Dead Labrador boy’s family slams DND search ’failure’ (Feb. 5) Members of the family of 14-year-old Burton Winters, who was found dead off the northern coast of Labarador on Wednesday, are asking why the Canadian Forces waited to look for their son when a private helicopter landed at the scene in the same conditions that the military said were too poor for flight operations. The lad's father and stepmother issued a statement Saturday that sharply criticized the military's apparently slow response. "How is it that a civilian helicopter arrived on the scene, yet a Search and Rescue helicopter did not?" the family has asked, noting that "the civilian helicopter which had first arrived was neither equipped nor capable for a search and rescue situation" and that the civilian chopper crew "only offered to help because Search and Rescue had not yet arrived." A military investigation into the matter is underway. more>>
Iran begins military exercises, threatens to cut oil exports (Feb. 5) Iran began ground military exercises Saturday and warned that it could cut off oil exports to "hostile" European nations as tensions increase between the Middle East nation and the U.S., Europe and Israel. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that U.S. or Israeli attacks against Tehran's nuclear facilities will result in counter-strikes. In a nationally broadcast speech Friday, he pledged to aid any nation or group that challenges Israel. Hezbollah in Lebanon is widely viewed as a militant proxy group supported by the Iranian regime and well-equipped to launch rocket attacks against Israel. The Jewish state will reportedly strike at Iran this year if Western sanctions due not cause a reversal in Tehran's position on uranium enrichment, which seems unlikely. more>>
Military says inclement weather impeded search for teenager (Feb. 4) Rear Admiral Dave Gardam, commander of Joint Task Force Atlantic, said the weather was unsuitable when the military first received a call Monday morning to search for missing 14-year-old Burton Winters. However, a written chronology later provided by the military indicated that in addition to poor weather, aircraft were not serviceable to assist in the search. Newfoundland MP Jack Harris, who has been critical of the Harper government's decision to close a SAR centre in his province, said: "The timeline is very sketchy and raises more questions or as many questions as it answers in terms of why a helicopter or assets of the Canadian Forces weren't available more quickly. I'm not satisfied that we know the answer to that question yet and we want more information. And we want a fuller report and a fuller investigation." more>>
Military medical discharges increased dramatically due to Afghanistan War (Feb. 4) Nearly 12,000 Canadian Forces personnel were deemed medically unfit for service between 2001 and November 2011, according to Dept. of National Defence. Annual incidences of medical releases increased dramatically after troops began deploying to Afghanistan. The numbers point to the stresses on support programs that were rushed into place by National Defene and Veterans Affairs as casualites mounted in the Afghanistan War. "When you make the decision to send the best and brightest overseas you have that obligation until that person hits the headstone," said NDP Veteran's Affairs critic Peter Stoffer. "We have 20-year old veterans now and some of them may need care all the way until their 80s and 90s. That’s the cost of going to war." more>>
NDHQ Mess is celebrating 20 years of history (April 26-29) NDHQ WOs’ & SGTs’ / C& Pos’ Mess is celebrating 20 years of history with fun events in April 2012. Celebrations will be spread over four days from Thurs April 26th thru to Sunday April 29th at the Mess. Past members of the Executive Committee are also encouraged to attend. Festivities will wrap up on Sunday with a Champagne & Orange Juice brunch. Contact the Mess Office at 613-995-1287 for ticket information. more>>
Labrador boy’s death raises questions about military’s SAR response (Feb. 3) Canada's chief of defence staff (CDS) is investigating why it took military aircraft nearly two days to join a search for a lost 14-year-old boy who died in winter conditions as he searched for help. He was reported missing Sunday from the Labrador community of Makkovik. NDP justice critic Jack Harris, who has urged the Harper government to speed up military SAR response times, raised the tragedy in the House of Commons Thursday. Julian Fantino, the associate defence minister, told MPs that the CDS "has commenced an investigation." more>>
Israel could launch military strike on Iran ’within nine months’ (Feb. 3) Dennis Ross, a veteran American diplomat with Middle East expertise, says that President Barack Obama's objections to Israel unilaterally attacking Iran may not be having much effect on Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who believes that Iran poses an existential threat to his nation. Ross, who has high-level contacts with Israel, says that while the U.S. is willing to allow time for new, tougher sanctions on Iran to force the Islamist regime into compromise, Israel is operating on a shorter time frame. "They talk about nine to 12 months. There is a time frame from their end," he said. more>>
Airstrikes kill top Filipino terrorists, including one on FBI list (Feb. 3) The Philippine military says it has killed a Malaysian man who is on the FBI most-wanted terror list and two other senior militants in an airstrike on a remote southern island. The FBI was offering a $5M reward for the capture of Jemaah Islamiyah leader Zulkifli bin Abdul Hir. Several militants died in the early morning airstrike on the island province of Sulu, part of the autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao. The Jemaah Islamiyah terror group carried out the 2002 Bali bombings in Indonesia that killed 202 people and injured 240 and has close ties with al-Qaeda network.
