the Halifax-class modernization program.

Lockheed Martin Canada, the original equipment manufacturer of the Halifax-class frigate’s combat system, has been the vessels’ combat system integrator for the past two decades. It is the in-service support provider for both the Halifax and Iroquois Class vessels. The company hosts the Canadian Navy’s integration lab at its facility in Montreal and employs dedicated teams in Esquimalt, BC, and Halifax, NS, to maintain and upgrade the combat systems, maintenance procedure trainers, and team trainers located there.

Lockheed Martin Canada has about 500 employees at facilities in Kanata (Head office), Montreal, Halifax, Victoria, Esquimalt, Dartmouth, Valcartier, Petawawa and Wainright in order to provide direct support to its customers.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

 

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PRATT AND WHITNEY CANADA EXAMINES “GREEN” FUELS FOR AIRCRAFT USE

The aerospace industry and military’s quest to find new non-petroleum-based fuels is continuing on several fronts in a number of countries.

I’m told that Pratt & Whitney Canada is pushing along with several major projects that could have an impact on the fuels used in aircraft engines and military operations.

It is leading a four-year, university-industry biofuel research project under a Canada-India science and technology agreement. As part of that project, P&WC and its partners will test and compare second-generation biofuels that do not compete with food resources, such as jatropha, algae and biobutanol.

The company is also exploring an ethanol based fuel in conjunction with the NRC on a PT-6 turboprop. In addition PWC will collaborate with Virgin Galactic to test some of Virgin’s fuels at high altitude in PW308 engines that power the White Knight Two space plane mothership.

The quest also continues in the CF. Last year I wrote about the creation of a then relatively new office at NDHQ whose job is to look for alternative energy sources as well as get better performance from equipment that it purchases in the future.

The directorate of fuels and lubricants was seen as a central clearing house on such issues. It not only monitors military fuel consumption but set standards and procedures for the use of alternative energy such as biodiesel. (There has been some interest at Canadian Forces Base Halifax on operating some of the diesel-powered trucks there on a biofuel made from fish oil….but I haven’t heard if that moved ahead).

Despite Senate defence committee testimony to the contrary earlier this year from senior CF leaders, the increasing cost of oil is a concern.

The U.S. military estimates that for every $10 (U.S.) increase in the price of a barrel of oil, its fuel bill climbs $1.3 billion. Its budget for oil has risen from a little more than $5 billion (U.S.) in 2003 to over $8 billion in 2006, even though it’s consumption of petroleum has dropped somewhat. I haven’t seen the latest figures but I’m assuming the pricetag has only gone up.

Similar figures are not available for the Canadian Forces but some DND officials acknowledge the increase in oil prices is draining resources.

The U.S. military has established some projects to ease its energy problems. At some its bases the U.S. uses wind turbines to provide electricity and it is researching solar power as well as hybrid-electric engine technology. In 2006/2007 the U.S. air force conducted experiments flying a B-52 bomber on fuel made partly from natural gas.

Will such fuels be the solution for military energy woes in the future? Who knows?

 

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PS : OLD NEWS FROM 2007

Naval frigates to receive $3.1B refit

Shipyards in Halifax, Victoria invited to submit bids to retrofit the 12 frigates

Last Updated: Thursday, July 5, 2007 | 4:08 PM ET

CBC News


Ottawa will spend $3.1 billion to refit the navy's entire fleet of Halifax-class frigates, making them "giant floating command posts" to protect Canada at home and around the world, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Thursday.
"New, updated equipment will make these ships stronger, safer and better able to do all that we ask them to do," said Harper at the Halifax Dockyard.

Prime Minister Stephen greets the crew of HMCS Halifax on Thursday, after announcing the frigate refit plan.
(Andrew Vaughan/Canadian Press) ​

"They are the backbone of the Canadian navy, so by upgrading them we are making the entire navy stronger."
Part of the refit will include enhanced command and control centres on the 12 frigates, allowing them to lead operations instead of simply participating in them, said Harper.
"Now more than ever, our Halifax frigates will be giant floating command posts, standing up for Canada at home and abroad," he said.
The upgrades will also accommodate the new CH-148 Cyclone Maritime helicopters Ottawa has ordered to replace the aging fleet of Sea Kings, said Harper.
Made in Canada

Harper said the entire refit will be done by Canadian companies in Canada.
"It's excellent news for Canadian naval shipyards, their employees and their suppliers, and it is excellent news for Canada," said Harper.
Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor, who appeared at the announcement with Harper along with Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay, said the refit process would start in 2010 and likely take seven years.
"The process will make the 12 frigates relevant for decades to come," said O'Connor.
Shipyards in Halifax and Victoria have been invited to submit bids to retrofit the frigates, he said.
Harper praised the frigate fleet as underappreciated "workhorses" performing missions in the four corners of the world.
"The frigates patrol Canada's three coastlines to protect them from drug traffickers, terrorism, illegal fishing and polluters," said Harper.
Restore international influence

They're also on the front line of the fight against international terrorism, deliver humanitarian aid around the world and protect Canada's Arctic territories, he said.
"Our government is determined to restore our status and influence in the world stage. That means strengthening our ability to stand up for our interests, and having the tools we need to assert and defend those interests."
First commissioned during the Cold War, the Halifax-class frigates were launched between 1988 and 1995.
The announcement came a day after six Canadian soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.
Harper's visit in the province was to be brief — he's scheduled to appear in Saskatchewan later in the afternoon.

