The Chinook heavy-lift helicopters in the sky back in 2013 Canadian

It is 21 years that major Canadian helicopters heavy lift tandem rotor Chinook have not flown here, but they will be back this year in the sky canadien.Le Canada indeed begin to take delivery of its new CH- Chinook 147F this year.

The new fleet of tactical helicopters CH-147F Chinook will be based at the 450th Tactical Helicopter Squadron, who recently returned to service and is installed at the Canadian Forces Base Petawawa (ON), but under the command of the 1st Wing Kingston (Ont.). It is May 18, 2012 the Minister of Defence Peter MacKay announced the re-establishment of the helicopter squadron.

As stated on the website of the CRA, the specific operational requirements that Canadian Chinooks have to fulfill to support the Defence Strategy First Canada include the ability to:

• circulate in large parts of the territory of Canada, including the Arctic,
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  without relying on fuel caches, which were previously available, but are now less acceptable environmental point of view;
• operate reliably in remote and isolated areas with equipment technical support base;
• operate in threatening conditions where one might expect the presence of potential enemies and environmental hazards.

The new CH-147F Chinook Canadian are equipped with fuel tanks at long range, a modernized electrical system and equipment survivability of aircraft against as-self-defense measures increased, visual aids to navigation and of advanced avionics systems.

  

Personnel and aircraft of 450 Squadron participate regularly in operations across the country in support of continuous operational readiness of the Army and training activities.

"While Chinook are reintegrated into the business complex, 1 Wing ensures restore balance and possibly to restructure to meet national and international requirements, to the extent possible during the transition." Written on it Colonel Kevin Whale, commander of 1 Wing Kingston, in an article on the website of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Canada's F-35 program problems multiply

Canada's problems with its planned purchase of F-35 Lightning Joint Strike Fighter aircraft seem to be multiplying, with the latest controversy surrounding the jets' capacity for in-flight refueling.
With Canada's confirmation of the planned multibillion-dollar purchase still months away, and continuing uncertainty over the numbers Ottawa may eventually buy, questions are being raised about how the F-35 Joint Strike Fighters will refuel when deployed by the Canadian air force.

The outlook for the refueling dilemma remains unclear. Canada will rely on either private companies or its allies for in-flight refueling if it decides to purchase the F-35s to replace CF-18 fighter aircraft, Defense News said on its website.
But if the outsourcing does occur one way or another that will pit Canada against embarrassing issues of national sovereignty, especially if the air force is forced to request refueling assistance from other allied forces.
But critics and analysts say the decision raises key issues about Canadian sovereignty and military capabilities.
A recent independent audit of the government's plans to buy F-35s revealed that current estimates for the planned purchase had no provision for modifying the F-35s so that they coul

Canadians in Afghanistan: what Operation Attention?

Nicolas Laffont is currently on assignment in Afghanistan with the Canadian Forces deployed for Operation Attention. 

For more than a decade that the Afghan war has begun and Canadians have been present since January 2002.

The combat mission in Kandahar which was based in the south of the country, ended in July 2011.

Since the present contingent of Canadian military declined to about 900 soldiers train Afghan security forces. This is what the military calls Operation Please note that the Canadian Contribution Training Mission - Afghanistan (CCFM-A).

Trainers, teachers, educators, advisors, ... In the context of this operation, Canada sent its military to provide support for training and professional development for national security forces of Afghanistan: Afghan National Army (ANA) Afghan Air Force (AAF) and the Afghan National Police (ANP).

The aim is to support the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan when NATO troops leave the country in 2014.

The Government of Canada has allocated a budget of nearly $ 700 million per year between 2011 and 2014 (500 million military presence, 85 million for the installation and close the training mission and 100 million in aid and development ).

After a rotation 0 in July 2011 and one rotation in February 2012, is now the "roto" 2 to be in control.Feature of this deployment? They are almost all Quebecers.