, according to a spokesman for the Philippines armed forces.
The dead included two senior figures in Jemaah Islamiyah and members of the militant group Abu Sayyaf, said Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, the spokesman.
The Malaysian, also known as Marwan, was on the FBI most-wanted list for "providing material support to terrorists, conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists" and contributing "goods and services" to a global terror network.
Another Jemaah Islamiyah member Mohammad Ali, also known as Muawiyah, and Abu Sayyaf leader Gumbahali Jumdail were also among those killed, according to the spokesman.
The airstrike was a joint effort between the army, air force, the navy and the police and was "very brief but precise," Burgos said.
The Philippine police are at the scene helping identify the bodies, Burgos said, but added that he didn't think DNA tests had been conducted yet.
In the past, Philippine officials made premature announcements about the capture and deaths of Indonesian fugitives Dulmatin, who turned up in Indonesia in 2010, and Umar Patek, who was captured in Pakistan last year. Both had fled to the southern Philippines and were reported captured or killed in Mindanao.
The Mindanao group of islands includes a Muslim autonomous region set up in the 1990s to quell armed uprisings by people seeking an independent Muslim homeland in the Philippines, a predominantly Christian country.
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Pakistan dismisses claims of Taliban support (Feb. 2) Taliban fighters believe they are receiving support from Pakistan and that they will return to power after the international coalition led by the U.S. ends its combat role in Afghanistan in 2014, according to NATO officials. The Taliban view was repeatedly communicated to military personnel who interrogated thousands of insurgent prisoners. Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar told reporters in Kabul: "This is old wine in an even older bottle. I don't think these claims are new. These claims have been made for many, many years." more>>
Israel military chief: Iran bomb plans must be disrupted (Feb. 2) Israel's chief of staff, Benny Gantz, said Wednesday that there was no doubt that Iran is developing a nuclear weapon. Speaking at the annual Herzliya conference, which deals with security issues, Gantz said Israel should work to "disrupt the actions" of the Iranian nuclear development program and "exploit the full range of our capabilities." An intense and very public debate continues in Israel over what to do regarding Iran's alleged program to develop nuclear arms, with some officials advocating air strikes while other experts countering that attacking Iran would be suicidal due to that country's ability to counter-strike with ballistic missiles and via its paramilitary proxy in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah, which has many smaller, mobile rockets that can hit Israel. more>>
Cdn. Forces has used controversial U.S. firm for training (Feb. 2) Canada's military spent $2.4M last year on training provided by Xe Services, the controversial American private security company formerly known as Blackwater. The company now calls itself Academi. House of Commons documents show that the training involved precision shooting and defensive driving. Since 2005, 605 Canadian soldiers have trained at Blackwater or Xe. In 2007, company personnel allegedly shot and killed 17 Iraqis, and ten months ago a U.S. federal appeals court panel revived the Justice Department's prosecution of the accused Blackwater guards. more>>
HMS Dauntless to Falklands To counter threats from Argentina against the Falkland Islands, the United Kingdom is sending HMS Dauntless, a new Type 45 destroyer. Armed with Sea Viper missiles and advanced radars, the ship is considered well equipped to counter Argentine air attacks. Three decades ago, as British forces recaptured the Falklands from Argentina, air-launched Argentine Exocet missiles sank the HMS Sheffield and the container ship Atlantic Conveyor. The UK Ministry of Defence describes the seven-month deployment of Dauntless as 'routine'.
