During recent testing at the United States Department of Defense (DoD) Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona, Neptec's OPAL was used to successfully penetrate dust clouds generated by the UH-1 test helicopter. More importantly, OPAL could "see through" brownout conditions opaque to the human eye to easily differentiate between rocks, bushes, sloping terrain, utility poles, ground vehicles, and wires at distances greater than 200 meters. The high-resolution detail returned by OPAL provides situational awareness critical to helicopter pilots when attempting to land in near-zero visibility conditions.

"We are excited to work with a global leader such as CAE. This partnership is a good example of two industry experts coming together to solve a mission-critical problem and ultimately help save lives," said Dr. Iain Christie, President, Neptec. "With the incredible resolution OPAL delivers, pilots will be able to view wires and cables down to a quarter inch size through brownouts, providing a natural view of the landing environment."

Héroux-Devtek, a leading Canadian manufacturer of aerospace and industrial products, head quartered in Quebec, has announced that Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company has awarded the aerostructure division of Héroux-Devtek (Progressive Inc.), another multi-year contract to manufacture complex structural machined parts and assemblies for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft (Joint Strike Fighter).

Under the terms of the agreement, Progressive, located in Arlington, Texas, will fabricate, assemble and deliver complex structural components and assemblies for the outer wing, inner wing, and forward fuselage for all three F-35 variants in support of Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) lots 3 through 7 over the next five years. The F-35 aircraft quantity will ramp up throughout this period, with production rates currently planned to exceed 100 aircraft per year near the end of this contract.

The US Army recognized Viking’s outstanding product support service at a recent informal presentation at Viking’s Calgary Alberta facility. A certificate of appreciation was presented by Fixed Wing Product Manager, LTC Keith Brown to Viking’s product support manager, George Gee. The award recognizes Viking’s first-rate customer support for the US Army Dash 7 Special Electronic Mission Aircraft (SEMA).

Several long-range surveillance ARGC-2400 cameras from Obzerv Technologies of Quebec have been installed in Malaysia to improve the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency's (MMEA) capacity for the maritime security in the straits and Malaysian territorial waters which are known to be frequented by pirates.

From economic and strategic perspectives, the Strait of Malacca is one of the most important shipping lanes in the world. The Strait carries 70,000 vessels per year, which is close to one quarter of the world's sea trade. It has grown to be the main passageway for oil for major world consumers such as Japan and China. As a consequence, this area has become a target for piracy attacks. In reaction, the Japanese government has offered the last three cameras to the MMEA to complete its surveillance system network.

 The Canadian Centre for Unmanned Vehicle Systems (CCUVS) recently announced that it will be deploying the Robonic MC2555LLR Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) Launcher on its first operational mission since acquiring the launcher earlier this year.

GasTOPS announced that an agreement has been reached with Breeze-Eastern Corporation to establish GasTOPS as an authorized Service Centre for Breeze-Eastern hydraulic and electrical rescue hoist systems in Canada.

Colt Canada, recently announced the signing of a $33 million Euro contract with the Defence Materiel Organisation of the Netherlands in The Hague. The contract is for the supply of upgrade packages, optical sights, and accessories to the Dutch Armed Forces. Colt Canada will act as prime contractor with Aimpoint, Oerlikon Contraves, Brügger & Thomet, and Tdi Arms as main subcontractors.

L-3 Communications, the prime contractor for the U.S. Army and Air Force Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program, announced a $203 million order of seven additional aircraft by the JCA Joint Program Office. This order brings the current contract total to 13 aircraft. L-3 leads an industry team that includes aircraft manufacturer Alenia Aeronautica, Rolls Royce, Honeywell and Dowty.

Alenia is currently proposing the C-27J for Canada’s SAR requirement.

Atlantis Systems recently announced that it has been awarded a $1.9 million CDN contract by L-3 Communications MAPPS Inc. for the supply of courseware development and training for the Halifax Class Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) Project, an upgrade project that will modernize the Canadian Navy's 12 Halifax Class frigates and improve their operational effectiveness.

Bloc Québécois defence critic Claude Bachand recently sent a letter to Defence Minister Peter MacKay that essentially calls for the government to repatriate the Leopard 2 tanks currently in moth balls in The Netherlands. Bachand wants DND to bring the tanks home and have them upgraded at Rheinmetall, a company in Bachand’s riding.