True North Strategic Review

This Week in Defence (06/15/26): TKMS Spotlight, New Navy RFI Again, New CRCN Coming, HDFM/MCAV Update, LUV Update, NtACS Numbers, Zetros In Canada?, Keel Laid On HMCS Fraser, And Lots More

Noah — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 01:26:57 GMT

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Happy Monday Everyone!

We have a new format this week! That's right, I gave in and put middle ads. It turns out that soace is very valuable. I hope it isnt too intrusive to all of you, I tried my best to make sure it wasn't.

Loads of new RFI, A Keel Laying, and lots of writing for Noah over the last week! And if rumors are to be believed, this upcoming week will be even more packed. We get a new CRCN, Eurosatory is in full swing, and allegedly a big announcement is coming maybe…

I won't keep you occupied. We got a lot this week, so let's jump into it!

Remember that you can always submit your media and press releases to us at media@truenorthstrategicreview.ca!

This Week in Defences Project and Lobbying Updates are supported by Dominion Dynamics Aurion platform. Aurion is an open data platform designed to increase transparency across Canada's defence procurement ecosystem.

• The official designation for the Colt Eagle 40mm Launcher is the C27

• At least one other company has repprtedly been added to the LUV Phase II qualified Suppliers List

• The numbers coming from sources for nTACS are 36 Attack Helicopters and 42+ Medium-Lift Helicopters, and as we have reported likely a doubling of the Chinook fleet

• I guess Roshel and Daimler announced today, but no press release so I'll throw this here until they prove me wrong. There is renewed talk about Zetros being produced locally. Funny enough, Hanwha apparently also showed off a Daimler-based Chunmoo at Eurosatory, but I don't know which chassis. Fun times

• I have heard 6 different dates for the sub announcement. Don't stress about it Gang. You'll know when it's coming

• There is some discussions around about expanding on the Victoria Modernization package, for some reason. How strange

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CADSI hot take - it’s time to make CANSEC 3 days.

Noah — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:14:51 GMT

You were there. Halls so crowded you mistook it for a rock concert.

Only Ottawa’s comicon generates more buzz.

As CADSI’s number one supporter, take this suggestion from a place of love for the industry.

CANSEC punches above its weight for a 2-day show – the 2026 exhibit proved it (See Guide to Cansec). But as Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy sharpens its focus on sovereign capability and closing the production and scaling gap with American & European allies, the format itself has become a constraint.

CADSI should seriously consider extending CANSEC to 3 days.

AUSA, Black Sea Defence, FEINDEF: 3 days.
DSEI & DSEI Germany: 4 days.
Eurosatory, Farnborough, Paris Airshow, World Defence: 5 days.

Canada's flagship defence show gives its industry two.

2 Day Ceiling

Now if I’m honest, I used to like the two-dayer. With all the side events it stretched into a week with client meetings wedged on either side. (Thought Cansec was just two days?) But it feels like a quaint recollection of a time when 1.3% was an achievement.

If you travelled from Vancouver, Quebec or Waterloo, you’ll spend more time travelling than at the show itself.

2 days was from a time before the event was visited by Prime Ministers and premiers, major procurement announcements and at capacity crowds.

Even the protesters might approve of it lasting longer.

What a 3rd Day Delivers

Primes alone won’t build Canada's sovereign capability ambitions in munitions, naval systems, C4ISR, or cybersecurity. The Defence Industrial Strategy is explicit: SMEs are the innovation and production backbone of a resilient industrial base.

SMEs lose out under CANSEC's 2-day schedule (Bring back SME Day!).

First, there’s a manpower gap: Primes deploy 10 reps, SMEs bring 2. Compressed floor time, B2B meetings, and panels force SMEs to prioritize. This triage undermines SME-centred sovereign capability growth.

Most Primes have an office in Ottawa, while SMEs are spread across the country.

NATO allies (particularly the UK, France, Germany, and Poland) have also scaled defence production at a pace Canada aims to match or complement. They go to CANSEC with serious procurement and partnership mandates.

2 days is insufficient for the relationship-building depth those conversations require, especially for Canadian SMEs that aim to enter Tier 2/Tier 3 supply chains.

A structured, purpose-driven 3rd day could dedicate programming specifically to sovereign industrial capacity, especially in:

SME/Prime teaming,
Export readiness workshops oriented toward European procurement vehicles, and
Direct engagement between SMEs and allied acquisition officials.

DSEI and Eurosatory both embed this kind of structured SME access within their extended formats, and both have measurably strengthened their respective nations' Tier 2 and Tier 3 export pipelines.

https://www.dsei.co.uk/visit/sme-engagement

Other shows use the last day for students and recruitment.

For CADSI, this is also an opportunity to position the organization. Extending CANSEC signals to DIA, DND, PSPC and allied partners that Canada's premier defence forum matches the country's industrial ambitions, not just the current industrial footprint.

The Ask

3 days. One structured explicitly around sovereign capability development and SME scaling pathways into allied supply chains.

The marginal cost to CADSI is manageable. The strategic signal and concrete business outcomes for SMEs that the Defence Industrial Strategy depends on are significant.

Three days. More deal-making. More allied engagement. More opportunity for Canada's defence industry to show the world what it's capable of.

The Canadian defence sector is growing. The show should grow with it.

Where was Mr. Fuhr Today? (06/15/2026)

Noah — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:58:45 GMT

He is currently attending Eurosatory as part of an ongoing World Tour! The Secretary of State made the following statement and released the following images:

Canada's defence sector continues to demonstrate world-class innovation, resilience, and expertise. From advanced technologies to trusted global partnerships, Canadian companies are making a meaningful contribution to collective security and readiness.

It was an honour to kick off my first day at Eurosatory by opening the Canadian Pavilion alongside colleagues from across Canada - Premier Scott Moe, and Ministers Victor Fedeli, lan Lafreniere, CD, and Joseph Schow.

I was also pleased to participate in a fireside chat with Christyn (Chris) Cianfarani of Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI), where we discussed Canada's approach to defence procurement- focused on delivering for the Canadian Armed Forces while strengthening our industrial base and supporting jobs at home. These conversations are essential to ensuring we remain agile, competitive, and aligned with our allies in an evolving global landscape.

Thank you to everyone who joined us today and to the organizations that make Canada's presence at Eurosatory so strong. I look forward to continuing these important discussions.

CCC Signs MoU to Expand Canadian Defence Trade with the Dominican Republic

Noah — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:25:19 GMT

OTTAWA, Ontario, June 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CCC is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Defence of the Dominican Republic, marking an important step forward in strengthening defence trade and cooperation between the two countries. The MoU establishes a government-to-government (G2G) procurement pathway, enabling the Dominican Republic to efficiently access high-quality Canadian defence goods and services. Through this partnership, CCC will support the country’s efforts to modernize its defence capabilities and address evolving security challenges.

The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Defence is prioritizing access to Canadian technology, products and services across air, land, and maritime domains, as well as strengthening disaster response and building strategic partnerships. Canada’s defence industry is well positioned to support these goals, offering proven expertise in areas such as coast guard and surveillance platforms, border security, command and control systems, intelligence capabilities, as well as secure, reliable supply chains.

Signed on May 25, 2026, the MoU formalizes collaboration on identifying and advancing priority defence procurement projects under the G2G framework. The agreement was signed by Kim Douglas, CCC’s Vice President of Business Development and Marketing, and Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, Minister of Defence of the Dominican Republic. The signing was witnessed by Her Excellency Jacqueline DeLima Baril, Canada’s Ambassador to the Dominican Republic.

Quotes

“This MoU positions Canada as a trusted defence partner for the Dominican Republic and opens the door to new opportunities to deliver proven, high-quality, interoperable solutions through CCC’s G2G model. By connecting the Dominican Republic with Canada’s globally competitive defence industry, we are strengthening a valued partnership, reducing procurement risk, and enabling long-term, mutually beneficial trade and cooperation.”

Bobby Kwon, President and CEO, CCC.