Canada buys new simulators for chemical warfare

The Canadian government announced on November 30 the awarding of a $ 6.6 million contract to Patlon Aircraft, Halton Hills, Ontario, for simulators to improve training for Canadian soldiers in the use of sensors chemical agents.

To fulfill its mandate, the Canadian Forces must be able to function despite the presence of a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear.

These simulators used to train soldiers of the Canadian Forces on the use of new portable devices for detecting chemical warfare agents and industrial chemicals in the context of military operations.

Patlon established for this contract in partnership with the British company Argon Electronics Bedfordshire Argon simulators to provide for new chemical sensors. The Patlon provide virtual training system wireless Argon, PlumSIM, which electronically simulates the release of chemicals in a wide range of environmental conditions and initial training and in-service support throughout the product life .

The simulator Argon allow the Canadian Forces to train to handle the new detectors without the use of chemical sprays, which is both economically and ecologically.

In addition, instructors will be able to electronically monitor workouts. The simulator will be used primarily to Fire Academy and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Canadian Forces, the Canadian Forces Base Borden, in southern Ontario, and instructors specializing in defense chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear units based in the Canadian Forces across Canada.

The first simulator will be delivered in the spring of 2013. It is expected that full operational capability will be reached in the coming years.

Canada invests to improve training on chemical detectors in the Canadian Armed Forces

HALTON HILLS (Ontario) - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Halton, and the Honourable Michael Chong, MP for Wellington-Halton Hills, announced today, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Associate Minister of National Defence and Minister of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada Atlantic) (La Francophonie), the award of a contract to improve the training of men and women in uniform on the use of sensors chemical agents.

A contract for $ 6.6 million has been awarded to the company Patlon Aircraft & Industries Limited, Halton Hills (Ontario) on the acquisition of a simulator used to train soldiers of the Canadian Forces on the use of new mobile devices for detecting chemical warfare agents and industrial chemicals in the context of military operations.

"This announcement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to provide the Canadian Forces military equipment they need to accomplish their tasks, but also to protect them from dangerous and often difficult conditions of modern warfare," said Minister Raitt.

"Our government is committed to renewing and improving the facilities we provide our men and women in uniform, while creating jobs across the country, said Minister Valcourt. In this perspective, the agreement announced today, we will not only ensure that our soldiers have the technology of the most advanced training is to prepare to conduct operations, it will also generate economic benefits in Canada for several years . '

Search and Rescue in Canada: Airbus Military and Discovery Air combine

PRESS RELEASE AIRBUS MILITARY

YELLOWKNIFE, NW, October 10, 2012 - In the presence of the Honourable Bob McLeod, Premier of the Northwest Territories and Brian Semkowski, CEO of Discovery Air, Antonio Rodriguez-Barberan, DGA Airbus Military announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly offer a solution to the Canadian aircraft fixed-wing search and rescue (FWSAR). Under the MOU and as main Canadian partner of Airbus Military (AM), Discovery Air will service support program.

Brian Semkowski, CEO of Discovery Air stated: "We are delighted to offer this solution, together with Airbus Military, the Canadian Forces. We are very excited about the C295 camera, a proven and reliable platform that RES has been sold around the world with more than 110,000 flight hours to his credit.With proven research capabilities and cutting edge, it offers a low-risk solution and inexpensive, with significant Canadian content. "He added:" We believe that Discovery Air is ideally placed to provide 20 years of support that will be required for this program. '

Barberan Antonio said: "We are extremely pleased with this agreement. Discovery Air is the perfect partner for Airbus Military and the Canadian solution ideal for FWSAR program. The C295 is a platform that has proven itself as a world leader in terms of maritime patrol, search and rescue missions related to military aircraft twin.

"The C295 ASAR is a robust and reliable that does not have the risks of unproven technologies and Airbus Military, part of Airbus, has solid fundamentals and the reputation of Airbus. In addition, the cost of its life cycle is the lowest in its class when compared to its competitors, it can save up to Canada only a billion dollars in fuel costs over the life of his cell. '

The Canadian Forces have a new command structure

That's it! Several months after the Defence Minister has announced a major change in the command structure of the Canadian Forces, the thing has been formalized.

