In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Sheldon Gillis, MSC, CD, CPSP Campaign Lead at Babcock Canada, for a deep and timely conversation about what's next for Canada's submarine future—and why sustainment is just as important as the platform itself.

With over 25 years of distinguished service in the Royal Canadian Navy—including command at sea, operational deployments across the globe, leadership roles in the Arctic, and senior oversight of naval requirements—Sheldon brings unparalleled insight into what it takes to deliver a modern, sovereign, and mission-ready submarine capability.

Together, they explore the major developments shaping the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), including the recently announced Teaming Agreement between Babcock Canada and Hanwha Ocean. This landmark partnership positions Babcock as the exclusive In-Service Support partner to Hanwha Ocean, uniting world-class submarine design and build expertise with Canada's only proven, industry-led submarine sustainment enterprise.

Listeners will hear Sheldon unpack:

·       Why sustainment must be integrated from Day One, in parallel with submarine construction

·       How Babcock's 17 years of experience sustaining the Victoria-class fleet will translate into value, readiness, and reliability for CPSP

·       The advantages of Hanwha Ocean's in-service KSS-III submarine—a platform already operating globally

·       The long-term regional and economic impact CPSP could deliver across Canada, including jobs, innovation, and STEM development

·       What accountability and availability truly mean in designing a future-focused enterprise

·       How Babcock's integrated sustainment approach supports a sovereign, Canadian solution that endures for generations

From operational realities at sea to the industrial partnerships required on land, this is a comprehensive look at how Canada can build not just a submarine fleet—but a lasting national capability.

Whether you're tracking CPSP, following defence industry developments, or simply interested in how major national projects take shape, this episode offers expert insight into one of the most consequential defence procurements of our time.

Tune in to Vanguard Radio for a deep dive into delivering an all-encompassing and sovereign Canadian sustainment solution.

When the stakes are high and the timeline is tight, what does leadership look like?

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones speaks with Paul Knowles, Senior Vice President and District Manager at PCL Construction, whose nearly 30-year career spans some of Canada's most demanding infrastructure projects. From the nation's capital to remote northern installations, PCL's work under Paul's leadership often unfolds in secure, mission-critical environments—where precision, collaboration, and trust aren't just valued, they're essential.

Paul shares his insights into what it takes to deliver complex defence projects under pressure, from balancing transparency with security compliance to fostering collaboration among military, government, and private-sector partners. With a background in civil and construction engineering and decades of experience leading high-performance teams, Paul offers a rare look behind the curtain at how large-scale national projects come together—and the leadership mindset that keeps them on track when the margin for error is razor-thin.

Listeners will hear stories of innovation, contingency planning, and real-time problem solving that define modern defence construction in Canada.

🎙 Key discussion topics include:

• Leading teams when every decision counts
• Balancing transparency and security requirements
• Collaborating across the defence ecosystem
• Innovations driving performance in mission-critical builds
• The future of leadership in Canada's defence infrastructure landscape

Interview with Cheyenne Wicks, General Manager, Military Sector, J-Squared Technologies

In the latest episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Cheyenne Wicks, General Manager, Military Sector, J-Squared Technologies. Mr. Wicks is a seasoned, results-oriented professional with extensive business and technology leadership experience. Formerly holding roles at L3Harris and DRS Technologies, he leads strategic research and development for J-Squared's military line of business, encompassing R&D, product design and production, maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), and testing specialties. Cheyenne brings more than 30 years of experience with the Royal Canadian Navy and Communications Security Establishment, Government of Canada, and the defence industry. He holds a master's degree in applied science from the Royal Military College of Canada. 

J-Squared is the leading provider of high-performing embedded computing systems and services built to withstand the harshest environments. For more than 30 years, J-Squared has partnered with prime contractors, OEMs, system builders, and end users for mission-critical applications across the military, energy/resources, transportation and commercial edge AI sectors. J-Squared provides cradle to cradle support — with in-house design, environmental testing, deployment, product lifecycle management, maintenance and repair, and support. Land, air, and sea solutions are created to the highest standards, including MIL-SPEC certifications, while software offerings meet today's exacting AI and ML challenges.

 In this episode:

• What is lacking in Canada's supply chain infrastructure?
• How it can be fixed.
• How technology is being employed in the supply chain.
• The need for tech alliances and international cooperation.
• What needs to be done in the military to embrace supply chain changes?
• How US/Canada relations are affecting supply chains. 
• And more!

As a family-owned Canadian business, Thordon Bearings Inc. has made a mark on the international scene by designing and manufacturing non-polluting bearing systems in the marine and clean power generation industries. The 100-year old company has an international network of agents, distributors and regional sales representatives in 90 countries, its stellar marketing support providing high performance, oil and grease-free bearing systems, seals and other shaft line products.

Thordon Bearings Inc. is a true Canadian success story. In this episode of Vanguard Radio, J. Richard Jones talks with George A. 'Sandy' Thomson, Innovator at Thordon Bearings Inc.

Serge Carignan, Superintendent, Quality Engineering Test Establishment at the Department of National Defence will be speaking at ShipTech Forum 2020. In this episode of Vanguard, Serge shares some of the highlights of what he will be speaking, his experience and his role at DND.

Serge joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1979 and graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in 1984. After completing initial training in Borden, he served in various maintenance organizations in Canada and Germany. He was also the Commanding Officer of 5 Service Battalion and deployed to Afghanistan in 2004. Serge Carignan has been the Superintendent of the Quality Engineering Test Establishment since 2012, responsible for failure investigations, and specialized test and evaluation for the Canadian Armed Forces.

Vanguard's ShipTech Forum will take place on Feb 25 at The Westin in Ottawa. As a one-day conference, ShipTech brings together members of industry, government, and military to share knowledge and lessons learned from a technological perspective to showcase successful investments in cutting-edge technologies for the shipbuilding and marine industries.

To learn more about ShipTech Forum 2020, visit vanguardcanada.com/shiptech2020. We have a few seats remaining, register today to hear more from Serge Carignan and other speakers.

As Canada continues to ramp up for the execution of the Future Aircrew Training program (FAcT), the shortlist of qualified suppliers is getting ready for the release of the RFP. One such supplier is Lockheed Martin Canada.

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, J. Richard Jones talks with Amy Gowder, Vice President and General Manager for Lockheed Martin's Training and Logistics Solutions line of business within the Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) business area about their capabilities and what they can offer to Canada if selected for FAcT.

