Christyn Cianfarani, President & CEO of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI), issued the following statement upon the release of Canada's Updated Defence Policy, Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada's Defence.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Minister of National Defence, Bill Blair, released Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada's Defence and announced a new overall investment of $8.1 billion over five years and $73 billion over 20 years in defence spending to be included in the upcoming Budget 2024. Canada's defence spending to GDP ratio is expected to rise to 1.76 per cent by 2029-30, a major step toward reaching the NATO commitment of 2 per cent.
MDA Space announced MDA SKYMAKERTM, a new suite of space robotics purpose-built to meet the diverse needs of our customers' most ambitious missions. Unveiled at the Space Symposium conference in Colorado Springs, MDA SKYMAKERTM, the world's leading space robotics technology and services, is now available for all missions and applications.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced a $2.4 billion package of measures from the upcoming Budget 2024 to secure Canada's AI advantage. These investments will accelerate job growth in Canada's AI sector and beyond, boost productivity by helping researchers and businesses develop and adopt AI, and ensure this is done responsibly. Artificial intelligence has incredible potential to transform the economy, improve the way we work, and enhance our way of life.
The Government of Greece signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) making official its intent to procure 35 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters built by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, via U.S. government Foreign Military Sale. In addition to the aircraft, the procurement also includes personnel training and training equipment to ensure the helicopters’ smooth integration into the Hellenic Army.
HENSOLDT, a leading sensor solution provider, announces its collaboration with Singapore’s HTX (Home Team Science and Technology Agency), to drive the advancement of Rapid Deployable Counter UAV Systems (CUAS) for urban environment.
CAE Inc. announced changes to its Defense & Security business unit's leadership team. Jason Goodfriend has been appointed Interim Group President, Defense & Security, effective immediately. Mr. Goodfriend replaces Daniel Gelston, who will remain at CAE in a supporting capacity through May 2024. CAE thanks Mr. Gelston for his vision, leadership and many accomplishments and wishes him well in his future endeavours.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement on the 75th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): "For 75 years, NATO has been the cornerstone of transatlantic security. Created in the aftermath of the Second World War, it unites 32 countries around collective defence – the principle that we are stronger together. On this milestone anniversary, we celebrate the Alliance and our fellow Allies for their contributions to protecting freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
OSI Maritime Systems is pleased to announce the successful completion of the FAT for the Radar training simulator to be installed at the Marinetechnik Schule (Naval Engineering School). Through Damen Naval, OSI is providing a comprehensive navigation suite for the German Navy F126 program.
Canada Post issued a commemorative envelope marking the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). While thousands of Canadians served in the British flying services during the First World War, it wasn't until after the war that military aviation became a permanent part of Canada's defence organization.
To honour the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Royal Canadian Mint has launched the 2024 $20 Fine Silver Coin – The Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial. The coin's reverse design by Edmonton, Alberta artist David Moore features iconic aircraft that open windows on the celebrated past and promising future of the RCAF.
The Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Bill Blair, and the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, issued the following statement: “Today, we celebrate 100 years since the founding of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1924. This milestone anniversary is an opportunity to highlight the RCAF’s outstanding work in defending Canada’s sovereignty and contributing to global peace and security."
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement on the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force: "As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), I join Canadians to pay tribute to the generations of Air Force members who have dedicated their lives to defending our peace, freedom, and prosperity."
CMC Electronics and Hexagon's Autonomy & Positioning division, which includes leading brand Hexagon | NovAtel, make a significant advancement in the field of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning technology for aviation with the development of a leading-edge multi-constellation, multi-frequency (MCMF) GNSS platform. Merging CMC's certification expertise with industry-leading digital signal processing from Hexagon | NovAtel this new MCMF GNSS platform provided by CMC is engineered to tackle tomorrow's challenges.
Dafocom Solutions (Dafocom), a Kanata-based certified Indigenous small business, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $1.8 million contract to provide cyber assurance hardware to the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) in support of deployed operations in Latvia.
Bill Blair announced the appointment of Captain(N)Catherine Julie Deschênes as the new Chief Military Judge, to hold office during good behaviour. The appointment is effective immediately. Minister Blair thanks Lieutenant-Colonel Louis-Vincent d’Auteuil, Deputy Chief Military Judge, for his work acting as interim Chief Military Judge since March 2020.
Elbit Systems' solution for Artillery Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) has been selected by a European country. Under the agreement, Elbit Systems will enhance 155mm howitzer battalions with advanced Digital Fires capabilities, by seamlessly integrating its C4ISR Artillery Suite including the Torch-X Fires application and E-LynX Software Defined Radio (SDR) radios.
Two contracts have been awarded to Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards Co. Ltd. (VSY), with a combined value of $490.6 million (taxes included), to initiate the next stages of procuring the first flight of Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs) for the CCG. These contracts will allow VSY to undertake vital pre-construction work, such as selecting specific pieces of equipment, refining the design, ensuring all necessary information and plans are in place, and procuring essential material items needed to begin construction.
CAE announced that it is the first leading aviation simulation and training organization to seamlessly integrate a gaming engine into its full-flight simulator (FFS) visual system and achieve level D qualification, the highest level of qualification for a FFS. The FFS is equipped with the next-generation CAE Prodigy Image Generator (IG), which leverages gaming technology through Epic Games' Unreal Engine, marrying highly realistic 3D visuals with high-end full-motion simulation for more realistic pilot training in a virtual environment.
Government of Canada has awarded a first NSS contract to Chantier Davie Canada Inc. of Lévis, Quebec, for initial work related to the construction of new Program Icebreakers. Under this $19.6-million contract including taxes, Chantier Davie will begin work to develop the initial design. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the Government of Canada is driving economic growth and creating good jobs, while ensuring that the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) has the ships it needs to carry out its important work.
Saab has received an order for the man-portable, multi-role weapon system Carl-Gustaf® from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The order value is approximately EUR 60 million (SEK 700 million) and the contract period is 2024-2027.
Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun announced his decision to step down as CEO at the end of 2024, and he will continue to lead Boeing through the year to complete the critical work underway to stabilize and position the company for the future. In addition to these changes, Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, will retire from the company and Stephanie Pope has been appointed to lead BCA, effective March 25.
Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) regarding conceptual studies for future fighter systems. The contract period is 2024-2025. This includes conceptual studies of manned and unmanned solutions in a system of system perspective, technology development and demonstrations. Saab will collaborate closely with FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces, The Swedish Defence Research Agency, GKN Aerospace and other industry partners.
As the RCAF marks one hundred years of excellence in aviation on 1 April 2024, this year’s Run theme is the Centennial. The RCAF Run is an opportunity for individuals to join in the celebration of the RCAF's rich history, its commitment to health and wellness, and the enduring bond between the RCAF and the communities it serves.