 

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[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1]

[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] Patrol vessels [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1]Kingston class and Frigate Halifax class refit

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The RCHMG Trials – a Claxon Blast from the OTO Melara ‘PA’ System
In October of 2006, the Canadian Forces Maritime Warfare Centre ran OTO Melara’s 12.7mm P.A. ‘Remote Controlled Heavy Machine Gun’ (RCHMG) through its paces aboard a Kingston-class MCDV. The 40mm ‘Boffin’ gun was unshipped and the Italian weapon station substituted for testing. The Navy intends the RCHMG to replace the pintle-mounted 12.7mm Browning M2HB machineguns on both Kingston class and Halifax class frigates.The point of the CFMWC trials was to experiment with shipboard remotely controlled weapons stations while also ‘test-driving’ a new system, albeit one from a familiar supplier.

Maritime Command is discarding its $100M mid-life refit plan for the twelve vessels in this class. Instead, MCDVs will be replaced by new vessels to enter service in 2020. It had been intended to retain the ‘mid-lifed’ vessels through 2045-2055 however, Maritime Command has concluded that the money would be better spent in acquiring a new platform. MARCOM's review listed low speed and small size as reasons for the MCDV being inadequate for patrol duties (both are factors of the original specification). Critics note that patrol and training were tacked onto the mine-countermeasures role and that the platform lacks serious armament for a sovereignty enforcement role.
The Kingston class is armed with twin 12.7 mm (50 cal) M2HB machine guns on either side of the bridge but the main armament is a Bofors 40 mm L/60 Mk 5NC, a significantly refitted version of a gun dating from 1944. A replacement for this gun (the OTO Melara 12.7 mm RCHMG) is being trialed

In October 2006 Maritime Command experimented with mounting a remote controlled heavy machine gun station in place of the 40mm Bofors cannon aboard HMCS Summerside.

http://www.casr.ca/bg-navy-rchmg-project.htm

http://www.tridentnews.ca/PDFArchives/Nov27_2006.pdf (PAGE 12/32)

 

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(Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in Afghanistan 2002, during Operation Anaconda, the first combat action of canadian forces since the Korea war in 1950-1953. Behind a U.S CH-47D)

First of long-awaited helicopters arrive in Kandahar

Updated Thu. Oct. 30 2008 3:30 PM ET
The Canadian Press
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- Canadian pilots are finally flying long-awaited transport helicopters over the Afghan battlefield.
The Canadian Air Force is confirming that the first of six Chinook helicopters to be purchased from the United States are now at the Kandahar Airfield base.
"A small number of Canadian Forces aircrew are in Afghanistan undergoing training on these aircraft," said Maj. Dave Sullivan from Ottawa.
"They are not expected to be operational until early 2009."
Canadian crews must also be trained in the care and maintenance of the Chinooks before the helicopters can be fully worked into battle planning.
Canada has not yet officially taken delivery of the choppers, which will cost a total of $292 million, although that is expected soon.
The deal was announced last August. Canada is buying six used CH-47D Chinooks from the Americans and Canadian pilots began training on the aircraft in the United States over the summer.
The Chinooks are capable of carrying heavy payloads or several dozen soldiers. Their presence will reduce the need for military convoys to carry supplies or troops over Afghanistan's treacherous, bomb-laden roads.
A total of 40 out of Canada's 97 combat deaths in Afghanistan have come from improvised explosive devices, although not all those deaths occurred during convoys.
Still, Canada is the only major country in the ISAF alliance that doesn't have its own helicopter support, forcing its troops to rely on other nations, hitching rides when they were available.
Provision of some kind of helicopter support was one of the conditions under which Parliament extended Canada's combat mission to 2011. Helicopters and unmanned surveillance aircraft were both recommended by a panel led by former Liberal cabinet minister John Manley.
The push to get battlefield helicopters into Kandahar was mired in defence bureaucracy for almost two years.
The internal debate pitted the army, eager to reduce soldiers' exposure to deadly roadside bombs, against a frustrated air force that sought a versatile aircraft, useful in more places than just Afghanistan.

 

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28 GRIFFONS EARMARKED FOR THE 2010 OLYMPICS



Military and security planning for the 2010 Olympic Games in British Columbia is still in its early stages. But one of the things that crossed my desk recently are the numbers of Canadian Forces helicopters that could be involved. I’m told at this stage 28 Griffons will be assigned to the Games for security duties. (With a year and a half still to go I'd expect that number to change).


Now of course, a number of those Griffons will be on standby for JTF2, which will be discretely waiting in the wings to respond to any major security threat. Others will be used for surveillance.


The Air Force has launched the Interoperable Griffon Reconnaissance Escort Surveillance System (INGRESS) project will acquire 19 electro-optical/infra-red sensor systems to be installed on the helicopters. Sixty-four Griffons are to be modified to carry the equipment. (The first delivery of the systems would be in November. The final delivery would be by the summer of next year. Bell Helicopter in Mirabel would be installing the systems on board the Griffons.)


The Griffons outfitted with the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance package will be ready to go for the Olympics.