“This agreement reflects the strength and momentum of the Canada–Dominican Republic relationship. It underscores our shared commitment to regional security and to deepen trade and economic ties between our countries in strategic sectors.”

H.E. Jacqueline DeLima Baril, Ambassador of Canada to the Dominican Republic.

About CCC

CCC is Canada’s government-to-government (G2G) contracting agency. We help build successful commercial relationships between Canadian businesses and governments around the world through our G2G contracting approach. We are also the U.S. Department of War’s designated contracting authority for procurements from Canada. To learn more about how we have facilitated billions in trade between Canadian businesses and governments around the world, visit ccc.ca.

Prime Minister Carney meets with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Announces First Canadian Supplier Under SAFE

Noah — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:16:28 GMT

Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on the margins of the 2026 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Évian, France.

The leaders discussed the work underway to expand the Canada-European Union (EU) partnership. In one year, Canada and the EU forged a new strategic partnership across trade, energy, climate and technology; we reached landmark critical mineral agreements with various member states; and Canada joined the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) – becoming the first non-European nation to join the initiative. Today, the leaders focused on the next steps in this mission, announcing two new agreements to collaborate in security and conservation.

First, the Prime Minister announced that the Montréal-based defence technology firm Marconi Technologies has been awarded a contract exceeding $10 million to supply made-in-Canada ORION tactical radios to Polish Cyber Command. In partnership with Polish company Enamor International, Canadian workers will help build the advanced gear to protect our allies, with deliveries expected to begin later this year and continue through to 2030. Marconi will leverage nearly 100 Canadian companies – from the skilled trades to advanced engineering – to help build this state-of-the-art product.

This is the first contract awarded to a Canadian company under SAFE, with many more to come. Canada’s membership in SAFE means our defence businesses, like Marconi, can compete for European contracts, creating good career opportunities back home.

Second, the leaders focused on the joint efforts between Canada and the EU to protect biodiversity and nature. To accelerate this work, Prime Minister Carney was pleased to accept President von der Leyen’s invitation for Canada to co-chair the OceanEye International Alliance – the EU’s ocean observation initiative. This new initiative will strengthen ocean observation capacity to improve climate forecasting and maritime security – and power growth. Canada will also host the 12th Our Ocean Conference in spring 2027, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Conference will attract partners to identify key gaps and solutions in ocean conservation.

Prime Minister Carney, President Costa, and President von der Leyen looked forward to meeting again, including at the next Canada-EU Summit, which will be hosted in Canada this fall, from October 29 to 30. They will remain in close contact.

Noah Note: Marconi and their product line come from the former Tactical Communications division of Ultra I&C. Funny enough Ultra built that division off the assets of the Original Marconi, so this is a bit of a loop here. Either way, a great thing for them just a few weeks after their rebrand.

This isn't the last one we will see. I expect we'll see a few more coming through NATO summit. There is also talks of Canadian participation in SAFE that is ramping up. I guess we'll see on that front.

Des Nedhe Group Defence and Actagon AB Sign MOU to Advance Canada-Sweden Defence Industrial Collaboration

Noah — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:10:31 GMT

PARIS, FRANCE - Des Nedhe Group (DNG) Defence and Actagon AB have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore new defence, security, infrastructure, technology, workforce, industrial, and investment pathways between Canada and Sweden.

The agreement was signed during Eurosatory 2026, one of the world’s leading defence and security exhibitions, held in Paris, France.

Under the MOU, DNG Defence and Actagon will work together to advance Canada-Sweden defence and security ties while supporting key Canadian priorities, including supply chain resilience, trusted allied partnerships, technology transfer, Indigenous economic participation, and long-term sovereign capability.

An initial focus of the partnership will be DNG Defence's defence manufacturing and innovation campus in Saskatchewan, which includes CellCore Technologies nitrocellulose production facility as the anchor tenant. The Indigenous-led campus is intended to support advanced manufacturing & production, research, testing, training, commercialization, and the development of a stronger domestic defence industrial base.

“This MOU is about building real capability in Canada with the right partners,” said Sean Willy, President and CEO of Des Nedhe Group. “For Des Nedhe Group Defence, the opportunity is not only to participate in Canada’s defence sector, but also to help build it in a way that strengthens Indigenous ownership, supports Canadian sovereignty, and creates long-term value for First Nations, Saskatchewan, and Canada.”

The parties will also assess areas where Swedish technology, industrial expertise, capital networks, and innovation ecosystems can contribute to Canadian-led projects, including future export potential for defence goods, services, and intellectual property developed in Canada.

“Actagon brings access to Swedish industrial, technology, and investment networks that are highly relevant to Canada’s defence priorities,” said Grant Oliver, President of DNG Defence. “Our focus is on turning that alignment into practical opportunities – strengthening resilient supply chains, supporting workforce development, accelerating innovation, and building Canadian-controlled industrial capacity with meaningful Indigenous participation.”

“Des Nedhe Group represents a powerful vision of Indigenous leadership, entrepreneurship, and long-term nation-building. We are honored to enter this partnership and to combine our respective networks, expertise, and ambitions in support of sustainable industrial growth, innovation, and economic opportunity across Saskatchewan, Canada, and the broader Arctic and High North region. Together, we aim to build meaningful partnerships that strengthen strategic industries, support the development of Indigenous SMEs, and create lasting value for future generations” said Andreas Skinnars, Chairman & Partner, Actagon AB.

The MOU is intended to align with Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, Indigenous economic reconciliation objectives, and the Canada-Sweden Strategic Partnership.

About Des Nedhe Group Defence

Des Nedhe Group Defence is an Indigenous Nation-owned Canadian defence and security platform under the Des Nedhe Group, the economic development arm of English River First Nation. DNG Defence is focused on expanding Indigenous equity ownership, investment, and participation, as well as sovereign operational capability, workforce development, infrastructure delivery, and supply chain resilience across Canada’s defence, security, critical infrastructure, and industrial sectors.

About Actagon AB

Actagon AB is a Sweden-based strategic advisory and investment facilitation firm focused on connecting industrial, technology, infrastructure, capital, and innovation networks. Through its relationships across Sweden and Europe, Actagon supports strategic partnerships that advance defence, security, industrial development, and international collaboration.

JPMorganChase Expands Security and Resiliency Initiative to Canada

Noah — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:32:20 GMT

Extension reinforces the firm’s century-long presence in Canada and supports strategic capacity, resilience and innovation as critical supply chains evolve

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--JPMorganChase today announced the expansion of its $1.5 trillion, 10-year Security and Resiliency Initiative (SRI) to Canada. The announcement builds on SRI’s recent expansion to Europe and the firm’s momentum in Canada, which has nearly doubled franchise revenue and increased headcount by a third over the past five years.

First announced in the United States in October, SRI is a $1.5 trillion, 10-year initiative to facilitate, finance and invest in five key verticals, including supply chain and advanced manufacturing, defence and aerospace, energy independence and resilience, frontier and strategic technologies, and pharma and healthtech. In Canada, JPMorganChase expects SRI to align closely with some of the country’s strengths and key priorities including defence, energy and mining, and supporting secure, resilient supply chains with trading partners.

“Canada has deep strengths on the world stage — rich in talent, abundant resources and is home to companies at the forefront of critical industries,” said Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorganChase. “By extending SRI to Canada, we’re strengthening the vital industries and supply chains that underpin North American economic resilience, which is essential to shared prosperity and collective security.”

David Rawlings, CEO for JPMorganChase Canada, will lead the initiative locally, providing oversight and accountability across the country. He will work with clients and public- and private-sector organizations to advance SRI’s multilateral initiatives — including providing banking and advisory support to select next-generation companies building critical capacity in Canada, the U.S. and across global trading partners.

Separately, JPMorganChase is proud to play a leading role in the establishment of the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB), which will be headquartered in Canada. As one of the key financial institutions helping to stand up the DSRB, our involvement reflects JPMorganChase’s deep commitment to helping finance future defence and security objectives. Canada’s selection as the headquarters further strengthens the country’s position in defence, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and research and development.