Release of Taliban prisoners at Gitmo may promote talks (Feb, 1) The U.S. government may release several Afghan Taliban prisoners from the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as an inducement for the Taliban to join peace talks with the United States and Afghan government. The Obama administration is reportedly considering transferring five Taliban prisoners to a third country, likely Qatar, if the Karzai government agrees. more>>
Russia’s military: modern warfare the Moscow way (Feb. 1) The Kremlin's plans to restore the army’s flagging power are meeting resistance in Russia. The country's purchase of two Mistral class French amphibious assault ships last year sent a message to Russia military-industrial complex: the government would buy foreign arms if homegrown suppliers could not make them for a reasonable price. Prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union 20 years ago, purchasing military equipment from a NATO country was unthinkable. This report explains how much things have changed in Russia in terms of defence contractors in the past two decades. more>>
FBI Director says cyberthreat will surpass terrorist threat (Feb. 1) FBI Director Robert Mueller told the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Tuesday that threats from cyber-espionage, computer crime, and attacks on critical infrastructure will surpass terrorism as the number one threat facing the United States. He said that China and Russia run robust intrusion operations against key U.S. industries and the government. "I do not think today it is necessarily [the] number one threat, but it will be tomorrow," Mueller said. "Counterterrorism — stopping terrorist attacks — with the FBI is the present number one priority. But down the road, the cyberthreat, which cuts across all [FBI] programs, will be the number one threat to the country." more>>
Eurocopter wins infringement battle against Bell Helicopter In a lengthy ruling, the Federal Court of Canada ruled that Bell Helicopter intentionally infringed a patent for an innovative helicopter landing gear design that Eurocopter developed and implemented on its EC120 and EC130 models. The Court determined that Bell leased a Eurocopter EC120 helicopter equipped with the patented landing gear, studied the design of the gear, and created a “slavish copy” to be used on its new 429 model. Significantly, the Court determined that “Bell has misled and continues to mislead the public into believing that the Bell Model 429 is the first helicopter to use a sleigh type landing gear.” Ultimately, the Court concluded that “Bell’s overall conduct is highly reprehensible and constitutes a callous disregard for the rights of Eurocopter,” and awarded punitive damages and an injunction
France upends NATO’s exit strategy in Afghanistan (Jan. 31) Damon Wilson, executive vice president of the Atlantic Council and a former White House official, France's decision to withdraw combat troops from Afghanistan a year earlier than planned "upends a well-planned, well laid-out NATO strategy of transition in Afghanistan going through 2014." Wilson told reporters that an anxious U.S. will engage in a round of "damage control" to shore up the alliance's agreed upon timeline. Experts fear that France's move will trigger other NATO members who have contributed troops to the nation-building effort in Afghanistan to "rush to the exits." more>>
Obama confirms Pakistan drone strikes (Jan. 31) U.S. President Barack Obama confirmed Monday that armed drones have regularly attacked suspected militants in Pakistan's tribal areas. He called the strikes a "targeted focused effort at people who are on a list of active terrorists" during an hour-long video "hangout" on Google's social network, Google+, which was also streamed live on YouTube. The strikes target "al-Qaeda suspects who are up in very tough terrain along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan," said the American leader. more>>
Canada reviewing implications of slowed F-35 production (Jan. 31) U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Thursday that the Pentagon will order 179 fewer F-35 Joint Strike Fighters over the next few years, a move that has forced Ottawa to review the government's planned purchase of up to 65 JSFs. F-35 production is being cut further because of the warplane's technical issues and concurrency. JSF development and testing is expected to last until 2017 now. Concurrency - building production F-35's while development and testing continue - has been a "miscalculation", quoting Pentagon JSF program chief Vice-Adm. David Venlet. Funding for the U.S. military is being cut by $479B over 10 years starting in 2013 and the Defense Dept. is reportedly looking to save money by shrinking concurrent F-35 production. more>>
Canadian CF-18 pilots train with USAF pilots CF-18s fire AIM-7s (air intercept missiles) during Exercise Combat Archer, which was held in Tyndall, Florida. 425 Squadron of 3 Wing Bagotville regularly conducts joint exercises with the United States Air Force for the professional development of fighter pilots. This exercise was held to test and improve the effectiveness of the Canadian CF-18 pilots.
Afghanistan, Taliban to talk in Saudi Arabia (Jan. 30) Afghan officials are planning to meet Taliban representatives in Saudi Arabia in the near future in an attempt to put the government of President Hamid Karzai in a lead role in peace negotiations. Saudi Arabia remains "an important player" in negotiations and "has facilitated talks in the past and now," said an unnamed Afghan official. Kabul has long complained that the U.S. and Qatar have negotiated with the Taliban while leaving Karzai in the dark, allegation that Washington denies. more>>
Soldiers set up camp outside Yellowknife (Jan. 29) Canadian Forces soldiers have established a base camp outside of Yellowknife for Exercise Arctic Ram, which is scheduled to begin Feb. 14. About 1,500 military personnel will be in the region next month. “We're setting up the work areas for when the main group comes,” said Master Warrant Officer Douglas Pettie. “The main basis of this exercise is to test our men and equipment and our clothing in the north, because we're normally in a much more southern wintertime climate, and it’s definitely very cold here. It’s a good test for everybody, both our equipment and our men.” more>>
’I fear Afghanistan will become like Vietnam’ (Jan. 29) Sandy Gall, a Briton, has been covering affairs in Afghanistan since 1981. His latest book, "War Against the Taliban", was partly prompted by his witnessing coffins containing the bodies of soldiers killed in Afghanistan returning to Britain. "It made me want to try to explain what these men had been fighting for. And why it had all gone wrong," says Gall in this thought-provoking interview.
