By David Pugliese

Defence Watch

 So who should Prime Minister Harper select as Defence Minister?

Peter MacKay is of course currently in the job but will he continue on? He’s been there since mid-2007.

The other day Post Media’s Matthew Fisher wrote about how Canadian troops in Afghanistan want MacKay back as MND (one cynical Defence Watch reader, however, emailed me to say the article read more like a “love poem to MacKay” than a piece of journalism).

“The military backs MacKay because they believe he has had their back and has the clout within cabinet and with the prime minister to get them the tools they need to work effectively,” Fisher writes.

MacKay is certainly well liked at NDHQ (although not the same can be said for everyone on MacKay’s staff- I've been told by several people at NDHQ about  an individual who has a reputation for yelling at and berating uniformed personnel....another person I talked to however defended this individual, claiming their position was a stressful one).

MacKay is considered personable and, according to some insiders, isn’t the type of minister to question the military too much on its plans or projects.

That trait may be good for the Defence Department in the short term but is it good for the taxpayer? What is your take on that?

For a second choice as MND, Fisher’s article suggested new Tory MP and former Afghan ambassador Chris Alexander. He, according to Fisher, is a favorite of the Canadian Forces leadership.

But as a new MP does Alexander have the political skills needed to handle the portfolio?

Defence Watch has received a few emails so far on another candidate. Some have suggested Alberta MP Laurie Hawn aka “Hawnski.”

From watching the former air force officer in action on CBC during the various Evan Solomon interviews on the F-35 purchase, there is no question his selection as Defence Minister would make for dramatic and sometimes amusing television. Does he have what it takes to be Defence Minister? Any thoughts on that?

From Lockheed Martin:

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 9, 2011 - The U.S. Air Force has accepted into its fleet the first of a planned 1,763 production-model F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters. The signing of formal acceptance documents for the jet, known as AF-7, took place at Lockheed Martin’s [NYSE: LMT] F-35 final-assembly plant Thursday. The jet flew to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., arriving Friday to begin its flight testing program.
 
“This first aircraft is the beginning of the modernization of US Air Force, Marine and Naval Air power and for our collation partners around the world,” said Larry Lawson, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and F-35 program general manager. “The F-35 family of aircraft will bring an incredible increase in capability that our men and women defending us deserve. Today we begin to fulfill the vision of our government and international customers.”
 
F-35s have completed more than 865 flights since flight-testing began in late 2006. In addition to AF-7, eight more production-model F-35s have rolled out and are being prepared for delivery.
 
The F-35 Lightning II is the most advanced multirole fighter in the world, combining Very Low Observable stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and reduced sustainment costs. The Lightning II's sensor suite is the most powerful and comprehensive of any fighter in history, and will merge with an unprecedented networking capability to give unmatched situational awareness.
 
Supersonic launch of internal weapons, including maximum-speed (Mach 1.6) launch of internal air-to-air missiles, is a feature of all F-35s.
 
Three distinct variants of the F-35 will replace the A-10 and F-16 for the U.S. Air Force, the     F/A-18 for the U.S. Navy, the F/A-18 and AV-B Harrier for the U.S. Marine Corps, and a variety of fighters for at least nine other countries.
 
Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems.
 
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

Jorge Barrera at APTN National News has the details from Wikileaks on the backroom machinations on Gen. Ray Henault’s move into the job of chairman of NATO’s military committee.

It seems the Brits didn’t want him but the Americans did.

“While Canada may not be leading in NATO contributions…it would be prudent for the U.S. to support Henault’s candidacy for the post,” the U.S. Embassy cable said. “Henault is very pro-U.S., and is very politically savvy. He is also solidly behind efforts to transform NATO’s military forces into an effective expeditionary force. Henault could be relied upon to advance U.S. military and political agendas within NATO.”

The full story can be seen here:

http://aptn.ca/pages/news/2011/05/09/british-opposed-canadians-nomination-to-top-nato-military-post-u-s-diplomatic-cables

Press release from Boeing:

LONG BEACH, Calif., May 10, 2011 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] today delivered the first of six C-17 Globemaster III airlifters to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force and Air Defence during a ceremony at the company’s final assembly facility in Long Beach.