JPMorganChase serves clients across Canada through offices in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver, with a focus on cross-border activity. The firm helps Canadian clients invest, grow and transact globally and serves subsidiaries of global companies operating in Canada. Through JPMorganChase’s global network in more than 100 countries, the firm helps connect Canadian companies and institutions to global capital and markets.

As Canada attracts more capital and capabilities to strengthen domestic growth and resilience, JPMorganChase is expanding its operations to support clients as investment priorities evolve and supply chains become more critical to long-term competitiveness.

For more information on SRI, please visit jpmorgan.com/sri.

About JPMorganChase

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America (“U.S.”), with operations worldwide. JPMorganChase had $4.9 trillion in assets and $364 billion in stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2026. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. Under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands, the Firm serves millions of customers in the U.S., and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients globally. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.

Noah Note: JPMC is a major sponsor of the DSRB. It's expansion in the to Europe, and DSRB becoming firmly Canadian basically led this to be a foregone conclusion eventually. It is yet another financial instrument to be logged, but not onw that I'm necessarily looking keenly on or expecting significant from.

Certainly it is nice to see some outside investments being positioned here, but given the nature of the SRI and the existing political climate? I expect we might see some cool things, but not investments of analysis significance, if that makes sense.

Either way, nice to see but not sonething I would read deep into at this point in time.

49North Awarded $3.7M Contract from General Atomics to Deliver Coalition Shared Database for Canada's Guardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Program

Noah — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:58:36 GMT

OTTAWA, ON, June 15, 2026 /CNW/ - 49North, a wholly owned subsidiary of MDA Space Ltd. (TSX: MDA) (NYSE: MDA), today announced it has been awarded a $3.7 million CAD contract by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to design, build, integrate, and test a Coalition Shared Database (CSD) for Canada's Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) program. The award is a meaningful step for 49North as it continues to establish itself as a dedicated Canadian defence integrator, delivering sovereign capabilities that strengthen decision advantage in complex and contested environments.

This contract award is an addition to the existing $74.4M RPAS contract and further strengthens 49North's role as a key member of Team SkyGuardian Canada, alongside GA-ASI, CAE, and L3Harris WESCAM, working to deliver 11 CQ-9B Guardian aircraft to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) by 2028. The Guardian is based on GA-ASI's MQ-9B, which is on order or operating for a growing list of international defence and security forces.

The CSD is a standardized, secure, and networked system based on NATO STANAG 4559 standards, designed for multinational operations to store, manage, and distribute Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) data. The system is designed to enable allied nations to share, search, and access heterogeneous sensor data in near real-time, facilitating a common operating picture while maintaining individual national control over information. The ability to be interoperable and have secure, multi-caveat-controlled real-time information flow with allies is a critical force multiplier for military operations.

Originally planned as a separate capability, the CSD was later integrated into the RPAS program at the request of the RCAF to ensure seamless operational performance. GA-ASI selected 49North to deliver the system based on its deep experience in coalition data-sharing and its ability to integrate complex systems within mission-critical environments.

Building on more than five decades of trusted Canadian defence delivery and prime contractor execution from MDA Space, 49North brings proven operational experience in coalition data-sharing solutions, including development work on the CP-140 program and implementation of Canada's and Australia's CSD interface for the NOCTUA and NANKEEN Heron UAV programs supporting the UN-mandated, NATO-led ISAF mission in Afghanistan.

The CSD award is the latest in a growing portfolio of defence capabilities that 49North is delivering for the CQ-9B Guardian program, which also includes production of Certifiable Ground Control Stations, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) Radio software, and Automated Targeting Classification image processing. Across these work packages, 49North is integrating advanced sensing technologies, autonomous systems, and secure digital mission systems--capabilities that reflect the company's broader mandate to deliver multi-domain C4ISR solutions across land, air, maritime, and joint domains for Canadian and allied defence customers.

The CSD system will reside in the main RPAS Ground Control Centre in Ottawa, with design, build, integration, and testing conducted at 49North's facility in Richmond, British Columbia. Delivery to GA-ASI is expected by August 2027.

This award further expands 49North's scope within the RPAS program and reinforces its growing role as a dedicated Canadian defence integrator of advanced C4ISR capabilities--delivering the engineering discipline, operational reliability, and mission assurance that Canada's defence modernization demands.

Quotes

"This award reflects the confidence that GA-ASI and the Royal Canadian Air Force have placed in 49North's C4ISR capabilities and our deep mission experience. 49North delivers sovereign, mission-critical defence capabilities for Canada, and coalition data sharing is exactly the type of high-assurance integration where our team excels. Interoperability with our allies is essential to Canada's defence posture, and the CSD will aim to ensure the RCAF can operate seamlessly in multinational environments."

Joe Armstrong, President, 49North

"We're pleased to continue to build our partnership with 49North in the development and delivery of CQ-9B Guardian for Canada. This contract further strengthens the Team SkyGuardian alliance for Canada."

Dan Fritz, Senior Program Director, General Atomics

About 49North

49North delivers sovereign Canadian defence capabilities with a focus on C4ISR and mission critical systems, strengthening decision advantage in complex and contested environments. Building on more than five decades of trusted Canadian defence delivery and prime contractor execution from MDA Space, 49North brings engineering discipline, operational reliability, and mission assurance to large, mission-critical defence programs. 49North integrates advanced sensing technologies, autonomous systems, secure digital mission systems, defence-qualified electronics, and long-term sustainment and in-service support of complex defence platforms across land, air, maritime, and joint domains. Headquartered in Ottawa, 49North brings trusted defence capability to reinforce Canada's long-term sovereignty and security.

www.49NorthDefence.com

Noah Note: 49North absorbed the defence side of MDAs business. They carry that legacy, and personally I am very happy to see it. I feel the seperation at this stage needed to happen to wnsure that the defence and commercial sides of MDA had the space to grow and develop their capabilities.

I had a chance to sit and talk to the 49North team a lot of CANSEC, and they, along with the whole MDA team, are doing some really awesome stuff in the space that I'm excited to see!

Arcanus Aerial Systems Appoints Rahim Rajwani as Interim Chief Executive Officer to Lead Company Through Planned U.S. Public Listing

Noah — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:38:54 GMT

Capital Markets Veteran Joins as Arcanus Advances Toward a Nasdaq Listing on the Strength of Signed Production Contracts, Sovereign Procurement Programs, and an Expanding NATO-Aligned Manufacturing and Partner Ecosystem

TORONTO, June 12, 2026 /CNW/ - Arcanus Aerial Systems Inc. ("Arcanus" or the "Company"), a sovereign Canadian defence technology company specializing in advanced unmanned aerial systems, counter-UAS, and integrated battlefield solutions for NATO and allied markets, today announced the appointment of Rahim Rajwani as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective June 11th, 2026.

Mr. Rajwani joins the executive team at a pivotal moment for Arcanus. The Company is advancing preparations for a planned listing on a major U.S. stock exchange while executing against a rapidly expanding base of contracted production, sovereign procurement engagements, and strategic manufacturing partnerships across Canada, Europe, and allied markets. His appointment places dedicated capital markets and public company leadership at the top of the organization through this critical phase, while the Company's operational leadership remains focused on program delivery and manufacturing scale-up.

A LEADER BUILT FOR THE PUBLIC-COMPANY TRANSITION

Mr. Rajwani is Managing Director of Triumph Advisors Inc., a Vancouver based capital markets and strategic advisory firm focused on public listings, mergers and acquisitions, financings, and strategic transactions. He brings more than 25 years of experience spanning investment banking, corporate finance, capital markets, regulatory affairs, and public company leadership - a skill set squarely matched to the next phase of Arcanus' growth.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Rajwani has participated in and advised on numerous private placements, initial public offerings, reverse takeovers, mergers and acquisitions, and public company financing transactions across Canadian and U.S. capital markets, spanning industries from technology and healthcare to natural resources and emerging growth companies. He has served as a director and senior executive - including as chief executive officer - of multiple public companies, with experience covering the full public company lifecycle: early-stage growth and financing, exchange listings, corporate governance, exchange compliance, and ongoing public market operations.

