The Vanguard Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In the latest episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones is joined by Steve O’Brien, CD, Tactical Systems Integration Lab Lead and Joe Milligan, CD, LC4ISR Support Manager of General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada.

After a 27-year career in the CAF, serving in both the Infantry and Signal Corps, Steve O’Brien retired as a Master Warrant Officer and joined GDMS-C shortly after as a Mission Specialist. He is currently the Lead for several teams that support the Tactical Systems Integration Lab and provide on-site assistance to CAF fielding trials, exercises, and deployments.

After a career with the CAF, Joe transitioned to being a Trainer with GDMS and has spent the last 20 years in a support role as an FSR and Mission Specialist with GDMS. Joe is currently the LC4ISR Field Support Manager. Joe's teams support delivery, deployment, and operation of LC4ISR products to CAF as well as other nations.

General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada is a global defence and aerospace company with a worldwide reputation for excellence. In Canada, their operations focus on the delivery and support of C4ISR solutions for the Canadian Armed Forces and allied forces worldwide. They are proud to have been a partner with the Canadian government, industry colleagues, indigenous partners, and SMEs in developing and delivering innovative products and services for over 75 years in Canada. Through continuous engagement they have built a critical understanding of user needs and are confidently providing the capabilities necessary to support mission success today and into the future.

In this episode:

• What do the new LC4ISR contracts mean for Canada and their soldiers?
• How has the technology evolved with General Dynamics?
• How is GD arming our forces with the tech they need today and tomorrow?
• And more!

Join J. Richard Jones as he peeks inside the cybersecurity industry with John Davis, Vice President of Public Sector, Palo Alto Networks. Together, they explore the history of the field as well as the technologies, business models, and trends that are driving the biggest changes.

Retired Major General John Davis has gained more than a decade of senior executive experience across all aspects of cybersecurity, while directing organizations in the U.S. national security sector. He expands cybersecurity initiatives and policy for the international public sector and assists governments and industries around the world in preventing  successful cyber attacks. Mr. Davis has a proven record of achieving results in cybersecurity operations, strategy and policy. He has valuable experience building trusted leadership relationships across the public and private sectors, as well as the international cybersecurity landscape.

Palo Alto Networks is the world’s cybersecurity leader. They innovate to outpace cyberthreats, so organizations can embrace technology with confidence. They also provide next-gen cybersecurity to thousands of customers globally, across all sectors. Their best-in-class cybersecurity platforms and services are backed by industry-leading threat intelligence and strengthened by state-of-the-art automation. Whether deploying products to enable the Zero Trust Enterprise, responding to a security incident, or partnering to deliver better security outcomes through a world-class partner ecosystem, Palo Alto is committed to helping ensure each day is safer than the one before. It’s what makes them the cybersecurity partner of choice.

Palo Alto Networks is committed to bringing together the very best people in service of their mission and are proud to be the cybersecurity workplace of choice, recognized among Newsweek's Most Loved Workplaces (2023, 2022, 2021), with a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index (2023, 2022), and HRC Best Places for LGBTQ Equality (2022).

In this episode:

• How Palo Alto is changing the cybersecurity game
• Biggest impediments to innovation
• Optimization of innovation
• Key opportunities on the horizon
• And more!

Welcome back to another episode of Vanguard Radio with host J. Richard Jones. In this episode, we speak with Theo Zafirakos, CISO Coach and Professional Services, Security Awareness Speaker for Fortra's Terranova Security. Theo is an experienced security leader and trusted advisor known for his expertise in security awareness strategy, governance, privacy, and cyber security. He collaborates with CISOs and security leaders globally, assisting them in identifying, evaluating, and managing security awareness risks. Prior to joining Terranova Security, Theo spent two decades at Canadian National Railway (CN) as the CISO, where he was responsible for the information security and governance strategy. He currently leads the Fortra's Terranova Security Professional Services team, which focuses on implementing and executing security awareness programs to achieve measurable results.

Terranova Security is a valuable addition to Fortra's comprehensive cybersecurity portfolio, which aims to simplify the complex landscape with innovative solutions. Their risk-based campaigns and high-quality training content empower employees to understand critical practices like phishing and compliance. Customized options align with customer goals, strengthening long-term information security. Terranova fosters an inclusive workplace with equal gender representation and encourages diverse voices to drive innovative security awareness training.

Today’s conversation zeros in on the fact that a successful security awareness program should generate a security-aware organizational culture.

In this episode:

• Why should your organization build a Security-Aware Culture?
• How to Spot a Security-Aware Cultural Shift in a Business?
• Why leaders need to understand employee cyber security awareness levels
• Why your organization should be concerned about Third-Party Risk Management
• And much more!

An overview of the Shipbuilding Technology Forum 2018 

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, Marcello Sukhdeo gives an overview of the Shipbuilding Technology Forum 2018 that was held recently in Ottawa. 

On March 1st, over 150 attendees from the military and industry gathered at the Shaw Centre for Vanguard's fifth annual Shipbuilding Technology Forum. This event is a one-day conference with the aim to showcase emerging technologies, presentations on marine and shipbuilding issues and ship repair. 