But those I was talking to in the Air Force world made an interesting point. Twenty-eight helicopters means at least 28 full Griffon crews. That’s a lot of crews and pilots and one reason - it has been suggested to me - that Griffons aren’t going to be sent to Afghanistan any time soon to fly escort for the Chinook helicopters the Canadian Forces will be using. As you recall, Canada is now looking to its allies to supply escort choppers for the used Chinook Ds the Canadian Forces will be operating in Kandahar in 2009.


The other bone of contention in regards to the Olympics is that local helicopter firms in the Vancouver and Whistler area are ticked off because of flying restrictions that will be placed over a number of areas. They say that will cut into their business at a time when business should be very very good.

New sensors for Griffons

Canadian Forces' CH-146 Griffon helicopters will receive new imaging sensors - along with the necessary controls and displays - under the Interoperable Griffon Reconnaissance Escort Surveillance System (INGRESS) project.
The INGRESS project will procure up to 19 electro-optical/infra-red (EO/IR) sensor systems for installation on the Griffon helicopters as mission kits. These sensor systems will enable crews to conduct reconnaissance and escort missions in direct support of tactical units on deployed operations, and domestic employment tasks.
"The system will give the Griffon helicopter the capability to conduct escort missions to support CF expeditionary deployments," said Major Paul Kreller, Project Director for INGRESS. "It will give the crews the mission equipment with the performance characteristics that will enable the Griffon to function more effectively in operational environments."
The INGRESS project will also procure a weapon system for use in the escort role. "The capabilities provided to the Griffon through the INGRESS project do not represent new roles for the helicopter. We are just equipping it with the mission kit that will provide the crews with the tools that will enable them to function more effectively," said Maj Kreller.
Domestically, the INGRESS could be employed to support the national or international events hosted in Canada, such as the 2010 Olympic and Para-Olympic Games, or in assistance to other government departments when responding to natural disasters or emergencies.

 

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New Hercs - faster, higher, farther

The Government of Canada is investing $1.4 billion to purchase 17 J-model C-130 Hercules from Lockheed Martin to replace the oldest of the current Hercules fleet.


"The resemblance to our existing planes is only skin deep," said Defence Minister Peter MacKay at the contract announcement. "The new Hercs fly faster, higher and farther. And they carry heavier loads while burning less fuel. They deliver cutting edge technology to provide the Canadian Forces with a cost-effective, operations-proven tactical airlift capacity."
The Royal Canadian Air Force first purchased the CC-130 B-model Hercules in 1960; one was lost in a crash while the others were sold back to the manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, in 1967. Between 1964 and 1968, the Canadian military purchased 24 E-models, of which 19 are still in service. Then, between 1975 and 1996, Canada purchased 16 H-models, of which 13 are still in service. Currently, the fleet consists of 32 aircraft. Recently, 5 E-model aircraft have been removed from active service leaving an active fleet of 27 aircraft.
Delivery of the first C-130J is expected in 2010. How will the new Hercules compare to the older models?

Wednesday, August 6th, 2008
First C-130J Super Hercules visit to Canada since contract signing

Canadian Forces’ New Tactical Airlifter on Display at Abbotsford Air Show

Abbotsford, British Columbia

The Abbotsford Air Show is the first Canadian event to host a C-130J Super Hercules since Lockheed Martin signed a contract with the Government of Canada valued at $1.4 billion to purchase 17 of the world’s most advanced tactical airlifter plus related equipment and services.

One C-130J Super Hercules from the 146th Airlift Wing of the Channel Islands Air National Guard Station will be on display at the Abbotsford Air Show in British Columbia from August 8 through 10. This is the same type of aircraft that will be delivered to the Canadian Forces starting in 2010. Canada has joined the growing number of nations with C-130J fleets—allied operators include the United States, Australia, Denmark, Italy and the United Kingdom, and Norway and India have C-130J fleets on order.
“The C-130J is a proven, available, rugged aircraft capable of performing a full spectrum of tactical airlift missions in demanding environments,” said Jim Grant, Lockheed Martin Vice-President for Air Mobility. “We are confident it will become Canada’s new workhorse and serve the Canadian Forces well for years to come.”
The new C-130J generates much greater operational efficiency than the older C-130s, such as Canada’s E and H model, by flying farther, faster, with more payload and higher reliability. Additionally, the C-130J only requires three crew members for most missions so fewer flight crew members are exposed to potential threats in-theatre. C-130Js are currently deployed in several theatres and are operating at a very high tempo efficiently and reliably. C-130Js are being used daily for troop and equipment re-supply via ground delivery and airdrop, for air-to-air refuelling, ground refuelling and humanitarian relief.
“Contract signing began the process of working with the Federal Government and Canadian industry to put a 20-year In-Service Support (ISS) program in place for the new fleet,” said Mr. Grant. Lockheed Martin will conduct a series of competitions to select Canadian companies to deliver the ISS capability in Canada. “We look forward to utilizing this acquisition to strengthen our relationship with Canada,” added Grant. “It is in that spirit that we will be announcing Canadian partnerships—and the full C-130J Canadian Industrial Team—later this year.”
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs approximately 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

 

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Surveillance camera on loan for Aurora

The Applanix Digital Sensor System is a high-resolution mapping camera that will be installed on an Aurora aircraft at 14 Wing Greenwood, N.S. The camera will be on loan from another Canadian Forces agency to prove the fitment, develop tactics and procedures, and to conduct flight trials. Once this work is completed, this high definition surveillance capability will then be available for future operations, either domestically or abroad.