At a ceremony in Ottawa, Peter MacKay officially announced the start of the Canadian Joint Operations Command (COIC).

"This new command allows managers to allocate resources where the needs are greatest and to support national and international operations quickly and without interruption, said Minister MacKay took the opportunity to thank the General Natynczyk . It must leave his place of Chief of Defence Staff at the end of the month.

The new structure unifies and replaces several commands: Command of the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (CEFCOM), Canada Command (CANCOM) and Operational Support Command (CANOSCOM).

The new unified command manages the Canadian Forces operations in Canada, the North American continent and the world. It is directly under the control of the Chief of Defence Staff and is commanded by Lieutenant-General Stuart Beare.

"I look forward to working with my new colleagues and pursue long-term relationships, said Lieutenant-General Beare. COIC's predecessors have served Canada well, and my job is to ensure that their work will continue without interruption while we are a united team. '

Air Force's F-35 recommendation was missing key information

Report did not have important data on competing aircraft

The Royal Canadian Air Force trumpeted the F-35 fighter jet to Canada’s defence minister as the best option for the country even though it was missing key information on competing aircraft, according to a Canadian military insider.
Steve Lucas, former Canadian chief of the air staff, acknowledges in an exclusive fifth estate interview, to air tonight, that the military's recommendation in 2006 to their political masters in Ottawa was based on incomplete data.
“With the stage we were at, at that point in time, not only did we do the glossy brochure examination, but we also went to each of the countries, spoke to each of them,” Lucas told the fifth estate.
But the air force report that backed that recommendation, obtained by the fifth estate, reveals that when the Canadian military visited four other nations that were peddling competing fighter jets they were denied classified information every time.
"Indeed, it does say at the bottom [of the report], more information is needed,” says Lucas. "But I guess I would characterize that as an appropriate level of examination for where we were at, at that point in time … knowing that there would be subsequent examination, more detailed examination as we develop the statement of requirements."
Despite the fact that the air force review was incomplete and the F-35 was still only in development, the brass recommended in a brief to the defence minister in September, 2006, that the F-35: "provides the best available operational capabilities to meet Canadian operational requirements, while providing the longest service life and lowest per aircraft cost of all options considered."

Canadian Inspectors Set for Surveillance Flights over Russia

A group of Canadian observers will conduct a series of inspection flights over Russia under the Open Skies Treaty starting on Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

“The flights will be along the route coordinated earlier with Russian specialists, who will be on board of the aircraft monitoring implementation of agreements on the use of technical equipment for the observation,” the statement said.
The inspection flights will be conducted between September 24 and 29 on a C-130 Hercules aircraft, certified by international experts and specialists, including from Russia.
The Open Skies Treaty, signed in 1992 on an initiative of U.S. President George H.W. Bush, established a regime of unarmed aerial observation flights over the territories of its 34 member states to promote openness and the transparency of military forces and activities.

Canadian Defence Minister Announces the Arrival of New Next Generation Tank

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, announced today the arrival of the Leopard 2A4 Canadian tank as members of the Combat Training Centre’s Armour School showcased the dynamic fire-power and mobility of the latest platform of the Armoured Corps. The Government purchased the tanks from Netherlands in 2007 as part of a $650 million tank replacement project.

“Our government has a proven record of ensuring that the men and women of the Canadian Forces have the equipment they need to take on the challenges they face,” said Minister MacKay. “Our government’s procurement of this impressive platform will ensure the Canadian Forces have the capability they need to support future operations.”

The acquisition of these Leopard 2A4 Canadian tanks will allow armoured soldiers and officers to be ready to respond to the tasks assigned by the Government now and into the future. This continues to demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting Canadian interests at home and abroad.

DRS Technologies Canada Receives Contract For Communications System for Halifax-class Frigates

DRS Technologies Canada Ltd. has received a contract for an advanced wireless radio communications network for the Halifax-class frigates. The announcement that will support skilled work for employees in Ottawa, Ontario and Bedford, Nova Scotia during a five year period, according to the government news release issued today.