In addition to his corporate leadership roles, Mr. Rajwani has more than two decades of experience with Canadian and U.S. regulated securities firms, including senior investment banking and corporate finance roles with Salman Partners and other securities firms, where he advised issuers on financings, public listings, and strategic growth initiatives. Most recently, he has served as a Strategic Advisor to Arcanus, working closely with the Company's leadership on capital markets strategy, financing execution, and listing readiness - giving him deep, first-hand familiarity with the business he now leads.

His mandate as Interim Chief Executive Officer will centre on three priorities: completing the Company's go-public transaction and associated institutional financing; institutionalizing governance, reporting, and public company readiness; and supporting the conversion of Arcanus' international procurement pipeline into contracted, deliverable programs.

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY

Rahim Rajwani, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Arcanus, commented: "Arcanus has assembled something rare - binding contracts, sovereign Canadian manufacturing, a NATO aligned partner ecosystem, and a leadership team that has delivered in some of the most demanding operating environments in the world. My job is to match that operational reality with the capital markets execution it deserves. We are moving deliberately toward a U.S. listing, and I intend for Arcanus to arrive on the public markets as a disciplined, institutional grade defence company."

Matthew Ewing, Executive Vice President of Arcanus, commented: “Rahim has been inside our capital markets strategy from the start, and he brings exactly the public-company discipline this next chapter demands. This appointment lets our operating team stay locked on what they do best - delivering systems to customers and scaling Canadian production - while Rahim leads the Company through the listing process and the institutional buildout that comes with it.”

About Arcanus Aerial Systems Inc.

Arcanus Aerial Systems Inc. is a Canadian-sovereign defence technology company that aggregates, Canadianizes, and manufactures battle-proven unmanned aerial systems, counter-UAS, ground systems, and integrated defence platforms for NATO and allied markets. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Arcanus combines licensed, combat-validated platform technology with sovereign Canadian production capacity and a partner ecosystem spanning Europe, Ukraine, and North America.

SAFE: Council concludes agreement with Canada

Noah — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 13:02:32 GMT

Today, the Council adopted a decision formally concluding the agreement between the EU and Canada on the participation of Canadian companies and products originating from Canada in procurement under the ‘Security action for Europe’ SAFE . Canada is the first non-European country to participate in the SAFE instrument.

Canada is one of the European Union’s closest allies. Having Canada joining SAFE highlights the deep trust between us and sets a strong precedent for how the EU can collaborate with key strategic partners to safeguard our collective future.

Vasilis Palmas, Minister of Defence of Cyprus

The agreement -signed on 14 February 2026- reflects the shared ambition of the EU and Canada to deepen their security and defence ties and to further strengthen joint defence cooperation, as set out in the Security and Defence Partnership signed at the Canada-EU Summit on 23 June 2025.

SAFE is an EU financial instrument supporting member states that wish to invest in defence industrial production through common procurement, focusing on priority capabilities. It finances urgent and large-scale investments in the European defence technological and industrial base (EDTIB), with the aim of boosting production capacity, ensuring the timely availability of defence equipment, and addressing existing capability gaps.

Under SAFE, Ukraine and EFTA/EEA countries are able to participate in common procurement. Acceding countries, candidate countries, potential candidates and countries which have signed Security and Defence Partnerships with the EU may also take part in common procurement and contribute to aggregated demand.

Noah Note: More formality than anything at this point, but still noted. With this, Canada officially becomes the first non-european country to join the SAFE framework. Comes at an important time too, given Canada's increasingly public discussion with certain partners, like Poland, on joint procurements.

Accepting Press Releases for Eurosatory 2026.

Noah — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:30:16 GMT

Just a quick update for those of you in industry, but we are accepting Press Releases openly for Eurosatory 2026! As part of our Open Show policy, TNSR suspends some restrictions for key shows that we believe are vital for coverage.

After consideration, we have determined that Eurosatory 2026 fulfills those requirements. Press Releases can be submitted to media@truenorthstrategicreview.ca and do not have to have direct ties to the Canadian Defence space.

This is to provide flexibility to Industry to promote and provide material tied to the event. We are happy to be covering Eurosatory for thr first time, and thank everyone for participating in expanding our coverage over this week!

Vard Shows Off New Look At The Vigilance 105 Corvette (plus mini-cdc update)

Noah — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 19:10:34 GMT

I was wondering when we would see this! Vard has finally gotten around, it seems, to showing off the new video they have for the Vigilance 105 Corvette. This video was the same one that they were showcasing to us at CANSEC, for the most part, and aims to provide a detailed look at the company's newest iteration of the Vigilance Proposal.

Technically, the official name for it is the Vard 7 105 Continental Defence Corvette, which is a mouthful, so I am electing to call it the Vigilance 105 for simplicity. The Vigilance proposal has evolved considerably since first introduced, and the family now includes several models ranging from the Vigilance 55 up to the 105. That includes the OG Vigilance 75.

Vard and Vigilance have always stood as the benchmark for many when it comes to the Continental Defence Corvette program. For the longest time, they were the only concrete design that we could showcase as an example. Nowadays we have several, so that need has diminished, but Vard remains the most active on the scene regarding CDC and showcasing their proposal.

This is no exception. One I know many of you were waiting on. We talked about the Corvette during our CANSEC post, but now that they've reposted the video publicly, I feel the need to go back into it again and recap in a more official capacity what is being showcased.

The Vigilance 105 is Vard's proposal for the Continental Defence Corvette program. Coming in at 107.7x15.6m and ~3000t, she is fairly middle-ground in terms of size compared to others. She retains an >26 kn top speed and a 60-day endurance.

She is about as true a corvette as one can make it, and tries to keep close to the original 105m limit, which I should note is again no longer in consideration. Taking a look at her design itself, the original midship container space on the 105 has been replaced by two boat bays designed to accommodate both manned and autonomous surface vessels.

Vard very much advertised Vigilance to me as an Autonomous-First platform. While manned platforms can be accommodated, the layout and equipment intended to be installed on Vigilance are designed for the launch and recovery of various autonomous systems, such as the Thales Pathmaster MCM USV.

The 105 still retains her aft mission deck, which can accommodate up to four 20ft TEUs for modular payloads, such as the RCN's new Remote Minehunting and Disposal System, the future Containerized Onboard Relay Array system, or other autonomous systems like UUVs.

Her flight deck is designed to accommodate both manned and unmanned platforms, though her hangar is only designed to accommodate UAS. The debate for a flight deck has mostly leaned to retaining a full flight deck amongst most of the existing designs, though support for manned helicopters will remain limited as UAS take the primary focus.

The sensor suite will be provided by Thales. While the OG Vigilance had locked in NS100, STIR, and Scout Mk3, I was not told if those would remain the same here. I am assuming so, based off talking, but it was not outright confirmed if they would remain that way. She will also be equipped with CMS330.

She will have a hull-mounted sonar, which will have some sort of reinforcement to protect against potential ice impacts. Unlike some of the other designs, Vard is electing not to focus on an icebreaker-styled hull, instead looking for other ways to make up the ice-strengthening required, though admittedly bringing a platform up to PC 6 levels of icebreaking capability isn't terribly difficult or restrictive on design, especially if you ain't looking for the full rating but just something similar.

Armament consists, as proposed, of a 57mm Bofors, two 30mm RWS for anti-UxS protection, two 12.7mm guns, two four-pack NSM launchers, and a base-level 16-cell MK.41 system. This MK.41 has the space and capacity to be fitted with up to 32 cells if desired.