"The camera could be used to support troops overseas and take high resolution images of terrain," said Major Steve Chouinard, who is involved in the project.
The camera could also come in handy during Canadian crises.
"It would be beneficial to have the camera in the case of a flood or ice storm in Canada. To be able to see what's going on from above in high resolution is extremely helpful," said Maj Chouinard.
While the Canadian Forces use surveillance cameras both in theatre and at home on a regular basis, the Applanix camera brings a new standard of high resolution and will allow the Air Force to better support other Canadian Forces organizations in their work as well.

Gatineau, November 18, 2008 – The Minister of Public Works and Government Services, the Honourable Christian Paradis, the Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, and the Minister of Industry, the Honourable Tony Clement, today announced that the Government of Canada awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin for the purchase of ten structural life extension wing kits for the CP-140 Aurora aircraft.
The CP-140 Aurora aircraft is the Canadian Force's long-range patrol airplane. The CP-140 Aurora Structural Life Extension Contract will ensure that the fleet continues to meet airworthiness standards and remains operational for many years.
“This contract demonstrates our continued commitment to the Canadian Forces,” said Minister Paradis. “We are procuring critical operational equipment as quickly as possible for the men and women of our Forces, while getting the best value for Canadian taxpayers.”
“These Aurora core structural upgrades will ensure the Canadian Forces can continue to protect Canada’s maritime and northern sovereignty,” said Minister MacKay. “And they are in line with the Government’s pledge to provide Canada’s military with the equipment they need to do their job.”
The Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy applies to this contract, meaning that Lockheed Martin will generate one dollar of economic activity in Canada for every dollar it receives from the contract.
“Through the industrial regional benefits policy, we are making sure that every contract dollar awarded is invested back into the Canadian economy,” said Minister Clement.

The CP-140 Aurora aircraft is the Department of National Defence's long-range patrol airplane used for maritime surveillance on Canada's east and west coasts and throughout the Arctic.
DND has a requirement to extend the structural life of their aircraft, which includes the acquisition of ten structural life extension wing kits and engineering support services.
To ensure a fair and transparent process, on June 11, 2008, Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) posted an Advance Contract Award Notification (ACAN) on MERX™, the government's electronic tendering service. As no other supplier submitted a Statement of Capabilities that satisfied the requirements of the ACAN, PWGSC issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to Lockheed Martin.
The Lockheed Martin contract, valued at approximately $156 million U.S., includes engineering support services to extend the life of the Canadian Forces CP-140 aircraft.
Through industrial and regional benefits, this contract will also boost the economy by providing for 100 percent of the contract in direct and indirect industrial and regional benefits. This means that under the terms of the contract, Lockheed Martin is required to invest in the Canadian economy, dollar for dollar, what it receives from the contract.
The CP-140 Aurora Structural Life Extension Contract will ensure that the aircraft continues to be a valuable Canadian Forces asset, flying safe and productive missions in its maritime and land surveillance roles until 2020.

 

[factanonverba]

First Canadian contracted helicopter flights deliver needed supplies

November 20, 2008

KANDAHAR - As the early morning Afghan sun struggled to rise above the rugged mountains, two Canadian-contracted Mi-8 helicopters lifted off from Kandahar Air Field carrying valuable supplies to troops in Canadian forward operating bases in Kandahar Province. The flights on Nov. 17 marked the first time these aircraft have been employed under a new contract that increases Task Force Kandahar's air capability.
Colonel Christopher Coates, Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing Commander, said that the addition of this new capability will "get Canadians off the roads here in Afghanistan where they are exposed to all the dangers of this country... ambushes and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) and the other things that all Canadians are aware of.
"The Canadian aviation community that I'm very much a part of back in Canada is very excited to be here and it's something we've wanted to do for quite some time," he added. "We believe we've got a lot to contribute to the operation and we are very excited to be here."
According to Bob Waring, Project Manager for the Toronto-based Sky Link, the contracted Mi-8 helicopters are ideally suited for operations in Afghanistan. "It is a very versatile aircraft with extremely good capability for high, hot and heavy operations which is what we are looking at doing here," he said.
"It's an austere and difficult environment but we've got the airframes and we've got the crews that are up to the task," he continued. "We have the best of intelligence, the best of coordination, the best of communications, so through that, we are able to do what we need to do."
This summer the Canadian government announced an air capability for the mission in Afghanistan including leasing helicopters to address immediate needs, purchasing six Chinook helicopters, and acquiring UAVs for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The need for this additional capacity was set out in the March 13th parliamentary motion to extend Canada's military mission in Afghanistan until 2011. Obtaining these additional air resources was also one of the recommendations of the Independent Panel on Canada's Future Role in Afghanistan, headed by the Honourable John Manley.
Late this summer, Task Force Afghanistan began using the new Scan Eagle UAV in support of its operations. The Heron UAV tactical system has been leased and is expected to commence operations in Kandahar Province in early 2009.
Chinook D model helicopters are being purchased from the U.S. government and are expected to be flying in support of operations by February 2009.
In a statement announcing Canada's new air capability this summer, General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff, said that "the helicopters will allow commanders the flexibility to reduce ground-based resupply convoys and more easily reach remote locations in challenging environments where they could be at risk of ambushes, land mines and improvised explosive devices."