In her current role, Amy is responsible for the execution and strategic growth of Lockheed Martin's mission readiness and sustainment programs with more than 5,400 employees around the globe. Before joining RMS, Amy served as Vice President of Supply Chain Management for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. In this role, she was responsible for developing and implementing acquisition policies and strategies for all Lockheed Martin Aeronautics lines of business and oversaw a procurement budget of approximately $10B annually. She was also the President & General Manager of Lockheed Martin's Commercial Engine Solutions, with locations in San Antonio, Texas, and Montreal, Canada where she was responsible for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of 11 engine product lines that powered more than 15 military and commercial aircraft.

Learn more about Lockheed Martin's development and delivery of integrated, performance-based military training solutions, the full scope of the FAcT program in Canada, similarities of other global training programs to FAcT, how to partner with Lockheed Martin or become a potential supplier for this program, ITBs and what sets Lockheed Martin Canada apart for this training program.

To learn more, go to: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-ca/future-aircrew-training-fact.html. 

The legal, intelligence and ethical perspectives of surveillance along with a focus on its associated opportunities and challenges will be discussed at C4ISR and Beyond 2020, taking place on January 28 in Ottawa.

This panel will be moderated by LGen D. Michael Day (Ret'd). In this episode of Vanguard Radio, Day shares a teaser of what we can expect from this discussion. The panelists will tackle the complications associated with the legal, intelligence and ethical perspectives for ISR so that industry can build capabilities with these considerations "baked" in.

LGen D. Michael Day (Ret'd) joined the Canadian Forces in 1983 and had the privilege of serving and commanding within his Regiment. He spent the majority of his career as an Operator within Canada's Counter Terrorist and Special Forces community commanding both Joint Task Force Two ( JTF 2) & Canada's Special Operations Forces Command. He was deployed operationally to Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Afghanistan and was responsible for the preparation, training, and oversight of NATO's Response Force, with distributed command throughout Europe.

He has served in a variety of Senior Staff appointments including the Canadian Armed Forces Senior Military Officer in the Defence Policy Group, and the Chief Strategic Planner for the CAF where he also oversaw the development of the Department of National Defence's Space and Cyber Programs. After retiring in September 2015, he began consulting with many companies, with a particular focus on the Tech Sector specifically ISR, Space and Cyber. 

The panelists:

Jessica Davis, President & Principal Consultant, Insight Threat Intelligence

Leah West, Lecturer of International Affairs at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University

Stephanie Carvin, Assistant Professor Assistant Professor of International Affairs - National Security Issues, Terrorism, Critical Infrastructure Protection, International Law, Humanitarianism, Foreign Policy, Carleton University

Hear more about this panel, the speakers and what they will be talking about, some of the takeaways and why you should attend C4ISR and Beyond 2020.  

We have a few seats remaining. Be sure to register today!

Post-traumatic stress disorder or as is commonly called, PTSD, is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some of the symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about a terrifying event.

Some who have gone through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. Symptoms can sometimes get worse, last for months or even years, and may interfere with day-to-day functioning.

By getting effective treatment after PTSD symptoms develop is critical in reducing symptoms and improve function.

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, J. Richard Jones talks with LCol Chris Linford (Ret'd) who served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 33 years. During his service, he completed three operational deployments - The Gulf War in 1991, Rwanda in 1994, and Afghanistan from 2009-2010.

In 2004, he was diagnosed with PTSD. With proper treatment, he returned to health and went back out serving his country. While serving in Afghanistan, his PTSD returned. This led to him writing a book about his experience - "Warrior Rising- A Soldier's Journey to PTSD and Back" which was published in 2013. 

Today, he and his wife Kathryn are National Ambassadors of Wounded Warriors Canada, a national charity providing innovative programming for veterans and first responders with PTSD and their spouses/partners. They are actively involved in promoting Wounded Warriors Canada programs called "COPE" or Couples Overcoming PTSD Every Day and the Trauma Resiliency Program or TRP. 

Tune in to listen to LCol Linford's story. His years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces, PTSD, the specific event that caused it, getting better, the return of PTSD, and the impact on his family. He shares tips to help those suffering from PTSD, Wounded Warriors' COPE and TRP programs and their impact and how someone who is suffering from PTSD can be a part of these programs. 

You can help support these programs and the work that Wounded Warriors Canada is doing by donating at WoundedWarriors.ca or subscribe to Vanguard magazine, the organisation behind this podcast. We recently partnered with Wounded Warriors Canada to give a portion of each subscription to our bi-monthly magazine to them to help support Canada's ill and injured Armed Forces members, veterans, first responders, and their families.

Go to vanguardcanada.com/subscription, to subscribe today to help support a great cause. 

Wounded Warriors Canada, a leading mental health service provider for ill and injured Veterans, First Responders and their families and Vanguard, a leading security and defence publication in Canada are working together to raise awareness, education and funds to ensure those who serve our country at home and abroad receive the mental health support they deserve in their time of need.

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, hear from Terri Pavelic, Editor-in-Chief of Vanguard and Scott Maxwell, Executive Director of Wounded Warriors Canada as they explain how this program was conceived, the benefits that it will provide to our wounded heroes and how you can participate.

By taking a subscription to Vanguard magazine, you will be supporting wounded heroes. A portion of all subscriptions will be donated to Wounded Warriors Canada. To learn more about the program, go here and to start subscribing to Vanguard magazine, visit http://www.vanguardcanada.com/subscription.

The Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) project was talked about and debated for a number of years. Today, the contract has been awarded and work will commence in the early 2020s with an expected delivery of the first of 15 ships by mid-2020s.

In February 2019, the Government of Canada confirmed that the bid from Lockheed Martin Canada has been selected for the design of CSC, which is based on the BAE Systems Type 26 Global Combat Ship.

Lockheed Martin Canada is partnering with BAE Systems, CAE, L3 Technologies, MDA and Ultra Electronics in offering the Royal Canadian Navy an advanced and modern warship design. Part of this solution includes Lockheed Martin Canada's internationally renowned and Canadian-developed combat management system, the CMS 330.

Today on Vanguard Radio, we are excited to talk with Gary Fudge, Vice President & General Manager of Lockheed Martin Canada about CSC and CMS 330.

Hear about Lockheed Martin Canada's innovation in this space going all the way back to the 1980s. Learn more about some of the innovative projects that were done over the years, the genesis of the CMS 330,the upgrades that were made to keep this solution current with the times, how this technology is being used by other navies, areas that are being considered to advance the CMS 330, new innovative technologies for CSC, and some of the next steps in the CSC process?