This communications capability will permit the ship’s crew to more effectively and safely conduct exercises and operations in defence of Canada, it added.

More from the news release:

Bomb-detecting dolphins used for military training

Canadian soldiers got an up-close look at bomb-detecting dolphins during a military training exercise with the Americans off the coast of British Columbia, a newly released document shows.
The U.S. navy brought four bottlenose dolphins and a small support team to Esquimalt, B.C., last year to practise anti-mine tactics as part of Exercise Trident Fury. The large-scale training operation took place in May 2011 and involved the armed forces and coast guards of Canada and the United States.
A briefing note to the chief of maritime staff described the exercise as a rare opportunity for the Canadian military to gain valuable experience working with the animals -- something it currently does not do.
"Canada has no similar programme for the conduct of mine counter-measures (MCM) and no intent to develop one," the April 2011 briefing note says.
"However, this is a principal means by which the (U.S. navy) will conduct such operations. It is likely that any MCM operation in our Pacific approaches will involve a combined defence construct and it is thus essential that we practice such procedures."
The document suggests the chance to train with the Americans and their dolphins on mine-clearing techniques was worth any risk of bad press.

A Drag Chute for Canada’s F-35s – A Potentially Dangerous Situation Says One Former CF Pilot

Norway, Canada and the Netherlands want drag chutes installed on the F-35. Norway has decided to go ahead and fund the initiative.

But here is what one former CF fighter pilot wrote to Defence Watch regarding the issue of the F-35 drag chute:

“-At altitude, where the temperatures are minus 50 C,  they tend to freeze and turn into ice cubes.

-When you really need them they don’t work/deploy.

-They cause “weather cocking” into the wind and you then slide off the runway by the pull of the chute itself. When that occurs the pilot immediately needs to “emergency jettison” the chute, leaving the pilot is an even more dangerous situation.

-Who is there to “re-pack” them on subsequent requirements?  In the north, in particular.

-Destroys stealth design…why pay for stealth in the first place then?

Canadian shipbuilders fear navy will buy German vessels

Some Canadian shipbuilders are concerned a German design could be the leading contender to replace the navy's aging sea support ships.
Replenishment ships, like the Preserver and the Protecteur, help the Canadian navy stay at sea for long periods of time, but at 40 years old, they'll soon need replacements.
Sources have told the CBC that a German-designed ship called the Berlin class could win the $3-billion contract.
Since the Second World War, Canada has designed and built its own warships. However, in recent years, the German industry has lobbied the Canadian government to supply designs for frigates, destroyers and new submarines.

5 issues facing Canada's new top soldier

In announcing Lt.-Gen. Tom Lawson as the government's pick to head the Canadian Forces, Defence Minister Peter MacKay said the promotion comes at "an important time within the Canadian Forces history."

Lawson has "big combat boots to fill" as chief of defence staff, MacKay said, referring to the job's high profile and the high regard in which his two predecessors from the army ranks, Rick Hillier and Walt Natynczyk, were held.
But as Lawson steps into those boots, this leader from the air force side of the organization will confront a changed landscape from the scene previous top generals surveyed. Buried under that are several political landmines.
Here's a look at the current state of the terrain over at National Defence headquarters, including several hot-button issues he'll have to manage.

Canadian Integrated Soldier System Project

The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces (DND/CF) work hard to ensure all deployed soldiers are provided with high-performance, technologically advanced, and integrated personal and protective equipment.

The Integrated Soldier System Project (ISSP) will provide the soldier with an integrated suite of equipment that includes weapon accessories, electronic devices, sensors, individual equipment and operational clothing. This soldier system will significantly increase soldier performance, as soldiers and low-level command centres will seamlessly share data and voice communications through a network.

This capability will further strengthen effective and timely interaction, as soldiers will have more comprehensive situational awareness, real-time tactical information and be able to effect greater synchronization of activity.