 

[factanonverba]

On Aug. 7, 2008, Defence Minister Peter MacKay announced the Government’s plan to fulfill the recommendations and conditions of the “Manley Report,” one of which was to secure high performance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) before February 2009. The plan includes:

• The lease of a small ScanEagle UAV to address needs over the next nine months. The contract is valued at up to $14M, depending on use of available flying hours.
• The two year lease of a Heron UAV tactical system that will begin operations by early 2009. MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) of Vancouver B.C., has been awarded the two-year, $95M contract.

According to Major Andrew McCorquodale at the Directorate of Air Requirements (DAR) at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, the staff work that went into procuring the Heron UAV occurred at record speed. “This project didn't exist last October and here we are announcing it nine months later,” he says. “I have never heard of another fully competitive project that moved this fast.” Maj McCorquodale explains that the contract was awarded on the basis of a fixed cost combined with what capabilities the UAV could offer.
“The Heron offers far greater endurance, altitude and speed than the (current CU-161) Sperwer,” he says.
Maj McCorquodale says the advanced UAV capability will help protect Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan by “delivering the intelligence data to commanders in the field that they need. It empowers commanders,” he says.
“UAVs allow us to know where the bad guys are: often we know that better than they do themselves.”
The long-term UAV solution is called the Joint UAV Surveillance Target Acquisition System (JUSTAS) program. It is in development and will eventually include domestic and deployed operational UAV capabilities.
UAVs are flexible and highly valued assets in theatre. They provide an indispensable surveillance and intelligence gathering capability that can be used in a variety of deployed operations. Management of current UAVs is the responsibility of 1 Wing and will transition to 14 Wing Greenwood, N.S. Air navigators, soon to be redesignated as Air Combat Systems Officers, along with Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators (AESOPs), will be the main occupations running the JUSTAS program when it is fielded.

 

[factanonverba]

(The Joint Support Ship , the future key role of Canadian Navy)

Future navy demands full review of personnel requirements

By Darlene Blakeley
“Achieving success in building the future navy demands the reallocation of naval talent.”
With these words, Vice-Admiral Drew Robertson, Chief of the Maritime Staff, acknowledges that recent positive government initiatives, including the new joint support ship, the Halifax-class modernization project and new offshore/Arctic patrol vessels, will mean a full review of naval personnel requirements and allocation.

“Over the next six months leading up to the summer of 2008, the navy will review its capacity for manning positions, both inside Maritime Command and outside, with a view to making the changes required to deliver the future fleet over the coming three to five years,” VAdm Robertson says.
All three formations, under the leadership of the maritime staff in Ottawa, will contribute to an exhaustive review of personnel requirements and current structure, according to VAdm Robertson. “This is a navy challenge that we’re glad to have, and the time to tackle it is now – head on. We must reallocate people to where they’re needed. We have been successful in having new equipment initiatives approved by the government and the bill to be paid for that will be several hundred relatively senior naval personnel and civil servants, some of whom will be required in project management offices.”
The admiral quickly points out that this scenario is not something new for the navy. In the late 1980s and early 1990s a similar challenge was faced with the introduction of the new Halifax-class frigates, the modernization of the Iroquois-class destroyers and the paying off of the steam-powered destroyers.
“We were successful 15 years ago, and I have every confidence that we can manage the same kind of transformation over the coming seven years,” he says.
Although the fleet was larger then and some naval occupations are currently under strength, the admiral is confident the challenge can be met. “The challenge will be to set priorities that will allow us to successfully transition to the future fleet, while still maintaining operational effectiveness. I’ll be looking to all three formations to contribute to determining how we’ll change the way we do business.”
VAdm Robertson acknowledges that this will mean “inevitable changes” to the navy’s organizational structure phased over the coming years but the fundamentals will stay the same: service at sea, rewarding careers, and continued operational effects for Canada.
And while it means that some sailors will find themselves away from the sea in Ottawa for a time, the admiral stresses that the manning of the new project offices will be “vital” to the navy’s future. “We need to carefully manage the employment of our personnel, military and civilian, to ensure we have the right person, with the right skills, in the right job at the right time over the coming few years,” VAdm Robertson says. “The payoff of the hard work to come will be a renewed fleet in the 2015 timeframe,” he explains.
VAdm Robertson, along with formation commanders, will keep naval personnel fully informed as the review progresses, and the navy begins what he describes as “the simply crucial work of transitioning to the future fleet.”

 

[factanonverba]

Government of Canada Announces Reserve Units in Nova Scotia and Northwest TerritoriesNR-08.063 - September 5, 2008
HALIFAX – The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced today the return to service of the historic Halifax Rifles, and the creation of a new Army Reserve unit in Yellowknife.
“I’m proud to announce that one of Canada’s oldest regiments - the Halifax Rifles - will see a return to service with the Reserve Army with Land Forces Atlantic Area,” said Minister MacKay. “This new unit will lend direct support to the domestic operations commitments of the existing Reserve forces in the Halifax area”. The Halifax Rifles will be either a reconnaissance or an infantry unit.