 

 “It is with great pride that we accept delivery of our first C-17, which will help expand our ability to perform humanitarian and strategic-lift missions in the region and around the world,” said Maj. Gen. Staff Pilot Mohammed bin Suwaidan Saeed Al Qamzi, UAE Air Force and Air Defence commander. “The C-17’s advanced capabilities, high reliability, and mission readiness rate met all of our requirements.”

 

The UAE will take delivery of three more C-17s this year and two in 2012 as it modernizes its airlift capabilities.

  

Press release just in from BAE:

OTTAWA, Canada – As the Canadian military moves closer to rolling out an entirely new fleet of Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles under its TAPV program, BAE Systems and several Canadian teaming partners are confident that their offering will fulfill the requirements. The purpose built RG35 RPU vehicle delivers the crucial balance between firepower, proven survivability and tactical mobility Canadian troops currently need and will require in the future. 

Well-suited to fulfill a wide range of roles, the TAPV, which replaces the RG31 and Coyote recce, will be utilized by Canadian forces both on the battlefield in a reconnaissance role, and domestically as a general utility vehicle.

BAE Systems’ RG35 RPU is a modern, yet ruggedly dependable tactical 4X4 wheeled vehicle that is truly purpose built for multiple missions. Not only can the company’s TAPV reconnaissance variant be equipped with light and medium turrets, as well as direct and indirect-fire weapons, it can power its way through the toughest terrain, taking troops to wherever the fight is.  The vehicle can easily be modified a number of ways to transport cargo, conduct routine patrols, or be outfitted with cameras and other electronics for surveillance missions.

“No matter the mission, ensuring that troops make it to and from their home base safely is paramount,” said Chris Chambers, Vice President and General Manager of BAE Systems’ Tactical Wheeled Vehicles’ business. “With the RG35 RPU, we’ve developed a unique armour protected capsule, integrating decades of expertise and experience that we call the ‘crew citadel.’ It is designed to shield troops inside the vehicle from mine blasts, road side bombs and gunfire while ensuring they can fulfill their missions effectively.”

The company is currently preparing its formal proposal in response to the TAPV RFP which will be delivered with the proven hardware. As it moves forward, the TAPV team has coined the tagline “mission complete” to succinctly and simply describe the RG35 RPU’s value proposition.

“What’s mission complete?  It’s delivering true value to the customer, throughout its life; providing troops with enhanced crew protection; delivering the tactical mobility required across extreme terrain and multiple missions and built and supported in Canada, for Canada. That’s mission complete, and that’s the RG35 RPU,” added Chambers.

Along with the leading edge RG35 RPU solution, BAE Systems will be offering a comprehensive in-service support solution allowing the Canadian Forces to maximise availability of their TAPV throughout its life. Through partnerships with Canadian companies, resulting in transfer of technology, the Canadian industry across all regions will maintain high quality jobs and provide the Army with effective and efficient support.

The RG35 RPU is a 4X4 mine protected multi-mission tactical wheeled vehicle. It measures approximately 5.2 meters in length, 2.6 meters in width and 2.5 meters in height, with a ground clearance of 414 millimeters.  The RG35 RGU’s gross vehicle mass is 21,000kg with a payload of 3,000kg and seats driver plus 9 crew members.

From Field Aviation:

Mississauga, Ontario, April 14, 2011….Field Aviation has completed modifications on the final Bombardier Dash 8 Q300 Maritime Patrol/Search and Rescue aircraft for the Japan Coast Guard.

The aircraft, delivered to Sojitz Corporation, prime contractor to the Japan Coast Guard, represents the culmination of an eight-aircraft modification program, which commenced in 2007. The Dash 8 Q300s modified by Toronto-based Field Aviation each feature a functional missionized interior, large conformal observation windows and a unique air drop capability through a Field Aviation-designed and certified air operable rear cargo door, a vertical drop hatch and dual A-size launcher tubes.

The surveillance suite consisting of state of the art sensor technology includes 360⁰ surface search radar, a stabilized electro-optical – infrared turret and a specialized suite of mission navigation and satellite communications.

