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The history of military equipment acquisition in Canada includes some notable failures, but also some solid success stories. Can any of these lessons be applied effectively in the struggle to reverse the continuing decline in Canada’s defence procurement situation today?

A bipartisan group in the U.S. House of Representatives wants President Joe Biden’s administration to commit to ongoing full funding of the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter procurement. Concern about maintenance issues have raised questions in the Senate about the program but the House. noting that the program employs 254,000 workers at more than 1,800 suppliers, says the Pentagon “continues to flat-line F-35 production investments . . . and underfund advanced capabilities.”

Supporting operations across six continents, Babcock experts design, build, manage, operate and maintain assets vital to the delivery of critical aviation and marine services.

An off-the-cuff assertion by technology entrepreneur Elon Musk that the era of manned fighter aircraft “has passed” is predictably being challenged. Douglas Birkey, executive director of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, based  in Arlington, Va., says the demands and intricacies of aerial combat are such that drones will remain an impracticable alternative for the foreseeable future.

Gen Mark Kelly, who has logged more than 6,000 flying hours, including more than 800 in combat, is the new head of U.S. Air Combat Command, which has nearly 115,000 enlisted personnel, 20,000 officers and 22,600 civilians at more than 242 locations housing nearly 1,100 aircraft.

This compelling and informative historical account of the role of naval combat aviation juggles three themes: the story of the Top Gun program, Hollywood’s impact on fighter pilot aviation including of course the iconic movie Top Gun; and finally a history of the evolution of aircraft in a war fighting role. Chapters highlight the origin of the Navy’s fighter pilot program and its rigorous training, interspersed with personal vignettes and anecdotes of the pilots and their lifestyle. The book also reveals some of the many technological advances that transformed aerial combat from WWI to current day.

With a focus on rapid deployment of equipment, supplies, personnel and management, Frontec specializes in operational support services, facilities management, logistics and consulting, remote site turn-key accommodation and disaster and emergency response solutions.

One of Canada’s largest defence maintenance organizations, IMP has six Operating Units: IMP Aerospace, Cascade Aerospace, IMP Electronics Systems, IMP Aerostructures, IMP Naval & Land Services and Canadian SAR Helicopter.

Recent drone attacks on Saudi Arabian petroleum facilities evidently are raising concerns about the prospect of similar strikes against other strategic facilities. The extensive damage has spiked an increase in global oil prices.

Instead of ‘getting on’ with a competition to replace Canada's aging fighter aircraft, a distraction in the form on "interim aircraft" was created to further delay the much-dreaded competition. And now even the Auditor General is crying foul.

The Military Flying Training System (MFTS), a contract that facilitates the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in preparing aircrews for eventual assignment to frontline squadrons,  is operated by Lockheed Martin and Babcock International, using Airbus helicopters.

Russia is finishing a large-scale expansion of its fleet of combat helicopters and planning a further focus on selective supplies, according to the Russian Defence Ministry and leading combat aviation experts.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. NATO, ATT, international trade, human rights abuses – can anyone get it right?

George Sweanor (98), a retired RCAF Squadron Leader, was met by members of 419 Tactical Fighter (Training) Squadron at the Colorado Springs Airport following the unit’s training mission in El Centro, California.

Developing new, environmentally friendly “laser ablation” technology to remove the coating from an aircraft, military vehicle or even a ship – it is a cost effective alternative to current processes.

Delivers situational awareness by providing remotely piloted aircraft systems, radar, and electro-optic and related mission systems solutions for military and commercial applications worldwide.

From naval innovation to renewable energy, and autonomous systems to cyber security, the company now has more than 950 highly skilled and experienced Canadian employees.

UTC companies provide high-technology systems and services for the fast-growing aerospace and building industries.

Adapting to anti-submarine warfare (ASW) requires mastering new technologies that provide capabilities to leverage reachback systems, robust networks, and distributed strike options.

Given the public response each time the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) calls for astronaut applications, it is clear that thousands of us feel we possess the necessary qualifications to get into space, however, only a few make it through the selection process.

The rebuilding of Russia’s Northern fleet and its defense bastion built around the Kola Peninsula creates a direct challenge to Norway, and is of strategic interest to all of the Arctic Council States.

The RCAF’s new Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue aircraft will be a “game-changer.” 

Innovative aviation and high-integrity solutions in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, simulation and training, and information management are delivered by a global workforce and service network in more than 150 countries.

Specializing in corrosion management – maintains, restores, cleans and preserves all sorts of metal products and structures, even in the most demanding environments.

As a result of Canada's Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships program requirements, a team of engineers, scientists and technicians from Toronto-based Nanowave Technologies are working on innovative solutions for some of the world’s top defence and aerospace platforms and companies.

Obligations to shareholders and the ­markets are all very nice and, frankly, understandable. But what about ­obligations to taxpayers everywhere who ultimately foot the bills?

The Russian Ministry of Defence plans to significantly accelerate R&D activities.

Brazil’s military is currently struggling to sort out what they can continue to fund, what can be delayed, and what must simply be abandoned.

A look at key drivers to Australia's Security environment and the pace of military modernization.

These last few years have seen a flurry of activity. The bids have now been submitted – finally setting the stage for first delivery of new aircraft. FrontLine looks at the process and the contenders.