In addition, the CF is creating a new Company-sized sub-unit to be assigned to one of Land Force Western Area’s existing Reserve Force Infantry Battalions in Yellowknife. Military leaders are currently mapping out the proposed mission and tasks for the new Yellowknife sub-unit which will enhance Canada’s ability to operate in the North.​

“The Army is expanding its Reserve footprint across the North by establishing a permanent land force reserve unit presence in this increasingly important region of the country,” said Minister MacKay.​

“Given our operational tempo abroad, it is prudent planning to enhance our ability to protect and support Canadians at home should the need arise,” added LFAA Commander, Brigadier-General Dave Neasmith.​

 

[factanonverba]

Taliban will 'never' negotiate with West: spokesman
CBC News


The Taliban will never enter into peace negotiations with any Afghan or Western authorities while foreign forces still remain in Afghanistan, and will continue to fight for the country's "freedom," a spokesman told CBC's As It Happens on Thursday.
Speaking on the telephone through an interpreter to host Carol Off from an undisclosed location in Afghanistan, Taliban spokesman Qari Yusuf Ahmadi said peace talks would mean "we are playing with the future of the nation and it will be not good for the nation."
"We will never talk to anyone. We are not ready for peace talks," said Ahmadi.
He rejected suggestions that there may be some dissenting elements of the Taliban that favour negotiating with Afghan or Western parties, adding the Taliban is a group united under one leader — Mullah Omar, who went into hiding seven years ago.
Ahmadi's comments echo those made by other senior Taliban leaders of late, who have spurned recent attempts by Afghan President Hamid Karzai to reach out to them.

Defends suicide attacks


Ahmadi also offered a seemingly contradictory defence of an increased spate of suicide attacks across Afghanistan, saying the group never intended to target civilians.
"Our target is not to kill the civilian people. We are fighting for the freedom of Afghanistan, and until we … get the freedom of Afghanistan, we will fight," Ahmadi said.
"Taliban are brave and we are just looking where to attack on NATO forces or American forces or Canadians or the Afghan people who are working for the internationals," he said.
His comments came on the day eight civilians and a coalition soldier were killed following a suicide car attack on a U.S. military convoy in eastern Afghanistan. Three civilians, including one child, were killed in another suicide attack in Kandahar on Wednesday. The Taliban claimed responsibility for Wednesday's attack. No group has yet said its responsible for the Thursday attack.
Canada's top soldier in Afghanistan, Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, has said the Taliban have shifted away from directly engaging NATO and Afghan troops in favour of higher-profile suicide and improvised explosive device attacks.
Meanwhile, Canada's ambassador to Afghanistan, Ron Hoffman, said in a Wednesday interview with CBC-TV's Politics that the increasing attacks were desperate acts of rebellion against progress.

Obama criticized

Ahmadi also condemned U.S. president-elect Barack Obama, saying his policies would represent a continuation of those favoured by the Bush administration.
"He is looking as cruel as Bush was. It is not a good news for Americans.… At least, it will not help for them, they are just crazy."
In the run-up to the election, Obama repeatedly said he would send additional troops to Afghanistan if elected.
"If [the United States] increase the soldiers in Afghanistan, the jihad against [Obama] will become serious."
When asked if he had a message for Canadians, Ahmadi called on Canada not to "kill their sons" by sending troops to fight in Afghanistan.
"I tell them to let Afghans to make their future by themselves and decide by themselves," he said.
"Afghanistan does not belong to America or Canada."
There are currently about 2,500 Canadian troops stationed in Afghanistan, mostly in the volatile southern province of Kandahar. Since the Afghan mission began in 2002, 97 Canadian soldiers have been killed in the country.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has pledged to pull all Canadian combat forces out of Afghanistan by 2011.

 

[factanonverba]

Report: Search choppers idled too much of time
Buy more Cormorants or cut back on inspections, Ottawa urged
BY MURRAY BREWSTER The Canadian Press
Thu. Nov 6 - 4:47 AM