Vanguard has been working with industry, government and military over the years to provide a platform to create an environment for the different parties to share lessons and showcase cutting-edge technologies. 

This year's event was built on the theme: Agility through Technology.   

Hear an overview about presentations on:  

Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security program, (IDEaS),  

Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP),  

Keynote by Andy Smith, Deputy Commissioner - Strategy and Shipbuilding, Canadian Coast Guard 

Naval Infra-Red Search and Track Systems (IRST),  

Decarbonization and Marine Propulsion Systems 

Well, that was an overview of the event. I found it to be quite interesting, hearing about the different technologies currently available and what we can look forward to in the future. Especially, what can be done with autonomous technology and AI? 

To learn more about the Shipbuilding Technology Forum, go to VanguardCanada.com, and click on the SHIPTECH 2018 tab. 

Vanguard will be hosting the 2019 version of this event at the same time next year. Please stay tuned for more details.  

CF-18 replacement suppliers shortlisted and marijuana legalization in the CAF

In this episode, Canada issues a shortlist of suppliers for CF-18 replacement competition. The Canadian military is trying to decide how to handle marijuana legalization and a look at an interview with Andy Smith, Deputy Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard.

Show Notes:

The Government of Canada has released a list of eligible suppliers who would be invited to submit bids for the country’s future fighter aircraft fleet competition. The Royal Canadian Air Force plans to purchase a total of 88 advanced fighter jets. These jets will replace the current CF-18 aircraft fleet, which has been serving Canada for more than 30 years.

The companies shortlisted to submit bids are:

· Boeing Super Hornet

· Lockheed Martin F-35

· Eurofighter Typhoon

· Dassault Rafale

· Saab Gripen

Speaking about the release of the suppliers, Canada Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains said, “The Government of Canada is leveraging procurement to create jobs, drive innovation, and grow small businesses. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive investment in innovation and research across all sectors of our economy, including with post-secondary institutions.”

The contract for the aircraft development program is expected to be awarded in 2021 or 2022.

Canadian military trying to decide how to handle marijuana legalization

With the legalization of marijuana being a topical issue in Canada, the military is looking at how to apply this to members of the CAF. Chief of defence staff Gen. Jonathan Vance said, “We’re going to try to be smart about it. But in the end, this is dangerous duty, this is serious duty for the country, and we don’t want people doing it stoned.”

Gen Vance made these comments during an appearance before the Senate defence committee.

“We are looking at it,” Vance told the committee. “I am very soon to make decisions on the specific and unique circumstances associated with military service that would preclude someone from using cannabis at a particular point in time.”

Interview

Vanguard recently conducted an interview with Andy Smith, Deputy Commissioner, Strategy and Shipbuilding, Canadian Coast Guard. In that interview, we asked him what are his top 3 short-term goals? Where he sees the future of shipbuilding for the Coast Guard given the average age of the fleet –

can it be done within the service lives of the current fleet or do you see a reduction in fleet capability/capacity? If he sees a long-term fleet capital investment program similar to the Navy for the Coast Guard? Also, he touches on maintenance and life extension, success stories - CCGS Sir John Franklin and strategies and programs of the Canadian Coast Guard that he is really excited about.

For the full interview, please go to VanguardCanada.com.

Defence Minister visits Europe and Vanguard's Game Changers 

In this episode, Marcello Sukhdeo talks about Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan's visit to Europe and he also shares an overview of Vanguard's Game Changers for the February/March issue.  

Show Notes: 

Due to its commitment to lasting peace and security, both at home and abroad, Canada is working on all fronts including the international community to ensure the protection of rights and freedoms for all.  

As part of this effort, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan visited Europe. The Minister participated in a meeting of the Defence Ministers from the main force contributors to the Global Coalition against Daesh, and in Brussels, at the NATO Defence Ministerial Meeting.  

In Rome, the Minister highlighted Canada's ongoing commitment to the Global Coalition against Daesh, and to working with allies and partners to set the conditions for long-term security and stability in the Middle East region.  

While in Brussels, he participated in the NATO Defence Ministerial Meeting, alongside other NATO Allies and partners.  

Minister Sajjan highlighted Canada's commitment to NATO and working with NATO Allies to actively maintain and strengthen the transatlantic bond.  

Game Changers 

• Dr. Ben Cecil, CEO, The Canadian Centre for Product Validation 
• Jordan Kyriakidis, President and CEO, QRA Corp 
• Farhoud Shirzadi, CEO, VSETA 

To learn more, go to: https://vanguardcanada.com/category/game-changers/  

Thanks for listening. 

In this episode, the Secretary-General of NATO urges NATO nations in Europe and Canada to increase defence budget, MDA signs a contract to provide unmanned aircraft systems to the Royal Canadian Navy, and DND is looking for help to track drones.

Show Notes:

The NATO Secretary-General recently urged Canada and European allies to keep ramping up defence spending.

Only eight of the 29 NATO member countries are estimated to reach this year the alliance's spending guideline of 2 per cent of GDP.

The Secretary-General said that "To keep our nations safe, we need more defence spending, investment in key capabilities, and forces for NATO missions and operations."