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U.S. Navy wants commando ‘mothership’ in Middle East (Jan. 29) Rising tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, al-Qaeda in Yemen, and Somali pirates, have resulted in a rush order from the Pentagon to convert a 41-year-old U.S. Navy ship, the Ponce, into a large floating base for commando teams. Unofficially dubbed a "mothership", the base will accommodate smaller high-speed boats and helicopters commonly used by Navy SEALs. more>>
Seven soldiers honoured (Jan. 28) Seven Canadian soldiers were awarded the Medal of Military Valour Thursday: Capt. William Fielding, Master Bombardier Adam Holmes, Master Cpl. Gilles-Remi Mikkelson, Pte. Philip Millar, Master Cpl. Paul Mitchell, Pte. John Nelson and Sgt. Graham Verrier. "Each of you has shown great courage and determination in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds," said Governor General David Johnston at the ceremony at Rideau Hall. more>>
U.S. military reaches further into Asia (Jan. 28) The United States plans to expand its military presence in Asia in order to offset China`s growing armed services. The Philippines and other U.S. allies have asked for more American troops and other military resources in the region. Last month, Japan ordered 42 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters from the U.S. and Korea is reportedly taking a close look at the stealthy fighter jet. In Manila, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Philippines was looking to conduct more joint exercises with American forces and have more U.S. troops rotate through his nation. more>>
$5 million investment in Manitoba’s aerospace R&D sector The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification anounced an investment of $5 million through the Western Diversification Program that will enable West Canitest R & D Inc. (WestCaRD) to broaden and advance the aerospace industry and manufacturing cluster in Manitoba by developing new aerospace technologies and industrial research capabilities. more>>
Move RCAF’s SAR base for better performance, report says (Jan. 27) An air force performance analysis has determined that the military's responses to search-and-rescue calls would be improved by moving two Hercules aircraft from Greenwood, N.S. to Stephenville, N.L. The study also found little reason for a dedicated Arctic rescue team. "This study will be used with many others to inform future decisions on SAR basing," said an RCAF spokesperson, Major Sonia Dumouchel Connock. more>>
Winnipeg soldier receives military medal (Jan. 27) Sgt. Graham Verrier from Winnipeg has been honoured for holding his ground in a battle against insurgents in Afghanistan in 2010. He was among seven Canadian Forces members to receive the Medal of Military Valour from Gov. Gen. David Johnston at a ceremony at Rideau Hall on Thursday.
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Pentagon cuts reshape military, trim costs (Jan. 27) The Pentagon unveiled its new budget plan for 2013, the first year of a decade-long process that involves cutting $487B in military spending, reducing ground troops by 100,000, mothballing ships, and trimming air squadrons in a bid to create a smaller yet agile force. "Make no mistake, the savings that we are proposing will impact all 50 states and many districts, congressional districts across America," said U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. "This will be a test of whether reducing the deficit is about talk or action." more>>
IED attacks in Afghanistan set record (Jan. 26) Insurgent attacks in Afghanistan using improvised explosive devices or IEDs reached a record high of more than 16,000 in 2011, say military officials. By comparison, in 2010 there were 15,225 IED "events" and 9,304 in 2009. In excess of 85% of IED casualties last year were Afghan civilians. more>>
Hostage rescue illustrates Obama’s new take on military might (Jan. 26) Since coming to power three years ago, U.S. President Obama has ordered the use of special forces troops and armed drones for counter- and anti-terrorism operations. The recent rescue by U.S. special forces of a 32-year old American, Jessica Buchanan, and a 60-year-old Dane, Poul Hagen Thisted, both of whom worked in Somalia for a Danish aid agency and were kidnapped in the predominantly lawless Horn of Africa country last year, is yet more evidence of Obama's willingness to employ unconventional military resources. According to The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. Dept. of Defense plans a major expansion of its global network of pilotless aircraft and special ops. bases in a fundamental realignment of U.S. power projection around the world. more>>
OCEANS Research Connector moved Due to a burst pipe at the Holiday Inn Waterfront in Dartmouth, the Nova Scotia OCEANS Research Connector meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 31 January 2012, will be held at the WESTIN NOVA SCOTIAN, 1181 Hollis Street, in Halifax.
The launch of the Nova Scotia Ocean Technology Council will immediately follow the Research Connector. Keynote speakers include NS Premier, the Hon. Darrell Dexter; and Dr. Douglas Wallace, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Ocean Science and Technology, Dalhousie University. For more info, contact Catherine MacDonald, ADIANS: catherine.macdonald@adians.ca
Canada, U.S. set ground rules for responding to armed attack (Jan. 25) A new Canada-U.S. military agreement that is in the final stages of negotiation will establish each country's roles and responsibilities should North America be attacked, Defence Minister Peter MacKay said Tuesday. The Combined Defence Plan would further integrate cross-border military cooperation. "This agreement provides a framework for the combined defence of Canada and the U.S. during peace, contingencies, and war," MacKay told the Permanent Joint Board on Defence, which consists of senior Canadian and American military officers, government officials and diplomats. more>>
France opts not to pull forces from Afghanistan (Jan. 25) French Foreign Minister Alain Juppé said Tuesday that France won't accelerate removing its troops from Afghanistan, despite the recent killing of four French troops by an Afghan soldier recruited by the Taliban. "We will not give in to panic," said Juppé in remarks during parliamentary question time. He said there must not be confusion between "an organized withdrawal and a rushed withdrawal." more>>
Balkans tribute to be carved in ice (Jan 25) A sculpture dedicated to the 40,000 members of the Canadian military who have served in the Balkans over the past 20 years will be unveiled in Ottawa on Feb. 9th. Like the peace those men and women fought for, the carving will be fragile. It will be made of ice, and part of this year's Winterlude celebrations. Dave Brown tells the story of retired Corporal Alfredo "Alfie" Bojalil, 42, of the Royal Canadian Regiment.