To learn more about Lockheed Martin Canada, go to https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-ca/cms330.html

We know that communications in the North is always a challenge. Recently, two communications companies teamed up to offer a new service to help solve this issue.

Galaxy Broadband and Hunter Communications have recently announced a new service to provide high-power Ku-band satellite service to Canadian federal departments and agencies using the new Hunter Ku-band satellite coverage. And now, for the first time this service is available through Shared Services Canada.

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, J. Richard Jones talks with Doug Harvey from Galaxy Broadband and Brent Perrott from Hunter Communications about this new service.

Learn more about what prompted these companies to get together, what this means for Canada's military, the coverage or reach, in-flight connectivity, the Hunter beam and their experience in providing service in the North.

To learn more go to https://huntercomm.net/and http://www.galaxybroadband.ca/.

On the show today, J. Richard Jones talks with Keith D'Sa from Axis Communications Canada about how technological developments are elevating surveillance and security.

Keith has more than 15 years providing insight and strategy tactics around business development, solution selling and account management in the security and surveillance industry. He is responsible for business operations in Canada, including new business development and sales team leadership.

Keith has been involved with industry leading associations and was featured in Security Products and Technology (SP&T) Magazine for the Top 10 under 40 Decision makers in the security/surveillance industry in Canada.

Hear about technologies in the security space, perimeter protection, network audio systems as a detect and deter function, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and the future of surveillance and security.

In May 2018, CAE and KF Aerospace joined together to form SkyAlyne Canada, a 50/50 joint venture that focuses on developing and delivering military pilot and aircrew training in Canada.

Currently, CAE and KF Aerospace deliver all phases of pilot training to the Royal Canadian Air Force through the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) program managed by CAE, and the Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) program managed by KF Aerospace.

These programs will come to an end in the next few years and the Government of Canada is looking to award a new contract to renew its existing aircrew training services through the Future Aircrew Training Program (FAcT).

In December 2018, Canada issued a list of qualified suppliers for this program, which includes:

Airbus Defence and Space
Babcock Canada Inc.
Leonardo Canada
Lockheed Martin Canada Inc. and
SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, J. Richard Jones talks with Peter Fedak, Program Solutions for SkyAlyne.

Hear more about this joint venture and how it is being positioned for the FAcT program, some of the capabilities and solutions SkyAlyne will bring to Canada if selected for the FAcT program, top challenges of pilot training in Canada, advancement in training solutions, some of the lessons or takeaways from CFTS, the shortage pilot problem and steps to solve it, and the future of pilot training.

Peter Fedak is a retired RCAF LCol and helicopter pilot. He joined the RCAF in 1989 and after receiving his pilot wings in 1994 commenced his life as a tactical helicopter pilot supporting the Canadian Army. He has held operational tours with 408 and 403 Squadrons and a training tour at 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School achieving an A1 instructor category with the Central Flying School. Other than flying over most of the vast expanses of Canada at 100kts, Peter was deployed to Haiti in 1995 and in 2008 deployed to Afghanistan working with the USAF training Afghan Army Air Corps pilots on the nuances of tactical operations in the Mi-17 helicopter.

Peter's final post in the RCAF was as the Commandant of 3CFFTS from 2012 to 2014. Upon release after 25 years of service he worked as a HEMS pilot for a year before assuming his current role as the KF Aerospace Site Manager for the Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) contract supporting the training program for RCAF primary, rotary wing, and multi-engine pilots. Peter has just under 5000 hours of helicopter flying time on five different types including 1900 hours instructing.

To learn more, go to http://www.skyalyne.ca.

Interview with David Males, Director of Business Development, SSI

In this week's episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with David Males, Director of Business Development, SSI. Mr. Males has 35+ years as a trusted sales and marketing executive in IT & Related Services in the US and Canada. His previous experience serving the industrial manufacturing and infrastructure development (AEC) sectors allows him to bring a practical perspective to help the marine and shipbuilding industry address key challenges surrounding digital transformation, lifecycle management, and the impact of emerging technology on current and future workers.

David is a frequent presenter at marine industry conferences addressing key challenges surrounding business transformation to digital shipbuilding and asset lifecycle management. He has been published in Maritime Technology magazine and chairs the SNAME O-52 Digital Twin Panel that aims to provide guidance to assist industry in the development of digital twin programs.

SSI delivers software, services, and expertise for the business of shipbuilding. They take advantage of the rapidly evolving technologies that define the future of the industry and understand how to implement them specifically for shipbuilders. For over 35 years, their team has been globally recognized for their specific solutions for the design, engineering, construction, and maintenance of shipbuilding projects.

In this episode:

• How Canada ensuring its shipbuilding efforts align with long-term strategic priorities.
• The biggest hurdles facing Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy today.
• How the Canadian shipbuilding industry is adapting to global trends and digitalization.
• Challenges that Canadian shipyards are running up against
• How SSI's digital ship sustainment platform fits in with the RCN's initiatives
• And more!

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, J. Richard Jones talks with Joseph Galimberti, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs of PAL Aerospace.

PAL Aerospace is a diversified international aerospace and defence company headquartered in Canada. With over four decades of operations, PAL has continuously built on their experience to evolve into a global leader of airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions. 

Hear more about PAL Aerospace and some of their exciting capabilities within the aerospace field. Joseph shares of lessons and capabilities that PAL has that will be incorporated to provide in-service support for the Fixed Wing Search and Rescue project. Their ISR special mission platform called the Force Multiplier and what specific issues this will solve for the Canadian Armed Forces and militaries around the world, aerial surveillance for Canada's inland, coastal and offshore waters, and emerging technologies for ISR solutions.

Joseph Galimberti joined PAL in late 2018 as the Senior Vice-President, Public Affairs. Prior to joining PAL, Joseph held a variety of executive positions including: President of the Canadian Steel Producers Association, Vice-President of Public and Corporate Affairs at Hill + Knowlton Strategies Canada, Director of Government and Community Relations at Air Canada, and has also served in various capacities with the Government of Canada. Joseph is co-owner of his family business Broad Street Cycles in Victoria, B.C., and a former Trustee on the Board of Pearson College UWC. Joseph lives in Ottawa with his wife Heidi and their twin sons Jonah and Bennett.

To learn more about PAL Aerospace, go to https://www.palaerospace.com.

Command, Communications, Control, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) is a crucial facet of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operations and a growing area that is getting more attention in recent years. 

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, I'm excited to speak with Lieutenant Colonel Ian R. Graham Director of Land Requirements 4, at the Department of National Defence.

Lieutenant Colonel Ian Graham is currently the Directorate Land Requirements section head responsible for projects focusing on Command and Control (C2), Electronic Warfare and Simulation in support of training systems.  