Lockheed Martin to Authorize Canada's Cascade Aerospace

ABBOTSFORD, British Columbia | Lockheed Martin announced Aug. 14 at the 50th anniversary Abbotsford International Air Show that Cascade Aerospace will be authorized as a C-130 Heavy Maintenance Center (HMC) - only the second such center in the world. Cascade is currently a Hercules Service Center (HSC) and conducts in-service support for Canada's legacy CC-130 and new CC-130J fleets.

"During its time as an existing Hercules maintainer, Cascade has demonstrated it has both the capability and process integrity to be certified as a C-130 Heavy Maintenance Center," said George Shultz, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager for C-130 programs. "As we see worldwide interest in C-130 support expand, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that qualified and experienced companies support the Hercules community. Cascade is dedicated to supporting Canada's CC-130 fleet and authorizing its role as an HMC provider is a natural step in our overall partnership."

Royal Canadian Navy Laying Groundwork for New Submarines to Replace Victoria-Class

Naval planners have started to lay the groundwork for the possible replacement of the country’s second-hand, glitch-prone Victoria-class submarines, arguing such warships are a necessary part of Canada’s arsenal.
Planners say the country will likely need bigger, quieter boats that can perform stealth missions, launch undersea robots and fire guided missiles at shore targets.
A nine-page briefing note for the country’s top military commander last year sets out the justification for keeping a submarine capability, and comes at a time when the Harper government wants budget savings in both the near- and long-term.
The report looks at what kinds of boats will be on the market between 2020 and 2050.
Ottawa was awash in rumours last spring that the current submarine program was on the chopping block because of its enormous expense and repeated setbacks, including a fatal fire aboard one boat in 2004.
“Submarines are the ultimate stealth platform, able to operate in areas where sea and air control is not assured, and to gain access to areas denied to other forces,” said a May 9, 2011, briefing for Chief of Defence Staff Walt Natynczyk.

F-35 jet program funding unchanged despite promised Review

Canadian funding and participation in the F-35 stealth fighter jet program continues unchanged despite the Conservative government’s insistence it has launched a seven-point program to review the controversial purchase.
Steve O’Bryan, Lockheed Martin’s vice-president for F-35 program integration, says the company is still planning its deliveries of 65 of the jets to the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Canadian government procurement and military officials are still assigned to the fighter aircraft program office, the funding continues and plans are still on track to deliver the aircraft to Canada, O’Bryan said.
Canada has spent more than $200 million on its participation in the development of the aircraft so far, according to Defence Department documents.
“We’ve had no change in the program,” said O’Bryan. “I can only speak to the Lockheed Martin point of view and our interaction with Canadian officials.”
The previous Liberal government signed on to a research and development program for the plane, but the Conservatives committed Canada several years ago to purchasing the aircraft, making it a linchpin of their defence policy.

Canada Preparing to Replace its CF-18 Hornets

Canada originally bought 138 “CF-18s” from 1982-1988, but accidents and retirements have reduced the fleet to about 103, with only 79 upgraded F/A-18A/B aircraft still operational. The “CF-18” Hornets are expected to be phased out between 2017 – 2020. Until then, maintenance and upgrades will remain necessary.
Canada has been an active Tier 3 partner in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, participating in both the Concept Demonstration Phase ($10 million) and the System Development and Demonstration Phase ($150 million). This USD $160 million has included funding from both the Department of National Defence, and from Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC). In the Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development Phase of the F-35 program, it is estimated that Canada’s contribution will exceed C$ 550 million (currently about even with USD) over 44 years. As of September 2011, the government had disbursed about C$ 335 million toward participation in the JSF Program, and related support to Canadian industry.
Now, 65 new CF-35As are Canada’s official choice to replace its Hornets – and estimates of the cost range from $17 billion to $29 billion or more. This article covers efforts to keep existing CF-18s fit for service, as well as Canada’s replacement fighter buy. As timelines continue to slip, these 2 programs will become more interdependent.