OTTAWA — Canada should either buy more Cormorant search-and-rescue helicopters or cut back on inspections in the existing fleet to meet the life-saving role the aircraft was originally expected to perform, says a new report.
A study by Defence Research and Development Canada says the existing 14 CH-149 choppers are sidelined more than half of the time because of inspections and mechanical difficulties.
The current fleet would have to double in size to meet the federal government’s initial search-and-rescue coverage goals of having helicopters available at four bases across the country, says the report.
"It was found in this study that aircraft availability at the (main operating bases) actually varied from 37 per cent to 50 per cent and that at least 28 aircraft would be required to satisfy the availability requirements" as initially outlined by the government, said the report, completed in June.
When the Cormorants were introduced in 2002, replacing the nearly 40-year-old Labrador helicopters, it was expected each aircraft would be on the flight line 75 per cent of the time.
But there have been continuing problems, including persistent cracks in the tail rotor hubs and a critical shortage of spare parts, which has meant considerably less time in air.
Researchers ran a statistical simulation that concluded the air force could get by with the existing number of aircraft, but only if there were "a 25 per cent reduction in the durations of the major, minor and out-of-sequence inspections of the aircraft."
Last winter, the Defence Department categorically ruled out buying additional Cormorants. A spokesman refused to say Wednesday whether the researchers’ findings changed any minds.
"It would be premature to answer as the air force is reviewing the findings and conclusions of the report," said Maj. Jim Hutcheson.
Long-range planning staff at the air force are examining the report, as well as engineers, who must assess the impact of an reduction in inspections.
"It’s the implications of the report’s conclusions that we need to take a closer look at," said Hutcheson.
Canada initially bought 15 Cormorants, a variant of the EH-101, from AgustaWestland but one was lost in a 2006 crash off Nova Scotia.
The availability problems forced the air force to withdraw the new helicopters from Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ont., and replace them in the search-and-rescue role with CH-146 Griffon utility helicopters, which are troop transports.
At varying times over the last year, two other bases have had trouble keeping their Cormorants airborne.
Comox, B.C., was reduced to just one helicopter last December and Gander, N.L., went without any helicopters just a few weeks ago.
An internal Defence Department team made up of military officers also looked at the availability problem and concluded last February that the air force should boost its search-and-rescue fleet to 18 of the high-tech choppers.
Hutcheson said search-and-rescue operations have not been compromised because the air force can fall back on other helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
The Cormorants were declared fully operational in 2004, but have been plagued with a variety of technical issues.
Cracked windscreens and minor structural defects were among the initial reports, but the deficiencies became more serious with the discovery of cracks in the tail rotor assembly.
The aircraft-maker provided new hubs, but the cracking persisted — a defect that was blamed for crashes of EH-101 helicopters in service in other countries.
Corrosion was also detected near the fuel tanks last year.

 

[factanonverba]

Canada Lowers Number Of Planned Fighters

This article first appeared in Aerospace Daily & Defense Report.
Canada has reduced the number of new fighters it plans to purchase to 65 from 80, and stresses that it has not formally selected the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) despite having participated in its development.
The reduced requirement for new combat aircraft was revealed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper when he unveiled the Conservative government's new 'Canada First' defense strategy in Halifax last week.
The Department of National Defense (DND) says 65 aircraft is an initial planning figure, and that "the final figure will be based on the operational requirements of the Canadian Forces." The requirements are being drawn up by the DND's Next Generation Fighter Capability office.
Canada's participation in the F-35 program has been based on the planned procurement of 80 aircraft, the number of upgraded Boeing CF-18s the Canadian Forces will operate until they replaced by new fighters in 2017-20. Harper said fewer aircraft are required because the new fighter will have significantly greater capability than the CF-18s.
Despite the widespread and understandable assumption that Harper was referring to the F-35, Canada has not yet selected its next fighter, the DND emphasizes. Like several of the international participants in the JSF program, Ottawa plans to evaluate other candidate combat aircraft before making a decision, which is required by 2012.
Lockheed Martin, meanwhile, has received a $197 million U.S. Navy contract to purchase long-lead materials for the third low-rate initial production lot of F-35s. The award covers advance procurement for 18 aircraft – one less than expected – including eight conventional take-off and landing F-35As for the U.S. Air Force, eight short-take off and landing F-35Bs for the U.S. Marine Corps and two F-35Bs for the U.K.

Forces tag $3.8B to buy advanced jets

Joint Strike Fighter studied to replace CF-18s in the next decade


David Pugliese, The Ottawa Citizen

Published: Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Canada's military is setting aside almost $4 billion for the purchase of a fleet of futuristic fighter jets that will replace its CF-18s in the next decade.
The Canadian Forces is creating a new office in Ottawa in August to deal with its future fighter needs and plan how it will proceed with replacing the existing CF-18 jets.
The government has committed to investing in the U.S. Joint Strike Fighter and an air force study produced last year determined that the JSF best suited Canada's requirements at the most affordable price.


Canada has informed JSF builder Lockheed Martin that it plans to buy 80 of the planes with production to begin in 2014 and deliveries starting two years after that.
The Defence Department estimates that the cost of purchasing 80 JSFs will be about $3.8 billion (all figures in U.S. dollars).
Department officials, however, stress that the cost figure and the dates and numbers of aircraft needed are for planning purposes and may change. The government has not given final approval on any JSF purchase, although it will have to decide by 2012 on how it will replace the CF-18s, department officials say.
Australia has tentatively budgeted $9 billion to buy 100 JSFs, but could cut that in half if costs rise, according to Australian defence officials quoted last year in Aviation Week and Space Technology, a major U.S. industry publication. Canadian Defence Department documents obtained by the Citizen estimate the cost to replace the existing fleet of CF-18 fighter aircraft will be $10.5 billion.
Defence spokeswoman Tanya Barnes pointed out that the $3.8-billion figure for a JSF purchase does not include any additional costs, such as training, sustainment and follow-on development. "It's an estimate based only on the fly-away cost of the individual aircraft," she added.
Canada has already invested $150 million in the JSF program. Late last year, the government decided to take part in the next phase of the aircraft's development, agreeing to invest around $500 million over the next 45 years to pay for the specialized equipment for JSF production.
Mike Slack, the Defence Department's director of continental materiel co-operation, said the next five years will be used to determine the requirements for a future fighter jet, as well as dealing with issues such as whether manned aircraft or some other kind of technology can meet those needs.
Advances in unmanned fighter aircraft technology could also limit the number of JSF needed, some military observers have pointed out.
"One doesn't know where technology might end up in five years from now, for example, on unmanned tactical platforms, and how many of the missions can be performed using unmanned capabilities versus manned tactical capabilities," Mr. Slack acknowledged.
That type of dilemma is being faced by all nations interested in the JSF, he added.
The idea behind JSF is to produce in large quantities a high-tech, stealthy aircraft that, at a time of soaring costs for military equipment, is relatively affordable.