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Military conducts security sweep at Halifax naval base (Jan. 24) Staff at the Halifax naval intelligence facility where accused Sub.-Lt. Jeffrey Delisle worked have been temporarily moved away from the navy's confidential communication centre, Trinity, while security sweeps are conducted. "The place is being investigated ... [for] software, hardware, bugs, the works," said an unnamed military official. "As part of a normal and prudent business contingency plan, personnel belonging to elements of HMCS Trinity have been relocated to 12 Wing Shearwater for an undetermined period of time as a security precaution," said Captain Karina Holder, spokeswoman for the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal, who commands the military police. more>>
Military convoy begins trek to the Arctic (Jan. 24) Hundreds of military personnel and vehicles are beginning a three-day journey from CFB Edmonton to Yellowknife to test themselves and their equipment in harsh winter conditions. The training exercise has been dubbed ARCTIC RAM 1 and is expected to be finished by Feb. 11.
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Pakistan rejects U.S. account of airstrikes mishap in November (Jan. 24) Pakistan's military has formally rejected the U.S. military's report of last month concerning the airstrikes in November that mistakenly killed 24 Pakistani soldiers and injured thirteen. The press office of the Pakistani armed services described the U.S. version as "factually not correct." It also accused the United States of failing to share information "at any level" and rejected any responsibility for the casualties. more>>
Afghan soldier who killed French troops was recruited: Taliban (Jan. 23) The Taliban in Afghanistan said Saturday they had recruited the Afghan soldier who shot dead four French soldiers a day earlier. "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan [Taliban] has recruited people in important positions," spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told Reuters. "Some of them have already accomplished their missions." After the shooting, France's president Nicolas Sarkozy ordered all military operations by French personnel on the ground to be suspended. Defense Minister Gerard Longuet left for Kabul on Saturday to review conditions. more>>
Navy overhauled intelligence with alleged spy in midst (Jan. 23) Over the last two years, navy military planners have been drawing a "road map" to provide decision-makers and warships at sea with better information on possible threats to domestic waters and international shipping lanes. Neither the Harper government or National Defence is saying whether accused spy Sub.-Lt. Jeffery Delisle had access to the strategy - or early drafts of it. Delisle's career took him through some of the most senior and sensitive posts in the military, including the Chief of Defence Intelligence section, the Strategic Joint Staff and the naval intelligence centre known as Trinity. more>>
Expert: Spy case suggests serious leaks (Jan. 22) Arne Kislenko, a history professor at Ryerson University and Trinity College at the University of Toronto and an expert in espionage, says the damage caused by the alleged spy work of sub-lieutenant Jeffrey Delisle is most likely serious and affects NATO and not just Canada. "I think ... given who this guy is and given the technicalities of what Delisle (allegedly) did and where he worked, it’s very clear he had access to weapons systems and weapons codes. It seems to have a real NATO flavour to it," said Delisle. more>>
Policies in Afghanistan and the Middle East deliver defeat (Jan. 22) Toronto Sun editor Peter Worthington writes about how the Taliban are set to make a comeback at the political level in Afghanistan, Iraq is again descending into sectarian strife, and the "Arab Spring" hasn't delivered the democratic benefits hoped for in Egypt, Yemen and elsewhere in the Middle East. He argues in this unvarnished column that Western policies, particularly those of the United States, have essentially failed. more>>
France suspends all training in Afghanistan after soldiers killed (Jan. 21) France is suspending military training operations in Afghanistan and considering to withdraw its entire force early after an Afghan soldier went "rogue" on Friday and killed four French troops. Soldiers from various nations have been killed by members of the Afghan security forces that were either "turned" by the insurgency or planted in the ranks some time ago. The French defence minister, Gerard Longuet, has been sent to Afghanistan to review the security situation as it applies to the 3,600 French troops, many of whom have been engaged in training. more>>