MDA to provide unmanned aircraft systems to RCN

MDA, a Maxar Technologies company recently signed a contract valued at approximately $8 million with the Department of National Defence to provide maritime miniature unmanned aircraft systems (MMUAS).

The contract also includes services to support training, resource and equipment development activities and development and validation of naval tactics and new capability development.

This system will play a critical role by extending the reach of communication and sensor capability during maritime security operations.

MDA's solution is based on the Puma AE unmanned aircraft. The Puma AE system will provide the RCN with enhanced ISR capabilities.

DND wants help tracking drones

The Canadian government is looking for technology from domestic firms that might help the Department of National Defence in efforts to track unmanned aerial vehicles according to an article from the Ottawa Citizen.

The technology could either be in the late stage of development or not yet on the market.

"The wide spread application of UAV increases not only military but also public safety and security concerns," industry representatives who might be interested in drone tracking were told by Public Services and Procurement Canada. "For example, they could be used for intelligence gathering, delivering explosive devices, or targeting critical infrastructures under the military or safety and security portfolio. Therefore, it is a necessary to develop effective counter UAV techniques to defend against the threat posed by the potential malicious use of UAVs."

An overview of C4ISR and Beyond 2018

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, Marcello Sukhdeo talks with Michelle Currie about C4ISR and Beyond 2018 that was held on January 30th in Ottawa. Hear more about the discussions on that day, the highlights of Rear-Admiral Bishop’s and Rear-Admiral Hawco’s presentations, Weaponizing Data and Targeting.

Show Notes: 

C4ISR and Beyond is an event produced by Vanguard magazine, that brings together military and industry to interact on C4ISR capabilities, challenges, and the impact of C4ISR in Canadian military operations. This event started about a few years ago, and we’ve just concluded the 4th C4ISR and Beyond on the theme of Beyond Sensors. 

In this age, where almost every electronic device can be a sensor, it is easy to become overwhelmed with the amount of the data that is being captured rather than making full use of it. That was what this last event was built on. Additional areas that were covered, included, the environmental domains are given from a military viewpoint on C4ISR, how C4ISR is being delivered through SSE and targeting.

Asterix completes RCN trials and CF-18s to fly until 2032 

In this episode, Asterix completes Royal Canadian Navy trials, Canada's CF-18s to fly until 2032 and Boeing Gets $6.6 Billion from the Pentagon to expand missile defense 

Show Notes: 

Canada will try to get more flying time out of its aging CF-18s with the aim to keep the jets operating for another 15 years, up to 2032.  

Some aerospace industry sources, however, question whether the 2032 retirement is set in stone since any delays in the purchase of new jets could alter that schedule. 

Asterix completes Royal Canadian Navy trials 

Davie Shipbuilding and Federal Fleet Services announced that following an intensive period of at-sea trials and testing, Asterix has been formally accepted by the Department of National Defence and has now entered full operational service with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). 

Boeing gets $6.6 billion to expand missile defense 

Boeing has received a $6.56 billion contract to continue managing the U.S. missile defense system intended to stop North Korean or Iranian intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Defense Department said. 

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to create a nuclear warhead and a missile that could hit the U.S. mainland, adding to the urgency of U.S. missile defense efforts. In his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump said, “North Korea’s reckless pursuit of nuclear missiles could very soon threaten our homeland. We are waging a campaign of maximum pressure to prevent that from ever happening.”

HMCS Athabaskan, Delivery of Ultra-Light Combat Vehicles and Nunavut’s High Arctic. 

In this episode, the HMCS Athabaskan to be dismantled by July 2019, delivery of the first Ultra-Light Combat Vehicle is underway and Canadian forces getting ready for an operation in Nunavut’s High Arctic. 

Show Notes: 

Public Services and Procurement Canada recently awarded a contract valued at $5.7m to Marine Recycling Corporation for the disposal of the Royal Canadian Navy's (RCN) former Iroquois-class destroyer, HMCS Athabaskan. 

As part of the contract, the company is responsible for towing the vessel to its facility located in Sydney, Nova Scotia. At this location, Marine Recycling will then demilitarise equipment, remedy hazardous waste and recycling of any remaining materials. 

ULCV 

The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) has accepted delivery of its first Ultra-Light Combat Vehicles (ULCV). These vehicles, which were procured from Polaris Industries Limited.  

In December 2016, the Government of Canada announced a contract valued at $20.6M to Polaris Industries Limited for the acquisition of 52 ULCV along with the option to procure an additional 26 vehicles over a two-year period at an additional cost.  

CAF’s Nunavut Exercise 

The Canadian Armed Forces has many plans already in place for its annual Nunalivut spring sovereignty exercise, which the Nunavut Impact Review Board is now reviewing. 

Every year since 2007, the military, backed by the Canadian Rangers, has headed north to test its soldiers and equipment in cold weather conditions. 

This year, according to a Department of Defence submission to the NIRB, most of the exercises during will take place in Cambridge Bay, the home of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station, with some planned for Resolute Bay, where the Canadian Armed Forces Arctic Training Centre is located.