Government officials have promoted the benefits of the JSF program for Canada's aerospace industry. They say Canadian firms have been awarded around 150 JSF contracts so far. Canadian industrial opportunities are expected to total more than $5 billion over the life of the JSF program. That total could increase if other nations decide to buy the fighter.
"There is nothing like this anywhere," Mr. Slack said. "This is the largest defence co-operative program ever undertaken by Canada and, for that matter, all the other countries involved in it."
But some analysts have challenged the wisdom of purchasing the JSF. In his new book, Intent for a Nation, Michael Byers argues that not only are none of the future contracts guaranteed for Canadian industry, but it is not certain that the JSF is the best equipment for the country's needs.


"What is certain is that the Canadian taxpayer will, once again, end up supporting the U.S. defence industry," writes Mr. Byers, a University of British Columbia international law professor.


© The Ottawa Citizen 2007

 

[factanonverba]

Works and Government Services, the Honourable Christian Paradis, the Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, and the Minister of Industry, the Honourable Tony Clement, today announced that the Government of Canada awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin for the purchase of ten structural life extension wing kits for the CP-140 Aurora aircraft.

The CP-140 Aurora aircraft is the Canadian Force's long-range patrol airplane. The CP-140 Aurora Structural Life Extension Contract will ensure that the fleet continues to meet airworthiness standards and remains operational for many years.

“This contract demonstrates our continued commitment to the Canadian Forces,” said Minister Paradis. “We are procuring critical operational equipment as quickly as possible for the men and women of our Forces, while getting the best value for Canadian taxpayers.”

“These Aurora core structural upgrades will ensure the Canadian Forces can continue to protect Canada’s maritime and northern sovereignty,” said Minister MacKay. “And they are in line with the Government’s pledge to provide Canada’s military with the equipment they need to do their job.”

The Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy applies to this contract, meaning that Lockheed Martin will generate one dollar of economic activity in Canada for every dollar it receives from the contract.

“Through the industrial regional benefits policy, we are making sure that every contract dollar awarded is invested back into the Canadian economy,” said Minister Clement.


---------------
Backgrounder
The CP-140 Aurora aircraft is the Department of National Defence's long-range patrol airplane used for maritime surveillance on Canada's east and west coasts and throughout the Arctic.

DND has a requirement to extend the structural life of their aircraft, which includes the acquisition of ten structural life extension wing kits and engineering support services.

To ensure a fair and transparent process, on June 11, 2008, Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) posted an Advance Contract Award Notification (ACAN) on MERX™, the government's electronic tendering service. As no other supplier submitted a Statement of Capabilities that satisfied the requirements of the ACAN, PWGSC issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to Lockheed Martin.

The Lockheed Martin contract, valued at approximately $156 million U.S., includes engineering support services to extend the life of the Canadian Forces CP-140 aircraft.

Through industrial and regional benefits, this contract will also boost the economy by providing for 100 percent of the contract in direct and indirect industrial and regional benefits. This means that under the terms of the contract, Lockheed Martin is required to invest in the Canadian economy, dollar for dollar, what it receives from the contract [emphasis added].

The CP-140 Aurora Structural Life Extension Contract will ensure that the aircraft continues to be a valuable Canadian Forces asset, flying safe and productive missions in its maritime and land surveillance roles until 2020...

 

[factanonverba]

GERMANS TO CONTRIBUTE TO CF TRAINING CENTRE IN KABUL



Defence Minister Peter MacKay is welcoming the decision of the German Government to contribute personnel to the Canadian-led Staff and Language Training Centre (SLTC-A), in Kabul, Afghanistan.


"The Staff and Language Training Centre will build the capacity of the Afghan National Army, which will in turn help the Government of Afghanistan build a more secure environment and establish law and order throughout Afghanistan," MacKay said in a press release sent out Tuesday. "The valuable personnel contribution offered by the German Government will help to ensure the Centre's success, and we are delighted to have the support of this key ISAF partner," he added.

Here’s the rest of the release:


"The Comprehensive Approach, also known as the whole-of-government approach, is the right way to achieve security, reconstruction and stability in Afghanistan," said the German Minister of Defence, Dr. Franz Josef Jung. "Our joint action with Canada on the Staff and Language Training Centre is a good example of this and shows how we can support the Afghan National Army to obtain self-supporting security in Afghanistan."


Work began on the SLTC-A this fall, with a view to establishing a fully operational centre in early 2010. The SLTC-A will provide junior staff training and English language instructor coordination and training to members of the Afghan National Army (ANA).


The SLTC-A will contribute to the long-term development of the ANA and will enable more effective interoperability between ANA and NATO-ISAF forces.

Canada and Germany are both major contributors to ISAF, and to NATO efforts to train and mentor the ANA. A well-led, well-trained, and well-equipped ANA is essential for the Government of Afghanistan as it assumes complete responsibility for national and provincial security, a key step in fostering governance and development.