US military chief in Israel for talks on Iran nuclear program (Jan. 21) The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army General Martin Dempsey, met in Israel with senior government officials about how to respond to Iran's controversial nuclear program, which both countries fear is being used to develop nuclear weapons. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, and Israeli military chief Benny Ganz met with Dempsey, reportedly to urge Israel not to make a pre-emptive military strike on Iran. At this point, the United States and other Western countries prefer tougher sanctions. more>>
Macdonald-Laurier Institute ranked as top five new think tank The University of Pennsylvania’s International Relations Program has ranked Canada’s Macdonald-Laurier Institute with the world’s top five new think tanks. This is the second year in a row MLI has made the list of the top 20 new think tanks globally, having debuted last year at Number 20 after six months of operation. more>>
NATO helicopter crashes in Afghanistan, killing 6 (Jan. 20) Six members of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan were killed Thursday when the NATO helicopter they were on crashed in a southern part of the country. Reportedly, there was no enemy activity in the area at the time of the crash, which is being investigated. Also on Thursday, seven civilians were killed outside a gate at the Kandahar Air Field after a suicide attacker set off a vehicle filled with explosives. The Taliban said they were targeting a NATO convoy. more>>
Iran warns neighbours against siding with U.S. (Jan. 20) Iran issued a warning to its Arab neighbours across the Persian Gulf about letting Washington call the shots in the oil-rich region. "I am calling to all countries in the region, please don’t let yourselves be dragged into a dangerous position," said Iran’s Foreign Minister, Ali Akbar Salehi, speaking during a visit to Turkey. The U.S. has several bases in the region which Iran has said it will strike at if it is attacked. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that military action in the Gulf would be "a catastrophe" that could spiral out of control and "fan the flames" of smouldering sectarian strife between Sunni and Shia Muslims in the Middle East. more>>
Pakistan’s closure of supply routes costs U.S. 6 times more (Jan. 20) The cost to the U.S. government to send war supplies to troops in Afghanistan through alternate routes has increased six-fold after Pakistan’s decision in November to shut down border crossings to NATO convoys. Islamabad closed two key Pakistani border crossings after U.S. airstrikes killed 24 soldiers and injured 13 in Pakistan near the Afghan border in late November. Islamabad is conducting a strategic re-assessment of Pakistan's relationship with the U.S. and American officials said Thursday that shipping costs are likely to remain high for some time. more>>
For first time in decades, military takes armour to North (Jan. 19) The Canadian Forces has taken some of its armoured land combat vehicles to the North for a huge military exercise next month in the Western Arctic. "Certainly with the new light armoured vehicles, this is the first time we've ever gone up in any significant strength to test our capabilities," said Lt.-Col. Bill Fletcher, battle group commander for Arctic Ram, the exercise that will run from February 14 to 26. more>>
DCNS begins work on two LHD’s for Russia DCNS launched yesterday the construction at the STX shipyard at Saint-Nazaire of the first of two BPC-type vessels ordered by the Russian Federation. Russian and French guests of honour joined DCNS and STX employees for the official ‘first cut’ ceremony. The contract calls for the delivery to Russia of two BPC-type vessels (known on the international market as landing helicopter docks or LHDs) along with associated services including initial logistics, training, and technology transhttp://www.frontline-canada.com/Defence/editing/add_press_newsposting.php#fers. more>>
Eurocopter’s ‘Innovation in Safety Award’ Nominations are now open for Eurocopter Canada’s ‘Innovation in Safety Award’ which recognizes outstanding achievement in Canadian rotary wing safe flying operations. The award was established to help strengthen the industry’s understanding of superior safety practices and initiatives by recognizing a group, company, organization or agency that utilizes an exceptional or ground-breaking approach toward rotary wing safe flying operations. The award recipient will receive a plaque, certificate of recognition and cash award. Application deadline: Friday, February 24th, 2012.
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India buys Rafale jets NEW DELHI - India is buying 126 French-made combat aircraft in a massive $11 billion deal that will increase the might of the world's fourth largest air force with the first exported Rafale jets.