He joined the Canadian Armed forces in 1990, graduating from the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario in 1995 with a degree in Computer Engineering.  Since that time has served in Petawawa, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Kingston, Iraq and Ottawa.  He has held a wide variety of staff positions including managing C2 system security accreditation, multiple postings as a project manager and project director focusing on delivering tactical land C2 systems to the Canadian Army and various operational communications planning positions. 

His operational deployments include a 6-month tour in Bosnia in 2003 as the Task Force G6 Operations, deployment to Afghanistan in 2006 as the Canadian Battle Group Signals officer and finally to Kuwait as the Operation IMPACT J6 in 2013.  As a Major, he commanded 1 Squadron, Canadian Forces Joint Signal Regiment and has attended the United States Marine Corps Staff Program in Quantico, Virginia.

Within DLR, Lieutenant Colonel Graham is currently focused on advancing the Canadian Army Land C4ISR capital projects and specifically looking to enable more agile approaches for high tech capability development.

Richard Jones, host of Vanguard Radio talks with Johnathon (Lee) Obst, President and Managing Director, Rockwell Collins Canada, a Collins Aerospace Company, of the capabilities of the newly formed company.

Lee joined Collins Aerospace (formerly Rockwell Collins) in 2000 as a Program Manager in the Government Systems Airborne Solutions portfolio and shortly afterwards transitioned in to a business development role. Since 2000, Lee has held a variety of business development leadership roles in the Airborne Solutions portfolio with increasing responsibilities. In 2010, Lee was appointed as the Senior Director, Marketing for Collins Aerospace Government Systems.

In 2011, Lee was appointed as the President and Managing Director of Collins Aerospace based in Ottawa, Ontario. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the Canadian operations and production facilities in Ottawa and providing shared services for the Montreal operations.

Prior to joining Collins Aerospace, Lee served for 21 years as a test pilot and fighter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Hear more about Collins Aerospace, which was created in 2018 by bringing together UTC Aerospace Systems and Rockwell Collins, the plans for growth in Canada, programs that Collins Aerospace has the capabilities for, training,         and what to expect from Collins Aerospace at CANSEC.

Visit Collins Aerospace at booth 1103 at CANSEC to learn more.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defence industry. Created in 2018 by bringing together UTC Aerospace Systems and Rockwell Collins, Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market. 

In addition to being a pioneer in the development of world class avionics, aircraft interiors, aerostructures, power and controls as well as mechanical and mission systems – which are delivered by 70,000 employees worldwide – Collins also has a renowned global service and support capability. This is demonstrated locally with our longstanding relationships with many of the world's airlines, aircraft manufacturers and national defence organizations, including the Canadian Armed Forces.

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, J. Richard Jones talks with Jean-Claude Siew, Vice President for Technology and Simulation for Bluedrop Training & Simulation Inc.

Jean-Claude has a deep understanding of training and simulation and management leadership, which he accumulated over 20 years of working in the aerospace and defence industry. He has a strong focus on growing Bluedrop Training & Simulation Inc. through technology leadership and by further developing the products and services in working closely with large aerospace and defence OEMs.

Bluedrop Training & Simulation Inc. (BTS) operates within the defence and aerospace industry by designing and developing highly specialized, high performance, tactical training for front line operators of equipment working in complex environments and high-risk situations. This includes, training systems needs analysis, custom courseware development, virtual simulation training devices, and ongoing training support for in service support.

Hear more about Bluedrop, some of the lessons learned in working with the Canadian Armed Forces to shape future courseware and training, developing training programs for a variety of different systems on the Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels and the role that it will play in helping the Canadian Coast Guard to effectively operate these vessels.

Jean-Claude talks about how Bluedrop provides training solutions for other countries. He shares some of the takeaways of working with foreign organizations that can be applied to Canada and vice versa.

Check out Bluedrop at CANSEC at booth 1215 to learn more.

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, J. Richard Jones talks with Ken Peterman, President, Government Systems at Viasat, a global communications company. For more than 30 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate.

In April 2013, Ken joined Viasat as Vice President, Government Systems. Just over a year later in June 2014, he was appointed Senior Vice President, Government Systems, and in May 2017, he assumed his current position as President, Government Systems.

Ken has over 30 years of experience in general management, systems engineering, strategic planning, portfolio management, and business leadership in the aerospace and defense industries.

In the show, he talks about how private sector is now developing technologies that are being adopted to fit defence, which is a reverse of what was done previously. This is an opportunity for defence forces to tap into and leverage the accelerated trajectories of these technologies. As in the case with Viasat, they are not just building these technologies for commercial markets but for defence as well.

Ken talks about how it is about bring forward cutting edge technologies to serve both markets in an affordable manner. This helps armed forces and benefits the tax payers as there is no R&D cost associated with it as it was already funded by private sector in the development of these technologies. 

Ken was selected as a Vanguard Game Changer, check out his profile on VanguardCanada.com to learn more about the leadership initiatives that he is employing to lead Viasat.

To learn more about Viasat, go to viasat.com.

In this second part, J. Richard Jones continues his discussion with Joe Armstrong, Vice‐President & General Manager of CAE Canada. CAE is a worldwide leader in training for the civil aviation, defence and security, and healthcare markets.

Hear more about CAE's MAD XR technology, which was developed jointly with DRDC and NRC. The future of pilot training and technologies like AI and AR, which will play a major role in shaping what that future training would look like.

If you missed the first part, please go to https://vanguardcanada.com/2019/02/13/part-1-the-evolution-of-pilot-training-an-interview-with-joe-armstrong-cae-canada/ to listen to that insightful interview.

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, J. Richard Jones talks with a very special guest, Joe Armstrong, Vice‐President & General Manager of CAE Canada. CAE is a worldwide leader in training for the civil aviation, defence and security, and healthcare markets.

Of these markets, Joe is responsible for leading CAE's Defence & Security business in Canada. His portfolio spans a range of key programs including Software & Systems Engineering support to the CF‐18 fleet, the operations of the Air Mobility Training Center supporting the C130H & J fleets in CFB Trenton, the MHLH Training Center in Petawawa, and The NATO Flying Training Center in Moose Jaw and Cold Lake.

Hear about CAE's global encompassing work, the evolution of pilot training, lessons to apply, the importance of Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, what it means to be a Training Systems Integrator and much more.

Next week, we will present Part 2 of this interview in which Joe will delve into MAD XR technology, which was developed jointly with DRDC and NRC. AI and AR technologies and how that will shape the future of pilot training.