Crew is up to 144, which I was not able to get a good breakdown of. The Navy would like less than 100, very much so, so I will need to follow up. Vard has always hyped up the automation on Vigilance, as well as the blends of military and commercial standards present in the family. They have always aimed to have Vigilance as minimally manned as possible in their concepts, even the 105. So the number is something I wanna try and get a breakdown out of them eventually on.

As I know it, Vard has solidified this as, hopefully, the last Vigilance redesign! This is now the fourth or fifth since CDC started as the OPV project? Of course, requirements for CDC are still being finalized, and an RFI is supposed to release this year, but we'll see. RFIs can be tricky, eh?

As always, CDC remains unfunded, is not in the government's plans, and remains a middle-priority overall. We should not expect CDC to move quickly until such a time as the government demonstrates a desire to see it expedited, whether with dedicated funding or its inclusion in policy.

Some, like Irving, seem to be taking a wait-and-see approach, while Davie is taking things slow but teasing a bit. There is still hesitation in industry to jump on CDC as is. Reportedly, as I have heard, around 8 or 9 companies have shown off designs to the Navy? I do not know all of them. Kongsberg, Saab, Seaspan, Davie, and Vigilance have all showcased designs.

Someone mentioned Railotech or Rauma might have shown stuff off? Also, rumors Hyundai or Hanwha discussed stuff on the project? I know five, lol. Irving doesn't have a design yet to show off as I know it, so they're sitting there on the side. With the federal government's heavy preference for Canadian-Designed-Built-Equipped, I stand that it will be hard for foreign designers to jump in if credible Canadian designs exist, even if it's just a preference choice.

Similarly, there are active rumors that the Navy is considering splitting CDC into design and build contracts, which for folks like Team Vigilance, who have tried to build up a proper team and early supply chain, can be potentially really devastating, especially if we see sensors and such also separately contracted.

The primary driver here is the Navy considering multiple shipyards for constructing CDC. That's something I heard a few months ago, and I think teased? But at CANSEC was when I heard it a lot more. The concept would be to provide multiple yards with a common design and supply chain under 3- or 4-ship batches.

There are a few reasons, as I heard, for this. Building shipyard capacity across multiple yards, trying to speed up a potential delivery schedule by having multiple yards working on CDC at the same time, and some protection and redundancy.

If one yard can't deliver on-time or on-budget? They're only locked to a small batch and can be dropped. In the best case? We have multiple yards building capacity and delivering combatants through CDC. Each yard, I believe in an ideal case, would be given an 8-10 ship package assuming two yards, which isn't the worst package to throw at someone.

That's the Navy concept as I know it. That is how it has been explained to me. It is not an official plan, but one of the ideas being explored. They're also apparently looking at it for FASST-V, which makes a lot more sense out the gate. Although, again, CDC is still in a stage of fully figuring out what it wants.

This proposal, though, seems to have a lot more support among Navy leadership than others, like going beyond 16-cell VLS. Some people talk matching the Batch-I Rivers at 24, but I'm very hesitant to believe that honestly. By that point, they ain't Minifax anymore, lol. They're bloody Megafax off armament alone.

Pocket Frigates is another fun term I would love to revive. Light Frigate is boring. I know Pocket isn't official, but it is too fun to say, lol. Either way, Vigilance 105 represents a good look at the current requirements for CDC as the Navy desires.

CDC is still in a stage. I hope we see an RFI soon; we will see, but I hope we can see something soon!

49NORTH RELEASES GLOBAL PROCEDURE DESIGNER, A PROVEN INSTRUMENT FLIGHT PROCEDURE DESIGN SOLUTION REFRESHED FOR COMPLIANCE WITH LATEST REGULATIONS

Noah — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 17:38:13 GMT

Full suite of functionality delivers advanced instrument flight procedure design capabilities

OTTAWA, ON, June 12, 2026 /CNW/ - 49North, a wholly owned subsidiary of MDA Space Ltd. (TSX: MDA) (NYSE: MDA), today announced a significant refresh of its Global Procedure Designer (GPD), an established and operationally proven expert software tool for the design and sustainment of instrument flight procedures (IFP), updated to align with the latest regulatory criteria and data standards.

GPD is an advanced solution supporting procedure design in accordance with industry regulations – ICAO PANS-OPS, FAA TERPS, Transport Canada TP308, and NATO MIPS criteria. It enables highly efficient and precise design across all phases of flight through continuous evaluation against aeronautical data, terrain, and obstacles, supporting high standards of aviation safety.

Developed over more than two decades and in operational use globally, GPD has been used to design tens of thousands of conventional and RNAV procedures. The platform is deployed by defence organizations, including the United States Department of War and NATO members, as well as major air navigation service providers, where reliability and accuracy are mission critical.

This refresh is designed to ensure continued compliance with evolving international regulations and foundational data requirements, while maintaining the performance, usability, and reliability established through years of operational use. GPD automates complex calculations and continuously validates procedures against current criteria and datasets in order to reduce development timelines, enhance design consistency, and minimize the potential for human error.

The solution enables organizations to manage and sustain a complete repository of instrument flight procedures, maintaining alignment with ongoing changes in data and regulatory frameworks. It supports industry standards such as AIXM 5.1 and generates outputs required for validation, flight inspection, and publication, including ARINC-424 coding and digital geometry products.

Quotes

"Global Procedure Designer is a proven, mission-critical capability trusted by leading aviation and defence organizations worldwide. This refresh is designed to ensure continued alignment with evolving regulatory requirements while preserving the performance and reliability users depend on."

Joe Armstrong, President, 49North

About 49North

www.49NorthDefence.com

Let's Talk with Noah (06/12/26): Lots of Fighters, Munitions, USV, Confirming KSS-III Size, Volatus, VLS Again

Noah — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 02:22:20 GMT

Happy Thursday!

Fifty Questions.

You guys absolutely blew it out of the water this week. I am actually stunned by the participation that we got, and can't speak enough to how engaged you all are the last two weeks!

I'm sorry for being late again this week. Between a kid with an ear infection, another dealing with an injured foot, submarines next week and a whole bunch of meetings, it's been absolutely crazy!

Because of that, I can't get to all fifty questions, so we're doing a split! First half will be today, and ill put out the other half Sunday/Monday. That seems fair to me! Apologies to those of you waiting longer, but I feel it was the best way to handle this. If this keeps up, might need to do 2 Q&A a week!

As always you can find the link to next weeks Q&A over here on Slido. I encourage you to ask as much as you like!

Q1. Are there any rumors on the RCAF possibly getting additional airlift airframes like the A400, C-390, or additional C-130Js?

So everyone recognizes that we have an airlift gap, a lift gap in general. Add sealift too. It isn't a secret. So there are ongoing conversations about what we could look for in the future, like what do we need? What are our actual gaps here? That isn't just asking about the 130s, it also applies to NTACS and such.

So there are conversations, but no projects and no actual plans that I know about yet. Maybe some people have some concepts somewhere? I'm sure there are concepts, but I have not seen them. I think that'll change sooner than later, but for now, it's mostly a bunch of talk, outside NTACS obviously, about what to do.

We can't get more C-17s, and lots of people think the 130s are getting too small. We have the 1st Division to support now as well in the expeditionary role. This really is the thing that makes this a bit hard, because a lot of what we will need is tied to Army Mod, so for the other branches, this becomes a team effort.

Like we're gonna have the All-Domain Defence Plan soon, so we ain't gonna have nothing to go off, but yeah, for now, it's a lot of talk.

Q2. Any update for the ATGM replacement program?

People are confident we're getting an RFI this year. It isn't on the army priorities list, so it's yet to be seen. We know it'll be either more SPIKE or Akeron because they're the only fifth-gen ATGM on the market. I prefer Akeron myself, but SPIKE, especially EuroSPIKE, is the standard.

So we'll see, but people expect something this year. I would love to see it.

Q3. With this amount of investment, there’s bound to be some failures. Any idea how the government / DIA plans to deal with those?

Unfortunately, those are high-level things beyond little ol' me. I think it'll be a learning experience, but also most of the people in the DIA are PSPC vets. They ain't coming from nothing. They've dealt with these before.