Boeing selects Canadian ISS firms Boeing has selected three Canadian firms to receive the first group of work packages for in-service support of 15 Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters, designated CH-147F for the Canadian Forces: L-3 Communications MAS (Mirabel, Quebec): technical publications; Raytheon Canada Limited (Calgary, Alberta): supply chain support; and, L-3 Electronic Systems (Enfield, Nova Scotia): logistics support analysis. more>>
EADS CASSIDIAN Vehicle Protection Jammer Cassidian, the defence and security division of EADS, has developed a new-generation Vehicle Protection Jammer that significantly enhances the protection of military vehicles against attacks by Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices (RCIEDs). After passing extensive field trials, the series production ramp-up started in December 2011. more>>
Second Eurocopter AS350 B2 to Quito Police
Eurocopter’s Mexican subsidiary, Eurocopter de México S.A. (EMSA), delivered a single-engine AS350 B2 helicopter to the Quito Aerial Police Service, of the Ecuadorian National Police Force, for use on public security missions. The Aerial Police Service now has two AS350 B2s. more>>
CAE military contracts top C$100 million
CAE today announced military contracts worth more than C$100 million. They include contracts from Canada’s Department of National Defence to perform major upgrades to CC-130H and CH-146 simulators, a contract in Malaysia to provide long-term support services for an AW139 full-flight simulator, and a contract to develop two Tornado maintenance trainers for the German Air Force and Royal Air Force. more>>
Presagis Visual Database for F-16 Training Presagis, the Montreal-based COTS modeling, simulation, and embedded graphics provider has announced a contract with Elbit Systems Ltd. to build a visual database based on the Common Database (CDB) specification. Elbit will use the database in its mission training center for Israel Air Force F-16C/D and F-16I pilots. more>>
India buys Obzerv range-gated cameras Obzerv Technologies Inc. has received a contract from Bharat Electronics Ltd. to supply 46 ARGC-2400 cameras. Obzerv's electro-optic cameras will be integrated in a multi sensors Coastal Surveillance System. Each system to be supplied to Indian Coastguard will include: the ARGC-2400, a thermal imager, a radar station and meteorological sensors, all of which will be mounted on lighthouses and towers. more>>
Newest Mistral class delivered Dixmude, the third Mistral-class force projection and command vessel, has been delivered to the French defence procurement agency (DGA) three months ahead of schedule. Ordered in April 2009 under its economic stimulus package, France took formal delivery on 3 January 2012. This success is the result of outstanding cooperation between industry partners DCNS and STX France. The design, construction and testing of the vessel was conducted in close partnership with DGA and French Navy teams.
The Marines’ F-35s have landed The first two Lockheed Martin production model F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft were delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps today. The two jets are now assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's Marine Fighter/Attack Training Squadron 501 residing with the host 33d Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, Fla. more>>
Raytheon wins experimental radar contract The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, today announced the award of a $7 million contract to Raytheon Canada. These funds will be used to build and install a next-generation High Frequency Surface Wave Radar (HFSWR) system and to assess the performance of this technology in an operational environment. more>>
More Eurocopter Lakotas to US Army The U.S. Army has awarded EADS North America a $212.7 million contract to deliver 39 UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) as part of its total acquisition plan. Thirty-two of these Lakotas will be produced in the Army’s Security and Support (S&S) Battalion configuration. EADS North America has already delivered 198 UH-72A Lakotas to the U.S. Army, on time and within budget. more>>
Nexter VBCI going strong in Lebanon The French ministry of defence says 13 VBCI armoured vehicles, in Lebanon since September 2010, have been performing well. The 8-wheel drive machines are working with UNIFIL, the United Nations Interim Force. Nexter is offering the VBCI for Canada’s CCV program. more>>
Raytheon awarded missile contracts Raytheon Company has been awarded two contracts totaling $212.8 million for the production of the Evolved Seasparrow Missile, with an option for $33 million in additional work. The first contract is from the U.S. Navy and under the second, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation of Japan will deliver ESSM weapons to the Japanese Ministry of Defense.
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API Technologies wins $3.5 Million GoC order API Technologies Corp. has received a $3.5 million new order from the Canadian Government to provide secure communication systems that will be used to satisfy mobile application security requirements. The order was awarded to EMCON Emanation Control, part of API’s Secure Systems & Information Assurance (SSIA) division. more>>
US Army orders for Ultra Ultra Electronics, TCS, a world leader in tactical communications and electronic warfare (EW) systems, has orders for tactical communications equipment totaling $23 million. Ultra will supply shelter upgrade kits and additional AN/GRC-245 radios for the US Army's Warfighter Information Network — Tactical (WIN-T) program. more>>
Oshkosh Defense opens Ottawa office Oshkosh Defense will open an Ottawa office to support vehicle programs for the Canadian Department of National Defence. The office will provide program management, industrial and regional benefits management, engineering, contract management, and purchasing support for Canadian programs. more>>
Textron TAPV Completes Testing
The Textron Systems Canada Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) has completed the physical testing portion of the Canadian Forces TAPV competitive bid process. The testing took place between October and early December at the U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, and the Textron TAPV completed the five intense 24-hour DVT test cycles, exceeding the mandatory requirement.