Providing diverse services to aerospace, defence customers: health care, IT services, engineering, and complex pre-deployment training exercises.

A rugged and maneuverable multi-mission aircraft, the C-27J Spartan offers some of the most up-to-date features available in aviation today.

UTC companies provide high-technology systems and services for the fast-growing aerospace and building industries.

A strategy built around shaping innovative ways to integrate assets in support of air and joint operations.

The case of the Airbus A400M. The tragic crash of an A400M during test flight, reminds us of how risky the introduction of new systems can be. An April tour of the Airbus facilities in Spain helps put risk and the drive to perfect into perspective.

The Aerospace and Defence Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador facilitates the development of business opportunities in the Aerospace, Defence and Security sector and acts as a common forum for all Newfoundland and Labrador aerospace and defence related companies, agencies and other interested stakeholders.

The Alenia C-27J Spartan is a medium-sized military transport aircraft developed and manufactured by Alenia Aermacchi.

Land wars of the past decade have led to a significant redirection of military forces, particularly in the United States. Will this new focus help thwart and destroy ISIS? Can supporting the Kurdish military win against the “Islamic State” jihadists?

Boeing updates its CF-18 legacy Hornet. The Super Hornet is set to challenge for Canada's new fighter jet requirement.

Troubling questions remain about quality control in the F-35 supply chain.

The CP-140 Aurora is arguably the most effective strategic C4ISR platform available.

The procurement of FWSAR aircraft has waxed and waned for over a decade.

The program is steadily progressing. A look at the latest numbers. Are Canadian ­companies benefitting?

From troubled program to transformation reality, the Osprey has emerged to offer astoundingly flexible capabilities. Are new capabilities and proven frontline performance worth the price?

Are you relieved that we are turning the clocks back to the pre-sole-sourcing days of the CF-18 replacement?

Recruit, train, and equip – these three words sum up the responsibilities of the Chief of the Air Staff – and always with an eye to the future. Long term plans focus on investing in capability, something that has been gradually diminished in recent decades. 

The proliferation of the Unmanned Vehicle System is evidence of a new path for defence and security. What is the future for these systems and how will technological advances develop for either homeland security or defence missions?…

Canada’s armed forces are transforming. As outlined in the 2005 Defence Policy Statement, the transformation centres on encouraging innovation, promoting efficiency, and above all, on instigating a “fundamental change in military culture.” 

Last month, Defence R&D Canada (DRDC) led international surveillance-oriented trials off the coast of Nova Scotia. The 3-week long Maritime Sensor Integration Experiment (MARSIE) trial will directly contribute to Canada’s ability to conduct high-tech surveillance and secure its coastal approaches against potential threats and illegal activities.

Our neglect in developing a national SAR strategy has left the Canadian North dangerously vulnerable to more fatal accidents, and we may be called to task.

Chief Test Pilot, Gianluca Evangelisti, and Test Pilot, Agostino Frediani, have been with the C-27J Spartan program from the start. Both talked to FrontLine’s Peter Pigott at the Alenia Caselle facility about the aircraft.

Canada has not possessed any capability for Combat Search and Rescue since the end of the Second World War when Canadian squadrons participated in the rescue of many downed allied airmen, however, this may have to change – and very soon. 

Effectively carrying out Search and Rescue operations is a significant asset that the Canadian Forces work diligently to maintain.

There is only one way to ensure that Canadian sovereignty is protected, and that is through the ability of the nation to exercise joint military power in concert with a strong foreign policy and an able diplomatic service.

Canada’s new Defence Policy is a bold and innovative approach to peace and security in the 21st century.

The revolutionary new way of contracting for the Air Force, Optimized Weapons System Support Management, puts more responsibility on industry, but they also gain in the global market by becoming “best of breed.”

The latest model is the C-130J, and it represents a nearly complete reinvention of the Hercules.

Modeling and Simulation (M&S) is a key ­component of the wide-ranging ­program of transformation (including advanced mission training) in Canada’s Air Force today. Numerous M&S projects, sponsored by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), are intended to increase air power capabilities affordably and effectively.

On the world scene, emerging threats to security, coupled with the rapid pace of technological change, meant our procure­ment decisions were becoming more critical than ever. Increasingly, our military success depended on deployment speed, interoperability with allies, and leading edge equipment.

Combining previous experience in volatile countries with his service in Afghanistan as Commander of the multinational International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in 2004, LGen Rick Hillier is well positioned to transfer lessons learned fighting rebel forces to the new Army transformation and regeneration process.

FrontLine had the opportunity to chat with the Commandant about the Atlantic Littoral ISR Experiment (ALIX), the largest major undertaking in the ongoing CFEC program.

With development costs for modern fighters rising, commonality and outsourcing to multiple allies has become the norm.

Effectiveness, Cost & Crime Prevention.

Unmanned systems are becoming apart of our lives now.

How would you summarize the Typhoon as an aircraft? 

The current state of Canada's air mobility fleet is an area of concern. The renewal of our air-to-air refuelling role will greatly enhance the contribution that our air mobility and fighter forces can make in the implementation of the Government’s foreign and domestic policy goals.

There is widespread consensus that NATO must change, that it must modernize and transform into a rapidly deployable force able to operate anywhere at a moment’s notice.