My hope is that we look at projects less as transactions and single successes and move to an incremental model where colossal failures can be mitigated through a more involved and long-term development process.

There are also mentality changes, where we have to perhaps accept solutions that might not be perfect, see Globaleye, but are enough for what we need, and then we can work through developing the capability we want, while ensuring we can be involved domestically in the developmental process.

That, at the end of the day, might mean not getting what we want right away, but it provides a safer approach to capability development, allows industry a better seat at participation, and keeps us involved in the development process where we can allow technology to progress and get, maybe in the third or fourth tranche, the capability we want.

Maybe such an approach could have saved LRSS, or at least given it a better chance at survival. The point is we have to explore outside the normal avenues, and I hope the DIA takes that. As for what happens if those fail? Then hopefully we can still be left with an 80% capability that is still good, but maybe not perfect over nothing.

Outside that? I don't think I can say. Better to have something than nothing. That's why so many people are on the agile hook right now lol.

Q4. Could you see us licensing 1-2 future CAF munitions (e.g. PrSM, Patriot?) for domestic production and commit to larger orders that build up NATO magazine depth?

I don't think you'll get PrSM or Patriot, but certainly, I think there is an avenue there. I have actually encouraged that, in the modern environment, you sometimes have to play favorites if it means securing that domestic supply.

If someone like MBDA comes up and is interested in offering that domestic source? Then yeah, I'm gonna prioritize their munitions, and let everyone else try to match. If you are that concerned about munitions, you either need to make it a requirement to bid on shit like ATGM or Enduring or find partners willing to do it and make the right choices.

In certain cases, that doesn't work, because the product you want is too niche, too much of a standard like AIM or NSM, or you're just too late to the party and missed out. Look to Australia here. There are a whole bunch of factors that go into it.

We also need to, of course, separate assembly versus production, the needed critical components to build the missile supply chain, etc. All of which are barriers to be broken. However, I do think it is possible. It just takes a lot of effort. Again, Australia has a missile strategy, put billions into it, and created an organization specifically to handle it. They put in that effort and got rewarded. We haven't and we've lost out.

Q5. With only 9 C-330s being procured for a multi-purpose role, is there any concern they could be tied up with other tasks when they are needed for refueling?

I have to be very careful about what I say here lol. So I gotta keep this short. The answer is yes, especially with the growing fleet through platforms like AEWC/CDSEA and the growing need for lift capacity.

Keep in mind, not all 9 of those are gonna be operating as MRTT... so numbers ain't exactly aligned. As a friend of mine pointed out, there are already more lines of tasking than Husky, and that is assuming all are operational, which is never the case.

So yeah, we need more, and people are talking about it a lot.

Q6. If the UK sandbags GCAP development, could Canada step up to help fill the UK's role? Could this affect the fighter review in favor of F-35s?

Sixth-gen has always been separate, and even then, the question about sixth-gen isn't just about if they're coming, but how we can participate more than we are now. Being involved in the F-35 isn't necessarily building a sixth-gen supply chain, nor is it necessarily building a foundation to go beyond our Tier-IV or III role. Neither is Gripen with how little we know so far publicly.

It could, and that is likely what the government wants, even if they apparently suck at communicating that to everyone according to the industry involved. The questions, though, remain there.

Does any fighter provide that? Is there a pathway to move up that ladder? That's the most important question the folks on the review are asking.

Right now we ain't prepared to fill that role industrially. Industry isn't there outside of tossing money at the problem. We could maybe throw a shit ton of money, but without that industrial component? We'll always be seen as a junior, and someone like Germany? Well... and if money is the big concern, the Saudis are still around to play the slots.

Sixth-gen isn't meant to be an F-35 savior. Depending on who's looking at the file, it might be the opposite....

Q7. RCD needs more VLS to counter saturation attacks, ballistic and hypersonic defense, to maintain combat endurance, and for mission requirements ASuW, AAW, and TLAM.

Everyone agrees, except Kyle.

Q8. Considering we are investing in Aegis, how can we not equip the RCDs with greater VLS magazine depth? As you stated, the CAF is trying to be more self-sufficient.

Luckily, the Navy agrees. No one, not one person in the Navy with authority is looking at 24 and giving a thumbs up and saying that's the end. 24 was the baseline of MK.41 available on the Type 26, and we made the choice to not go farther, because with everything else it would have taken time, caused delays, and pushed out the first delivery.

So the choice was made to sacrifice that first batch, because right now that delivery date is all that matters. Nothing else. The Navy will, and has, torn out any obstacle to that, and lots of times that ain't their fault. You got so many different people involved, so many layers... Navy, Irving, Lockheed, BAE. Then add outside suppliers, add integration risks, add a platform that is already trying to balance weight and space?

The choice for 24 wasn't the Navy saying good enough. It was them acknowledging the Halifax class are rotting out and won't last forever, and we've spent so long playing defense as a nuisance, and pushing things down the line, trying to rebuild a shipbuilding industry from near scratch... we need hulls in the water. Right now, a lot of things are falling on the AOPS, and that isn't good either, because they're meant to be up in the North, and we're already running them through hell because suddenly? They're the only solution we got.

The Navy made the choice to at least have Batch II as 24 as a sacrifice, not a choice. They want more, and are talking to BAE and Lockheed about it. They're trying to do more, but also it just isn't the focus right now. We're still finalizing the design of the first batch after all! Right now more cells is a future issue, but still recognized as an issue.

Q9. With the CBC reporting that the gov is looking towards 72-88 F-35s and 72 Gripens, I'm just wondering your take/have you heard anything?

The numbers they gave were bullshit. No one I know in the DIA or DND knows where they got those numbers. As far as I know, they're still investigating and trying to look for the best path forward.

I think the fighter review needs to ask what we want to do, like really want to do. It needs to ask the actual end goal of things. Is it jobs? Is it building a sixth-gen supply chain? Is it about the medium-term? Or is it focused on the 20-year horizon? All of which affect the review.

Because that end goal needs to be defined if you want to not only make a decision but to be able to talk to industry about what you want. I think we need to ask if what we have now, the position we're in, is where we want to be, and if not? Who is gonna take us to that next level? Who is the best partner to bring us to that long-term goal?

I haven't talked to everyone myself, so I can't judge who takes us there. I haven't talked well to Saab on fighters. I did talk a lot about the Carl G, though, and the RBS-70 simulator where they let you commit war crimes. I did talk to Lockheed, and got on the F-35 simulator and got to talk for a good half an hour there. I have heard their side, and I was surprised by all the plans they have here and some of the concepts of investment they have in Canada. I also was able to talk to some of the partners in the program who were excited for the opportunities on the horizon and see a path forward to move up the ladder on their own.

I can't speak to them, because I was told in confidence, but I have only heard one side so far, and even then, I still don't know fully what the end goal is.

So it is incredibly hard for me to sit here and preach about who is the best partner because it isn't fair for me to say that when I still have questions, and I still don't know what we want fully.

I have a good idea. I have a very good idea. I do think we're looking to go beyond that Tier-IV and Tier-III. I think we want to build up the amount of IP available to Canadian industry. I think we want to build an industry that isn't just a junior, a simple manufacturer. We want to build an industry that can be a partner, and the question will be who is best to do that? Who will open those doors, even if it means sacrifice at the beginning?

But that is my interpretation. That is how I piece the puzzle. I could be wrong, but I think I have it. Even then, it isn't fair for me to talk about this when I still have questions for Lockheed and Saab. I won't give an endorsement for anything before I have all the info I want and need before me, to the best of my ability. That isn't fair to either company or you guys.

So sadly, I am not prepared to speak of the path forward. I am sorry. I just don't believe I have all the information before me to tell you guys in the way and to the depth that you all expect of me. I want to give you the best analysis possible, and I refuse to give less. You guys deserve better than that. So right now? Sadly I have no answer to give.