To learn more about CAE, go to https://www.cae.com.

Since 2008, Babcock has been operating in Canada in working with committed experts to design, build, manage, operate and maintain assets vital to the delivery of critical public services. Globally, the company is a 35,000-strong organization, which helps customers around the world to improve the capability, reliability and availability of their most critical assets within the key market sectors of Marine, Land, Aviation, and Nuclear.

Recently, Babcock was awarded a contract for aerial firefighting by the Government of Manitoba. This Wildfire Suppression Services contract is for a period of ten years. 

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, J. Richard Jones talks with Mike Whalley, President of Babcock Canada and Jake Jacobson, Vice-President of Babcock Canada about this contract and the operation of Babcock in Canada. 

Hear an update on the Victoria-class submarine program, lessons gleaned from this program that can be applied to future naval in-service support programs, lessons from working in the United Kingdom and the Australasia regions in incorporating those in Canada, some of the services they provide in the different sectors, the recent contract by the Manitoba government for aerial firefighting services and the future for Babcock Canada.

To learn more about Babcock Canada, go to https://babcockcanada.com.

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, J. Richard Jones talks with Astrid Neuland, Business Development Executive at Thales Canada. Astrid is an active volunteer at Wounded Warriors Canada, an organization that is dedicated to honour and support Canada's ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, first responders and their families.

Hear about the upcoming bike ride programs that Wounded Warriors is organizing to raise funds to increase awareness of PTSD issues and for mental health programs. Astrid shares her experience of participating in these bike rides at home and overseas and the camaraderie and support from fellow riders and the public.

To learn more about Wounded Warriors and how you can support, go to https://woundedwarriors.ca/.

Calian, a provider of business and technology services and solutions to industry, public and government in the health, training, engineering and IT services domains and also in satellite networks, recently announced that it has been selected to deliver a significant training contract for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Army Simulation Centre. The Training and Support Services Contract is valued about $170 million, running over a full nine-year period. 

In this episode, J. Richard Jones talks with Kevin Ford, President and Chief Executive Officer of Calian about this re-win for the company and what it means to Calian. Hear about where Calian fit into Strong, Secure, Engaged, their innovation agenda, their #DontLetGoCanada space campaign and what we can expect from the company in the future.

To learn more, go to https://www.calian.com/en.

Thanks for listening.

Interview with Anthony March, Vice President, Marine & Mission Systems, Babcock Canada

In this week's episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones has an in insightful discussion with Tony March, Vice President of Marine and Mission Systems at Babcock Canada. A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada, he holds degrees in mechanical engineering, defence studies, and marine engineering, along with an MBA from Athabasca University. He is also a graduate of the UCL Submarine Design Course and the Canadian Joint Command and Staff Program. Tony began his career in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1997 as a Marine Systems Engineer, serving in HMCS Montréal during Operation APOLLO. In 2003, he joined the Submarine Service, serving aboard HMC Submarines Victoria, Windsor, and Corner Brook, and later held various engineering and leadership roles in Halifax and Ottawa.

After 21 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, Tony transitioned to the private sector, joining Babcock Canada in 2018. He initially served as Vice President of Engineering Services before assuming his current role in 2024, where he oversees marine and mission systems operations.

Operating in Canada since 2008, Babcock Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Babcock International Group, a global defence, aerospace, and security company. For over 16 years, Babcock has been proud to play a critical role in supporting Canada's safety and security, delivering engineering and critical support services to defence and civil customers.

Drawing on decades of global experience, Babcock delivers fully integrated solutions tailored specifically for Canada and its unique environment across the land, marine, and aviation sectors.

In this episode:

• Timelines for Acquisition and Sustainment contracts
•  
• Level of expertise of submarine maintenance in Canada
•  
• Moving from the Victoria Class submarines to a newer and larger fleet
•  
• The role Babcock will play

In the show today, J. Richard Jones talks with Simon Olsen, Director of Business Development for Strategy and Partnerships at Sentient Vision. Hear about Simon's perspective on the future of marine search and rescue for Canadians, the challenges officers are facing when it comes to water defence and marine SAR and new technologies to consider.

He also shares his insight on new approaches and technologies that the US Coast Guard, the UK Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy are using that Canada should consider adopting and the world's first Optical Radar - ViDAR. This is an airborne persistent wide-area maritime search system that autonomously detects objects on the ocean surface and provides the operator with a detailed image of objects that other search methods often miss. A "game-changing" system for search and rescue!

As the Director of Business Development, strategy and Partnerships at Sentient, Simon has extensive networks within the aviation, unmanned systems, general aircraft integration, sensors and exploitation markets both in Australia and around the world. He is also a former member of the board for the Australian Association of Unmanned Systems.

To learn more, go to: http://www.sentientvision.com/

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology has evolved significantly over the past decade, with innovative new drones hitting the enterprise and consumer market regularly. While the focus has been primarily on how drones can be used to enhance enterprise applications -- everything from Public Safety applications, to military deployments, hydro and telecom infrastructure inspections, and even to agriculture -- there are some security risks that are inherent with drone availability.

In this episode, J. Richard Jones talks with Marc Bouvrette, President of Gap Wireless, a stocking distributor of mobile broadband and wireless solutions including one of the most impressive suites of vendor partner UAV solutions in North America. Marc delves into the security aspects of the UAV market and how the latest technology is enabling protection from rogue drones and their pilots.

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, J. Richard Jones interviews Astrid Neuland, Business Development, Thales Canada Defense & Security, about her participation in the Highway of Heroes Ontario Bike Ride 2018. Listen and learn about her experiences on the road, the rewards and lessons learned, as well as why this is such an important event to support.

In this episode, J. Richard Jones talks with Lee Obst, President and Managing Director of Rockwell Collins in Canada.

Since 2011, Lee has been serving in his current role in overseeing the Canadian operations and production facilities. Prior to joining Rockwell Collins in 2000, Lee served for 21 years as a test pilot and fighter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and three years as a program manager/business director with Spar Aerospace, Canada.

In this Vanguard Radio podcast, hear about the future growth strategy of Rockwell Collins in Canada and what they are doing to align investment with the mandates of the new Defence Procurement Strategy. Learn about Wideband HF and the role the Canadian subsidiary of Rockwell Collins played in its development.

Also, Rockwell Collins Canada will be at CANSEC this year. Hear more about their 'Made in Canada' NSS offering and how it will be represented at CANSEC, and other capabilities that they will be exhibiting at the event.