GD Land sells more LAV IIs A foreign buyer is taking an additional 73 GD Land Systems Light Armored Vehicles, under a contract modification between U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command and the Canadian Commercial Corporation. The US$126 million announcement brings the total contract value to US$264 million for 155 LAVs. more>>
Canada buys Rheinmetall recovery vehicles Rheinmetall Group of Germany is supplying the Canadian forces with Buffalo armoured recovery vehicles, under an order worth about C$54.7 million. The contract covers manufacture and delivery of the tracked armoured vehicles and related training support. Delivery is scheduled for 2013-2014. more>>
Two Nexter Bids For CCV Nexter Systems two entries in the competition for the Canadian Army’s Close Combat Vehicle (CCV) program, both based on its wheeled 8x8 VBCI platform. The first is the current vehicle with one-man 25mm turret, while the second has a two-man 30mm turret. Now in tests at the Aberdeen Test Center in Maryland, 250 VBCI vehicles are in service with French forces in Afghanistan.
Esterline SureSight Vision System Certified
Transport Canada has type-certified the Esterline CMC Electronics (CMC) CMA-2700 sensor SureSight® Enhanced Vision System. The system offers the highest resolution available for an EVS sensor and four times the resolution of currently certified EVS sensor systems and features next-generation digital image processing, including dynamic non-uniformity corrections.
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Satellite captures Chinese carrier DigitalGlobe, a satellite imagery provider has released pictures of the Chinese navy’s aircraft carrier Varyag in the Yellow Sea, approximately 100 kilometers south-southeast of the port of Dalian. The company offers a 9-year visual chronology of the aircraft carrier’s preparation for sea trials. more>>
Texas city accepts Cassidian radios
The City of Richardson, Texas has accepted Cassidian Communications’ CORP25 Land Mobile Radio (LMR) network. The City has already migrated all general government users onto the Project 25-based radio network and public safety will follow soon. One hundred percent standards-compliant, the CORP25 solution enables the City of Richardson to fully utilize competitive procurements for its mobile and portable radios as well as other key network elements, allowing the City to choose best-in-class equipment from multiple vendors. more>>
IMP rolls out re-winged Aurora IMP Group Limited, Aerospace Division is rolling out the first re-winged CP-140 Aurora aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force. The wing replacement is part of the Aurora Structural Life Extension Project (ASLEP), which also includes the replacement of the center wing lower surface and horizontal stabilizer. IMP has been contracted by the RCAF to refit ten CP-140 Aurora aircraft under the ASLEP program. more>>
Eurocopter aircraft delivered to BCIT
Eurocopter Canada has delivered one AS350 training aid aircraft to the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s specialized training program in airframe and engine maintenance. Students at BCIT’s Aerospace Technology Campus in Richmond take part in Eurocopter’s intensive training program in airframe and engine maintenance. With over 40% of Canada’s helicopters located in British Columbia, the agreement has enhanced BCIT’s specialized training by allowing students to practice maintenance tasks on the AS350 helicopter.
DCNS begins Russian BPC/Mistral design French shipbuilder DCNS is modifying its BPC-type force projection and command design under a contract with the Russian Federation for two vessels. DCNS will tailor the vessel to Russia's specific requirements. The two BPCs will be largely identical to the Mistral/BPC-type vessels operated by the French Navy. Following the design phase, construction will begin in the first half of 2012 at STX France's shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. Under the contract with Russia, DCNS will act as prime contractor for the two vessels and will also integrate the operations direction and communications suite.
Elbit Systems and L-3 Electronics on TAPV bid Working together as Canterra Solutions, partners L-3 Electronic Systems (L-3 ES) and Elbit Systems Land and C4I (ESL Land) plan to base manufacturing and In-Service Support programs in Nova Scotia as part of the team’s bid for the Canadian Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) program and the Integrated Soldier System Program (ISSP). Under a Memorandum of Understanding the companies will utilize L-3 ES facilities and personnel in Nova Scotia to manufacture and support defence technologies for Canadian and foreign military programs.
Raytheon buys cybersecurity company Raytheon has bought Pikewerks Corp, a private cyber security company, for an undisclosed amount. The company’s flagship product is the Electronic Armor program, which protects other software programs, to bolster its cybersecurity offerings. Like other defence companies, Raytheon is preparing for expected US military spending cuts by expanding into growth areas.
Cassidian, the defence and security division of EADS, has developed a new-generation Vehicle Protection Jammer that significantly enhances the protection of military vehicles against attacks by Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices (RCIEDs). After passing extensive field trials, the series production ramp-up started in December 2011. 
Obzerv Technologies Inc. has received a contract from Bharat Electronics Ltd. to supply 46 ARGC-2400 cameras. Obzerv's electro-optic cameras will be integrated in a multi sensors Coastal Surveillance System. Each system to be supplied to Indian Coastguard will include: the ARGC-2400, a thermal imager, a radar station and meteorological sensors, all of which will be mounted on lighthouses and towers. 
Ultra Electronics, TCS, a world leader in tactical communications and electronic warfare (EW) systems, has orders for tactical communications equipment totaling $23 million. Ultra will supply shelter upgrade kits and additional AN/GRC-245 radios for the US Army's Warfighter Information Network — Tactical (WIN-T) program. 