Q10. With retention issues plaguing the RCAF, has there been any consideration to reestablish reserve fighter squadrons?

I have never heard of this idea. Sorry. If it has been discussed, it isn't among my group of friends or out there in anything official.

Q11. With CMAR signed and underway, any update for the future of the current stock of C7/8s?

Oh gosh, I don't think I have ever asked lol. I know at least some will be thrown in storage? I can't speak to the full plan, again never really thought to ask until you brought it up lol. Maybe some get donated to a partner? I'll ask next week around and see if I can find anything for the newsletter.

Q12. Have you heard any rumors or plans for a sovereign SIGINT constellation?

Not officially, but see how certain things play out. Certainly, there are some who would love it. I think we'll see it eventually, but there are other space priorities right now.

Q13. With the news around FCAS and GCAP this week. While politically viable for some, would the RCAF accept getting on board with FCAS or Saab's project over GCAP?

Sure. Right now GCAP is there because it exists, is farthest along, and aligns with Canada's broader strategic interests by aligning with key allies. That could change. There are no commitments, and the RCAF is still looking into things.

If another good opportunity presented itself? I'm sure there would be interest in exploring options and how we could contribute. A Saab/Airbus team-up, even if I don't expect it, would be a political goldmine for obvious reasons lol.

Q14. An article by RealClearDefense suggests the Hanwha bid for Canada is a scaled-down export version of 2,800 tons versus the domestic version. Can you confirm?

100% false. Never on the cards. Hanwha is offering the full Batch II.

Q15. Are there any plans for a "loyal-wingman" type USV concept to support the RCD that could provide additional VLS, MCM, or sensor capabilities?

There are talks about it, but they're in the early stages. We're taking a wait-and-see approach, where we ain't gonna be the ones leading on things. I wrote a lot about this the other week if you're curious, but MUSV/LUSV aren't fully there yet. There are still a lot of hurdles to still go through for them to be a viable concept as some envision. There is a desire to explore it, but its early stages and probably the lower end of the Navy's autonomous plans. UAS, UUV, and smaller USVs are more priority now.

Q16. How much potential do you see for Volatus Aerospace, a donor partnered with Ukraine to build drones in Canada for our own use and defense? Hadn’t heard of them.

I had a chance to talk to the folks at Volatus a lot at CANSEC. I think they have a great team, and I praise them for the amount of risk they've taken on and the amount of work they're putting in.

Almost no one in the scene has been as active as Volatus, and few have been as aggressive in developing their own integrated supply chain. Out of everyone, they are one of the few really trying to grab the brass ring so to speak and take the massive risks involved with scaling up to meet the projected demand the government has set out.

Will that work out for them? Hard to say. They're making a lot of big moves to position themselves as the people to go to not just for systems, but as a partner in getting into the Canadian UAS scene. At the same time, they are going very big, and that does carry significant risk if their ambition doesn't match expectations.

Time shall tell I guess, but I have lots of faith in them. They're trying hard, and that can sometimes be enough for now.

Q17. Has the Navy identified lessons from the AOPS coating performance? Will they update paint and corrosion-control to avoid heavy rust staining on the RCD?

I... don't know actually. I don't think I have ever asked. I can ask for you? Can't promise an answer, but if I ever asked, or was told, I forgot. I'm sorry!

Q18. How does it feel when you get the likes of Philippe Lagassé or Murray Brewster commenting on your work? Validating? Intimidating? Surreal? All of the above?

Yes, although both of them have always been very nice and supportive to me more than they've had to, so I have great respect for both of them and carry their words deeply. So I am always honored when they take time out of their days to be supportive.

Q19. Any news as to what is going to be done with the Cyclones?

Options are being explored. The feds have the Seahawk proposal on their desk; at the end of the day, any choice will be theirs. They have to execute on it. The Navy sees the Cyclone as a dead-end. They are not fans obviously, but anything in terms of replacement needs to be done by the feds.

Until then? We operate with what we have. Block 2.1 is rolling in, Maritime Helicopter Upgrade (MHU) is progressing. Gotta wait and see. Lots of people are confident.

Q20. While I concede it will likely end in a bizjet, could CDSEA end up being built on a platform like the A330, A220, or B737, if the proposal is good enough?

I mean, it definitely could. Nothing is really stopping it from being on any platform. Could be unmanned even. The project is still fairly early in development, and so there are still lots of options for other platforms and solutions.

We should be asking Fraser for his preferred platform, because right now he's the most experienced person we got here on the file lol.

Q21. Any word on the legislation for the DIA to become a real agency?

We wrote about it here. For reference, it's Bill C-31. Went through its second reading on the 3rd. Also going through the Senate, you can find their latest from the 10th here. Expected to pass so I ain't keeping the most track of it.

Q22. This argument about a mixed fleet doesn't make sense. We already have a mixed fleet. If simplification, why not choose Gripen for the FFLIT and Snowbirds?

Gripen is a bit much for FFLIT and Snowbirds, and itself is not a dedicated training platform outside of a niche few. Saab offers them in that role, but dedicated training platforms are cheaper to operate for this role, typically offer more commonality with allies, and allow for greater cooperation with NATO programs already existing.

Gripen itself is more than the fighter, always was. As we said above, it makes things a bit weird and difficult to discuss with how things are, and while you could operate Gripen in this role, it isn't the most cost-effective nor practical. You could, but I don't think it would be the best option for us at this time.

Q23. Could you see the GC/RCAF offering to procure a small number of Gripens for aggressor purposes to keep the economic side of SAAB's proposals alive?

I don't think so. Aggressor is something that others here do better, and the numbers likely acquired in such a case are likely not enough to justify. Not unless we're handling for the whole of NATO...

Q24. If Canada chooses the KSS-III, will they plan to acquire/deploy the Hyunmoo 4-4 SLBM as well? Or just the cruise missile option.

That's up to the Navy to decide. The option is there, but I have not heard on munition preferences. As always, the value of VLS isn't so much what exists for it, but the futureproofing it provides by having that extra, larger space compared to the torpedo tubes.

Futureproofing is important. You don't ask what exists now and what you need now, but rather, what could things look like in twenty years? What new capabilities could this offer? That could be UUVs, or new missiles. It could be things like decoys.

VLS gives you some room for future growth that the torpedo tube doesn't, but you also need to weigh that on other things. Will you actually, reasonably utilize it? Do you have the capacity to support developing off of them? There is the debate on the value of a larger platform, the sacrifices you make when dedicating such a space to VLS over other capabilities, extra batteries, or stores.

So on munitions I do not know, but there is interest in the munitions.

Q25. Did TKMS provide any insight on how they mitigate the risk of battery fires on their proposed sub for Canada?

I have not asked sadly, and as I know it the battery system has not been detailed yet. So I cannot comment on this.

As always you can find the link to next weeks Q&A over here on Slido. I encourage you to ask as much as you like!

Prime Minister Carney deepens partnership with France across trade, defence, and advanced technologies

Noah — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 20:23:03 GMT

In a more dangerous and divided world, Canada is building our strength at home and diversifying our partnerships abroad, including across Europe. We are deepening our cooperation across sectors and multilateral forums so that Canada and Europe can be pivotal, powerful, and a force for good.

France is one of Canada’s closest and longest-standing economic and security partners – and that partnership is reflected in our countries’ deep ties. Bilateral trade has grown by nearly two-thirds over the past decade, and France is now Canada’s third-largest export market in the European Union (EU).

Prime Minister Carney welcomed the progress made under France’s G7 Presidency this year and looked forward to attending the 2026 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Évian, France, next week. The G7 Leaders’ Summit will focus on Canada’s role and expertise as a reliable partner on economic security, clean energy, online safety, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum. These are all objectives Canada and France share – grounded in values and ambitions.

Building on this partnership, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, today concluded a successful bilateral visit to Paris, France, where he met with President Emmanuel Macron and announced a series of new partnerships.