Rockwell Collins Canada will be exhibiting at Booth 1103 at CANSEC 2018 at the EY Centre in Ottawa on May 30-31. 

Thanks for listening.

In this episode of Vanguard Radio,  J. Richard Jones chats with Brent Perrot, President of Hunter Communications.  They discuss the challenges of satellite communications and how technology is winning the battle,  what satellite communications are doing to help the defence industry and Hunter Communications participation at CANSEC 2018.  All this and more on this episode of Vanguard Radio.

In this episode, J. Richard Jones guest hosts Vanguard radio. He interviews Mathew Overton, Executive Director, Conference of Defence Associations and CDA Institute about the need to understand AI technology and its impact, upcoming events and projects that are being worked on. All this and more, on this episode of Vanguard radio.

In this episode of Vanguard radio, J. Richard Jones joins the show as guest host. He discusses Towed Reelable Active-Passive Sonar, (TRAPS) a new program for reservists and Canada's role in the Iraq mission. All this and more, in this episode of Vanguard radio.

In this episode, Uber self-driving car killed a woman in Arizona recently, was that accident avoidable? There are many calls coming from different quarters to quite Facebook and streaming is taking over the music industry, so what's next?

Show Notes

Last Sunday, in the city of Tempe, Arizona, Elaine Herzberg who was 49 years old, attempted to cross a busy road. She was pushing a bicycle across the road about 100 meters from the closest pedestrian crosswalk when she was hit by a vehicle, which was travelling at 38 miles per hour in a 35 mile-per-hour zone.

The Police Chief of Tempe said the crash may have been unavoidable.

One analyst who follows autonomous vehicles, said laser and radar systems can see in the dark much better than humans or cameras and that the victim was well within the range.

He said, "It absolutely should have been able to pick her up. From what I see in the video it sure looks like the car is at fault, not the pedestrian."

Delete Facebook

How often do you post on Facebook? A lot of people are calling for others to quit Facebook. Even the hashtag #DeleteFacebook is trending.

Many are wondering if it is time to say goodbye to Facebook.

At its best, Facebook is a nice way to stay in touch with friends around the world, in business to learn what's important to the people we serve and to share the work we're doing. But there's a concern to all of this. The very data that make it work so well, have power, power that can be used for good or evil.

And because of this, many are now waking up to the concerns over privacy and how our personal information is being shared.

Streaming Music

Over the years we have seen the evolution of the way music is consumed. From cassettes to cds, then onto digital downloads. For a little while now streaming is the main way of getting our music.

Streaming music is taking over the music industry, and that can be seen with digital download sales which have fallen so much in the past few years that they're now smaller than sales of CDs, vinyl, and other physical media.

A recent report shows that digital downloads fell to $1.3 billion last year, whereas physical media, while also falling, only declined to $1.5 billion.

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.  

Interview with David Wiseman, Vice President, Secure Communications, BlackBerry

Check out this week's episode of Vanguard Radio. Host, J. Richard Jones, sits down for an illuminating conversation with David Wiseman, Vice President, Secure Communications, BlackBerry. With over 25 years of experience, his expertise spans software, security, mobility, and communications, honed through roles at BlackBerry, IBM, SAP, Sybase, and the US Navy. David holds a bachelor's in computer science from the University of Mary Washington and an MBA from UNC Chapel Hill. Early in his career, he contributed to developing groundbreaking technologies, including the world's first large-scale environmental geo-spatial database for NASA and radar data fusion software for shipboard systems with the US Navy.

BlackBerry provides enterprises and governments the intelligent software and services that power the world around us. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company's high-performance foundational software enables major automakers and industrial giants alike to unlock transformative applications, drive new revenue streams and launch innovative business models, all without sacrificing safety, security, and reliability. With a deep heritage in Secure Communications, BlackBerry delivers operational resiliency with a comprehensive, highly secure, and extensively certified portfolio for mobile fortification, mission-critical communications, and critical events management. The company is also a pioneer in leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to deliver advanced cybersecurity solutions to its customers.

In this episode:

• US telecom network hacks in the run up to the US election
• New and emerging hacking tactics
• What vulnerabilities have been exposed?
• What implications does this have for telecom service providers in other countries?
• What are the implications for national security?
• How does BlackBerry protect calls, texts, messages and files?
• And more!

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. 

NATO's Chiefs of Defence meeting and new sanctions against North Korea 

In this episode, NATO's Chiefs of Defence held their first meeting of year, Canada does not have much room to introduce new sanctions against North Korea and Cascade Aerospace to upgrade C-130 aircraft for the Mexican Air Force. 

NATO Chiefs of Defence  

At the 178th Military Committee in Chiefs of Defence Session held at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on the Jan 16th and 17th, the Allied Chiefs of Defence focused political and military priorities. 

At the session, the topics of military contribution to security and stabilization in Europe's southern neighborhood, the NATO Command Structure (NCS) adaptation, the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan and the Global Coalition against ISIS and NATO's role in Iraq were all discussed.  

New sanctions against North Korea 

Canada may almost be out of options when it comes to developing new sanctions against North Korea. This is something that came out of the recent summit in Vancouver. Delegates from 20 countries left the summit pledging to consider new measures against Kim Jong-un's regime. 

But the way it looks, Canada may not have much room to introduce new sanctions because it already has significant independent measures in place, according to the CBC. 

A government official told CBC News that Ottawa will always evaluate its options, but what is in place now is already very strong. 

Canada has a wide-ranging ban on trade, financial interactions and weapons with North Korea. The plan includes a few exceptions for humanitarian support. 

When new sanctions were put in place last year by the United Nations Security Council, some of those measures were in line with regulations Canada already had in place. 

At the summit, participants agreed to "consider and take steps to impose unilateral sanctions and further diplomatic actions that go beyond those required by UN Security Council resolutions." 

But what those efforts could look like, were not disclosed.  

Cascade Aerospace C-130 Hercules aircraft 

Cascade Aerospace has been contracted to perform avionics modernisation of one (FAM) L-100 (C-130) Hercules aircraft for the Mexican Air Force. 

The program is contracted through the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the governments of Canada and Mexico in November 2013. 

Under the terms of the new contract, the company will be responsible for the installation and integration of Rockwell Collins' advanced Flight2 digital avionics suite. 

Cascade Aerospace will also be responsible for delivering operational and technical training for the Mexican Air Force personnel at the company's facility and headquarters in Abbotsford, British Columbia. 