Field Aviation is internationally recognized for its uniquely engineered products and services, and the modification and conversion of aircraft for special application purposes. These capabilities have made Field Aviation a world leader in the adaptation of commercial aircraft for special mission use; ranging from flight inspection to electronic surveillance to maritime patrol and search and rescue. Special mission aircraft modified by Field Aviation are today serving governments throughout the world providing a wide range of essential services.

The delivery of the Japan Coast Guard aircraft brings to over 30 the number of Bombardier Dash 8 series aircraft modified by Field Aviation for specialized roles and applications.

Known also for its airframe and flight deck upgrade programs, Field Aviation also designs, engineers and integrates VIP and corporate shuttle interior completions for 'Regional Class' aircraft, manufactures airframe parts and accessories for current production commercial aircraft including the Bombardier Q400 and the new Viking Twin Otter Series 400, and continues to support numerous out of production aircraft with low volume parts, assemblies and components.

Press release from CAE:

COLOGNE, GERMANY-- (TSX:CAE)(NYSE:CAE) - CAE's German subsidiary, CAE Elektronik GmbH, is celebrating its 50th year of serving the German Armed Forces and today marked the occasion at the start of the International Training and Education Conference (ITEC).

CAE Elektronik GmbH was founded in Stolberg, Germany in 1961 after CAE began developing F-104 Starfighter flight simulators for the Luftwaffe and other NATO countries. Since then, CAE GmbH has been providing a range of simulation-based products and services to support the German Armed Forces as well as other European countries. The company today employs more than 600 people in Germany.

"CAE is a global company with a business philosophy of operating close to our customers while leveraging the full breadth and capability of the entire organization," said Ulrich Aderhold, Managing Director of CAE Elektronik GmbH. "We are extremely proud of our 50 year history in Germany and of the many employees, past and present, who have played a key role in helping the German Armed Forces train and prepare for their missions."

Some of the programs led by CAE Elektronik GmbH for the German Armed Forces and other NATO countries include:

--  CAE designed and manufactured the 12 helicopter simulators at the Hans

    E. Drebing simulator centre of the German Army Aviation School in

    Bueckeburg, and currently provides maintenance and training support

    services;

--  CAE designed and manufactured all the Tornado combat aircraft flight

    simulators for the German Air Force and continues to provide upgrades

    and support services;

--  CAE is one of the consortium partners in Helicopter Flight Training

    Services (HFTS) that operates a total of three NH90 simulator training

    centres in Germany for the German Armed Forces' largest private-finance

    initiative (PFI) program for military aircrew training;

--  For more than 15 years, the German Armed Forces as well as other

    European armies have been successfully using the CAE GESI constructive

    simulation system for command and staff training exercises;

--  CAE provides maintenance and support services at multiple sites in

    Germany and the United States to maintain almost every flight simulator

    in service with the German Armed Forces;

--  Since 1982, the CAE-built E-3A flight deck simulator has been managed by

    CAE Elektronik GmbH and has logged more than 110,000 flight hours

    serving NATO countries.

 "We are honoured that the German Armed Forces have placed their trust and confidence in CAE's simulation technology and training services for the past 50 years," said Aderhold. "As our customers in Germany and around the world search for innovative ways to maintain readiness while reducing costs, they can rest assured that CAE stands ready as their simulation and training partner."

ITEC is Europe's largest conference and exhibition dedicated to simulation and training, and this year is being held at the Koelnmesse in Cologne. During ITEC, CAE will host a hospitality reception at its booth (D120) to celebrate the 50th anniversary of CAE Elektronik GmbH.

 Presagis which provides commercial-off-the shelf (COTS) modeling, simulation, and embedded graphics solutions, has announced that it will provide its COTS modeling and simulation software and services to CAE for use in delivery of the state-of-the-art National Modelling and Simulation Centre (NMSC) for the Ministry of Defence of Brunei Darussalam.