SMP trucks delayed and President Trump and NAFTA In this episode, delivery of new SMP trucks delayed, Canada is convinced that President Trump will pull out of NAFTA, and Lockheed Martin enhances capability of its Aegis Missile-Defense System. Show Notes: There has been a delay in the delivery of the Standard Military Pattern or SMP trucks from Mack Defense. The Canadian Armed Forces was supposed to start receiving the first of its new SMP trucks by the summer of 2017 but that was pushed to the end of 2017. But now the truck delivery has been delayed once again. This is due to issues with certain aspects on the trucks that has to be dealt with. "The qualification testing has led to necessary changes in the vehicle that will be incorporated prior to delivering the equipment to the Canadian Armed Forces," said Department of National Defence spokesman Andrew McKelvey. NAFTA Canada is increasingly convinced that President Donald Trump will soon announce the United States intends to pull out of NAFTA. One of the Canadian government sources also said later it was not certain that Trump would move against the treaty and that Ottawa was prepared for many scenarios. But even the prospect of potential damage to the three nations' integrated economies sparked market concerns. The Canadian dollar weakened to its lowest this year against the greenback on Wednesday as the NAFTA concerns tempered bets that the Bank of Canada will raise interest rates next week. Mike Archibald, associate portfolio manager at AGF Investments in Toronto, cited "a tremendous amount of uncertainty on the horizon". Canadian government bond prices rose across the yield curve and railway, pipeline and other tradesensitive stocks weighed on the country's main index. Mexico's currency also weakened and stocks extended losses. Royal Bank of Canada's Chief Executive Dave McKay said on Tuesday he believed there was now a greater chance that NAFTA could be scrapped. Separately, a U.S. source close to the White House quoted Trump as saying "I want out" as the talks drag on with little sign of progress. Aegis Missile-Defense System Lockheed Martin Corp said on Thursday it had connected key components of its new long-range discrimination radar (LRDR) with its Aegis Ashore missile-defense system to enhance Aegis's capabilities. With this technology, the Aegis missile-defense system - a collection of radar stations and interceptors - will be simultaneously able to detect threats from longer distances and combat targets with reduced reaction time, the U.S. weapons maker said.

Global arms sales on the rise and Canada invests in quantum technology 

In this episode, Marcello Sukhdeo talks about the rise in global arms sales, Canada and UAE sign defence cooperation agreement and the investment of the government in quantum technology. 

Show Notes: 

The world's 100 biggest weapons companies have increased arm sales for the first time in five years, reaching more than 370 billion dollars annually.  

In its annual assessment of global arms sales, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute recently published a report that shows that last year saw the end of five consecutive years of decline with a 1.9 per cent increase in total sales.  

"The growth in arms sales was expected and is driven by the implementation of new national major weapons programmes, ongoing military operations in several countries and persistent regional tensions that are leading to increased demand for weapons," the report states.   

Those weapons programmes include substantial investment in naval and air capacity, including submarines in the US and UK, as well as new-generation combat aircraft such as the F-35, made by Lockheed Martin. The US, with the world's largest defence budget, has identified spending last year of $45bn on aircraft and related systems and $27bn on shipbuilding and maritime systems.  

Canada and UAE sign defence cooperation agreement 

Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a defence cooperation arrangement that will make it easier for the Canadian defence industry to access one of the world's most lucrative arms markets and bolster military ties between the two countries. 

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan signed the agreement during his five-day tour of the Middle East that included stops in Jordan, the UAE and Kuwait. 

"The signing of the Canada-UAE Defence Cooperation Arrangement is a testament to the enduring partnership between our nations," Sajjan said in a statement. "We will continue our joint efforts to counter violent extremism in the Middle East as we work to build a more peaceful and prosperous world for both Canadians and the Emirati people." 

The UAE ranks among the top 15 defence spenders in the world, according to Business Monitor International. 

Government of Canada invests in national security technology 

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is awarding $1.5 million to the University of Waterloo's Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) to lead the science of a mission called the Quantum Encryption and Science Satellite (QEYSSat), which will protect the communications and data of Canadians on Earth and in space. 

It is estimated that within 10 to 20 years, the encryption codes used by computers today will be easily decoded by high-performing quantum computers, making current encryption technology obsolete. 

This investment will advance encryption methods, which use highly advanced computing technology to create unbreakable security codes. 

In this episode, Canada launches contest for 88 fighter jets, assembling the First Arctic patrol ship is on the way at the Halifax Shipyard and the steps needed to integrate the Australian F-18s into the current Royal Canadian Air Force's fighter fleet. 

Show Notes:

The main structural components of the Royal Canadian Navy's first Arctic patrol ship have been assembled at the Halifax Shipyard. 

The ship is expected to be launched at the Halifax Shipyard next summer. 

"As the first ship of the class, having the future HMCS Harry DeWolf assembled at land level is a significant milestone," Kevin McCoy, president of Irving Shipbuilding, said in a statement. 

Canada launches contest for 88 fighter jets 

The Canadian government is launching a competition to buy a new fleet of 88 fighter jets and officials confirmed Tuesday they will also be buying an interim fleet of 18 jets from Australia rather than from Boeing. 

According to Global News, a clause in the announcement effectively suggests that if Boeing wants to bid on the competition itself, it better back down in its trade challenge of Bombardier. 

"When bids are assessed, any bidder that is responsible for harm to Canada's economic interests will be at a distinct disadvantage," the press release states. 

That aspect of the announcement seems specifically aimed at Boeing. 

Officials said the cost is being estimated at roughly half a billion dollars for the interim replacement, while roughly $15 billion to $19 billion will be set aside for the full competition. 

Australian F-18s 

With the announcement to purchase Australian F-18 aircraft, Canada has issued a list of steps needed to integrate the Australian F-18s with the current fleet of Canada's CF-18s.   

• Life extension and upgrade 
• Acquiring spare parts 
• Training and personnel 
• Operations 
• Infrastructure 

A Conversation with Daniel Kroese, Vice President, Public Policy & Government Affairs Palo Alto Networks 

In this week's episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down for an engaging conversation with Daniel Kroese, Vice President of Public Policy & Government Affairs at Palo Alto Networks. Mr. Kroese is leading the company's engagement with policymakers and government stakeholders. He brings extensive Legislative and Executive Branch cyber policy experience, including roles as Staff Director for Ranking Member Katko on the House Homeland Security Committee and as a senior advisor to Director Krebs at CISA.

Previously, Daniel served as Chief of Staff to Congressman John Ratcliffe, chair of the House Homeland Cybersecurity Subcommittee. At Palo Alto Networks, he leverages this expertise to strengthen the cybersecurity ecosystem. Daniel is also a visiting fellow at the National Security Institute.