More from the Presagis press release:

This facility will be used by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and Ministry to Defence to analyze force structure options, evaluate and validate capabilities, develop doctrine and tactics, and support training and mission rehearsal exercises. CAE is the prime contractor responsible for the design, development and delivery a turnkey and fully integrated NMSC.

"Presagis is proud to support CAE in the development of the NMSC," said Guillaume Hervé, President, Presagis. “Our customers have a common need to cut development costs and time to market, and to be able to focus their engineering talent on innovative application development. This world class modeling and simulation center is an example of how COTS tools can be leveraged to enable our customers to meet their application requirements faster and with significant savings.”

The Presagis suite of integrated off-the-shelf products, including, STAGE, Vega Prime, Terra Vista, Creator, and SIM OneNet, will form the foundation for the NMSC’s Simulation Software Infrastructure.  The tools provide CAE with advanced modeling and simulation capabilities, including 3D modeling, terrain generation, scenario development, artificial intelligence, and visualization, for the generation and execution of complex scenarios for experimentation, training and analysis by the NMSC.

With a focus on speed to market and delivery of a flexible, long term solution that would offer regular feature updates, support for users, and the ability for the NMSC team to easily extend its modeling and simulation capabilities, selection of proven, standards-based tools was desired.  Presagis support for key modeling and simulation industry standards, such as the Common Databse (CDB) and OpenFlight, across its toolset ensures development of an open and flexible infrastructure while also enabling Presagis to develop a high fidelity, CDB-based database of Brunei as a foundation for NMSC simulations.

“We expect reduce the overall time-to-market in delivering Brunei’s NMSC through use of the Presagis pre-integrated suite of COTS products,” said Aldofo Klassen, CAE’s Chief Technology Officer. “Off-the-shelf tools based on industry standards will help reduce the time and expense associated with designing, integrating, and testing various applications while also allowing the NMSC to benefit from the ability to retain the flexibility to easily adapt and update the simulation infrastructure in future.”

By David Pugliese

Defence Watch

Force Protection Industries, Inc. of the U.S. and CAE announced Monday that they  have entered into a teaming agreement to compete for the Canadian Forces Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) project.

Force Protection Industries, Inc. previously announced that it has been selected by the government as one of the competitor companies qualified to bid on TAPV.

A contract for Tactical Armored Patrol Vehicle is scheduled to be awarded in the spring of 2012. That will see the purchase of 500 vehicles in two variants. Of that, 193 will be reconnaissance vehicles, while 307 will fill a general utility role.

The TAPV will conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, command and control and armored personnel transport tasks. It will replace the Coyote armored vehicle and RG-31 currently in the Army’s fleet.

Force Protection is offering the Canadian Forces variants of the Cougar wheeled combat vehicles to meet TAPV requirements.  

As the main Canadian partner, CAE would have overall responsibility for the comprehensive in-service support (ISS) solution, including:  vehicle operator and mission training systems; engineering information environment; fleet management services; systems engineering support; and, lifecycle and integrated logistics support services, both companies said in a statement issued Monday.  

CAE would also be responsible for assembling a pan-Canadian team of companies to develop and support any country-specific requirements for Canada’s replacement fleet of tactical armoured patrol vehicles, they added.

Randy Hutcherson, Chief Operating Officer of Force Protection, said in a statement: “We are pleased to partner with CAE, a global leader and one of Canada’s most respected companies, to provide what we believe is the optimal solution for the TAPV project. Force Protection and CAE are committed to offering the Canadian Forces the safest and most reliable vehicle and to provide Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) that will contribute to the continuing viability of Canadian companies’ capability and improve their competitiveness in both the domestic and international markets while continuing to strongly invest in the Canadian industry.”

“We look forward to partnering with Force Protection to develop a comprehensive in-service support solution for Canada’s TAPV program,” added Martin Gagne, CAE’s Group President, Military Products, Training and Services.  “We have a wealth of experience in comprehensive in-service support solutions, as we have demonstrated over many years for Canadian Forces air, land, and sea platforms.”

Industry sources told Defence Watch that the move is a good one for Force Protection as CAE is a well established and known Canadian firm that would not only bring various skills to the table but as well provide a strong domestic industrial partner.