Palo Alto Networks is the world's cyber security leader, offering next-gen security solutions, expert services, and industry-leading threat intelligence. They empower organizations across every sector to transform with confidence.

In this episode:

• How can organizations enable the safe use of AI?
• How Alto Networks champions the ideals of Secure by Design
• How Palo Alto Networks is working to ensure Supply Chain Integrity
• Cybersecurity priorities for 2025
• Benefits of "secure internet browsers"

In this episode, pushing back on delivery date for new fighter jets, Canadian Rangers losing out on health benefits and Vanguard is gearing up to host the Shipbuilding Technology Forum 2018.

Show Notes:

The Royal Canadian Air Force may have to keep its aging CF-18s airborne even longer than already expected after industry sources warned that the Trudeau government is planning to push back the delivery date for its new fleet of fighters.

Word of the likely delay comes with the government moving ahead with the purchase of used fighter jets from Australia as a temporary stopgap alongside its existing CF-18s, rather than the original plan of buying brand new Super Hornets from U.S. aerospace giant Boeing.

Canadian Rangers losing out on health benefits

The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces are failing to ensure that Canadian Rangers, many of whom are Inuit, First Nations or Métis, receive health care benefits and entitlements available to other reservists, Canada's military watchdog said in a report released recently.

Gary Walbourne, the National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces ombudsman, launched an investigation in 2016 aimed at figuring out why many Canadian Rangers don't receive the health care benefits that they're entitled to.

In his final report based on that investigation, Walbourne found many Rangers often don't report injuries sustained while they're on duty and don't know about benefits they're entitled to from Veterans Affairs Canada or how to apply for them.

"Respondents interviewed who self-identified as having sustained an injury while on duty were subsequently asked if they had considered submitting a claim to Veterans Affairs Canada—the vast majority responded that they did not," Walbourne said in his 31-page report.

Shipbuilding event

Vanguard is gearing up to host the Shipbuilding Technology Forum 2018. This is an annual event that is produced by Vanguard Magazine to facilitate a discussion between government, military and industry.

Scheduled for March 1, 2018, the Shipbuilding Technology Forum will be held at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa. This one-day conference is intended to showcase emerging technologies, address a range of marine and shipbuilding issues as well as ship repair and the advantages they provide for growth and export. To learn more or register to attend, go here.

In this episode, we take a look at the RFPs that were submitted for the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) program and with the North Korea threat, Canada has set aside two bunkers at military bases. 

Show Notes: 

The Navantia Team 

The Navantia team has made an announcement of the submission of its proposal. 

The team, which is led by Navantia is comprised of Saab Australia which will deliver the Combat Systems Integrator (CSI) and CEA Technologies to provide other key elements of the proposed solution. 

The team's solution is based on "the proven F-105 frigate design" for the Spanish Navy. This design coupled with capabilities of key Canadian companies will provide a ship that is ideally suited to Canada's requirement, according to the press release. 

Navantia has a history of providing modifications of this design for many navies including the Norwegian Navy and, most recently, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). 

Canada's Combat Ship Team has announced the delivery of its proposal 

Comprising of BAE Systems, CAE, Lockheed Martin Canada, L3 Technologies, MDA and Ultra Electronics, Canada's Combat Ship Team's proposal is focused on the "Canadian doctrine" according to Rosemary Chapdelaine, Vice President and General Manager at Lockheed Martin Canada Rotary and Missions Systems (RMS). 

The team which is headed by Lockheed Martin Canada is offering "the most advanced and modern" warship design from BAE Systems – the Type 26 Global Combat Ship – along with innovations from other leading companies in Canada. Lockheed Martin Canada will provide its world-renowned Canadian-developed combat management system, the CMS 330 to integrate with the Type 26. 

Due to the North Korean threat Canada has open up two bunkers 

The Privy Council Office, drafted an agreement with National Defence a year ago to open up bunkers on two military bases should the National Capital Region become "unviable," according to documents obtained by CBC News under access to information legislation. 

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan was asked Wednesday what would happen should a missile land in Canada.  

"When it comes to any type of foreign threats, we take them extremely seriously," he said. "We've been looking at North Korea right from the beginning when I was given this portfolio. I am very mindful of the country's missile testing that they have been doing. We believe that the diplomatic solution is the way to go, because I think that there is hope for it." 

In this episode, Marcello Sukhdeo talks about how nearly half of illegal border-crossers into Canada are from Haiti, the president of Kosovo says that Russia's interference in Kosovo has implications for Canada and why is Russia sending robotic submarines to the Arctic? 

Show Notes 

For the last nine months, over 14,000 refugee claims were made by people who crossed into Canada outside legal border points. Of this number, nearly half of them were from Haiti according to CBC. 

Data released by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) on recently shows that 6,304 citizens of Haiti claimed refugee status after crossing illegally into Canada between February and October. 

Haiti was the top country of origin for irregular border-crossers in the nine-month period, followed by Nigeria, from which 1,911 people crossed into Canada. 

Other countries of origin, and the number of people who crossed the border, were: 

Turkey 

Syria 

Eritrea 

Yemen 

U.S. 

Of the 14,000 referrals to the IRB, just over 1,500 cases have been finalized and 941 have been accepted.  

Many Haitians crossed into Canada from the United States this past summer, prompted by a decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to terminate temporary protected status that has allowed 60,000 Haitians to live and work in the U.S. 

Kosovo 

The president Kosovo says Russia is trying to destabilize his country and its Balkan neighbours through fake news and other disruptions. 

The president made those remarks recently during his visit to Ottawa and said this makes Canada a target, too, because Russia is trying to undermine the values and institutions that Kosovo shares with its Western allies. 

In the interview as was reported in the Star, the president of Kosovo said Canada needs to be vigilant against potential threats from Russia. 

"We always have to be cautious and careful these days. If somebody thinks they will stop this, they're wrong. They will continue attacking, fighting Western values." 

Russia and the Arctic  

The Arctic Ocean is estimated to hold billions of barrels of oil, and trillions of cubic feet of natural gas – accounting for 16-26 per cent of the Earth's undiscovered reserves. 

And there's a country that is trying to beat everyone else to win the race to exploit this chilly region on Earth. That country is Russia. 

Decades after the Soviet Union fell, Russia embarked on a mission to drill deep into the Arctic seabed, sending a fleet of underwater robots and unmanned submarines into the Earth's harshest waters. 

So, why is Russia sending submarines to the Arctic, because they want to be the first to win the race for the Arctic so that they can exploit all the nature resources in the region.