First, the leaders announced the new General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) between Canada and France, which will strengthen defence and industrial cooperation, create new procurement opportunities for Canadian workers and companies, and deliver benefits to Canada’s economy. Once in force, it will:

Make it easier to exchange classified information between Canada and France across defence, space, aerospace, cybersecurity, AI, and maritime systems.
Expand access to French defence and security public procurement markets while enhancing the competitiveness of Canadian industry in pursuing French contract opportunities.
Provide Canadian firms with greater opportunities to compete for contracts, participate in advanced research and development opportunities, and integrate into major international supply chains.
Grow the Canadian economy with new procurement opportunities in the French defence market and high-paying careers for Canadian workers – from engineering to the skilled trades.

The leaders discussed progress on aerospace cooperation and noted France’s recent purchase of two additional DHC 515 water bomber aircraft manufactured by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada in Calgary, Alberta. The purchase, which builds on France’s existing fleet of two DHC 515 aircraft, will:

Strengthen France’s capacity to respond to increasingly severe wildfire seasons and reinforce Europe’s emergency response fleet.
Expand Canadian aerospace exports in Europe and position Canada as a trusted supplier of critical emergency-response capabilities, while supporting Canadian aerospace jobs and expertise.
Bolster climate adaptation and resilience.

The leaders underlined the recent signing of a joint statement on quantum science and technology cooperation to deepen collaboration in research and development. Building on the strong Canada-France partnership in quantum technologies, the two countries will:

Expand opportunities to grow global quantum markets, accelerate commercialisation, and bring together industry, researchers, policymakers, and security stakeholders to harness transformative quantum technologies.
Create new opportunities for Canadian researchers and firms to collaborate and help position Canada as a leader in the global quantum economy.

The Prime Minister underscored Canada’s role as a reliable partner in the responsible development of emerging technologies, as reflected in Canada’s new AI for All strategy unveiled earlier this month. He joined President Macron in virtually greeting participants at the “AI with Us” Summit in Lille, France, where he emphasised the opportunities which the AI strategy will catalyse, and the opportunities to work with partners to help ensure AI is used to improve lives and create jobs.

Canada’s new government is building a stronger, more competitive, and more resilient economy. By strengthening partnerships with trusted allies, attracting investment, and expanding access to global markets, Canada is creating new opportunities for workers and businesses while building a stronger economy at home.

Quote

“In a more dangerous and divided world, Canada’s relationship with France is ever more important. We share the same values, and increasingly, the same interests. Ahead of the G7 Leaders’ Summit, President Macron and I are collaborating in artificial intelligence, defence and security, and online safety – and building a more secure and prosperous future on both sides of the Atlantic.”

The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick facts

The Prime Minister’s visit to Paris built on his previous bilateral visit to France in March 2025 – his first official bilateral visit abroad as Prime Minister. Canada and France have a long-shared history and a commitment to protecting common bonds in our culture and the French language.
Canada and France share a long-standing defence and security partnership, including as NATO Allies and partners in the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence procurement initiative. The Prime Minister and the President reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening defence industrial cooperation, strengthening wildfire response, and addressing global geopolitical challenges, including Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.
Prime Minister Carney underlined the creation of the new Defence Investment Agency and Canada’s leadership in establishing the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB) to provide long-term, low-cost financing for defence and resilience projects.
As Canada deepens its global partnerships, the French language and our cultural heritage remain at the heart of our identity and our leadership, both at home and abroad. Prime Minister Carney and President Macron agreed on the need to preserve and promote the French language and cultural diversity, while growing our economic partnerships and deepening cultural exchanges with Francophone nations. The Prime Minister reiterated Canada’s interest in hosting the 2028 Francophonie Summit as an opportunity to showcase Canada’s Francophone leadership and identity on the world stage.
In 2025, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and France totalled $15.2 billion, with Canadian exports to France valued at $5 billion and imports at $10.2 billion.
In May, the governments of Canada and France signed a joint statement on quantum science, and technology cooperation during the 2026 G7 Digital Ministers’ Meeting in France.
Through this partnership, both countries will promote inclusive and collaborative scientific communities, advance multidisciplinary quantum research and development, facilitate knowledge exchange and open data sharing, nurture a skilled and diverse quantum workforce, and encourage global market growth and resilient supply chains.

Noah Note: This was one of the GSOIA I heard was coming soon a while ago, but I am glad to see it locked down. Anyways, the usual on GSOIA: GSOIAs are a very important step in opening up both markets and creating lasting industrial partnerships.

These are an important part of building up the Defence Industrial Base that gets missed by a lot of folks. It sets up a proper framework for sharing information that goes into things like tech transfers, joint cooperation on new technologies, and provides industry a way to access classified information to better bid on projects.

Basically, it provides a set way for government and industry to access classified information from a foreign country, or in this case a multinational organization. For industry, this means a process for getting verified and, in turn, access to the information they need to bid on projects or exchange classified information with foreign entities.

Canada has secured new GSOIA with the ESA, Spain and Portugal in the last few months, with several other similar agreements currently in the works. It is a foundational step in depeening cooperation, even if many often miss them. So it makes sense in a time of diversification that getting more similar agreements signed is a prioirty for the current government.

I hope to see more of them come over the next few months, especially with agreements like SAFE in place, there is incentive to lock things down.

Royal Canadian Navy to Welcome New Commander

Noah — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 18:40:25 GMT

June 12, 2026 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Media are invited to attend the Change of Command Ceremony on Tuesday, June 16th at His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Star in Hamilton Ontario to mark the turnover of Command of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) from Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee to Vice-Admiral Dan Charlebois.

General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, will preside over the ceremony.

Who: Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee and Vice-Admiral Dan Charlebois, Commander, Royal Canadian Navy.

When: 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 16th, 2026.

Where: With the historic HMCS Haida in the background, the change of command ceremony will be held at HMCS Star in Hamilton, Ont.

What: The turnover of Command of the RCN from Vice-Admiral Topshee to Vice-Admiral Charlebois.

Noah Note: I think history will look very kindly on Vice-Admiral Topshee as a rebuilder in a time of great uncertainties. Since taking over the role of CRCN just over four years ago, the Vice-Admiral has overseen probably the most critical stages of the largest recapitalization of the Royal Canadian Navy since the Second World War.

He has led on the River-class Destroyer theiugh its crititcal design stage, up to it's Keel Laying. He has led on the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, arguably one of the greatest feats of Canadian Defence Procurement in decades. He has set the stage for the next phase of the NSS through things like the Continental Defence Corvette and FASST-V.

He championed the Naval Experience Program, one of the CAFs most successful recruitment initatives in memory, and has managed to further set the stage for the recapitalization of the RCN recruitment and training ecosystem. He oversaw the reorganization of trades in the RCN.

He is the longest-service CRCN of the modern era, longest since Vice-Admiral DeWolfe to be exact, having just beat out Vice-Admiral Rayner by a few weeks. That is an unparalleled legacy to carry, especially coming in at such a crossroads.

Ill have something more formal and nicer for Tuesday written up, but it is undoubtedly that Vice-Admiral Topshee has played a great role in not just the navy today, but how the navy of the future will look. At the end of the day, the navy we see twenty, thirty years from now will be largely built off his vision and the work he has done.

Keel Laid for first River-Class Destroyer – The Future HMCS Fraser

Noah — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 18:22:50 GMT

HALIFAX, NS – Today, Irving Shipbuilding laid the keel for the first River-class destroyer (RCD), the future HMCS Fraser, and recognized significant milestones from this past year, including the delivery of the sixth and final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) for the Royal Canadian Navy and the launch of the first AOPS variant for the Canadian Coast Guard. This event also celebrated the hard work and dedication of the workforce at Halifax Shipyard, as Irving Shipbuilding continues to proudly build ships for Canada.

Celebrated at the Halifax Shipyard with the Honourable Lena Metledge Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship; the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice; Members of Parliament; Vice-Admiral Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy; Rear-Admiral Kurtz, Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic Commander; representatives from Unifor; and Canada/Industry partners from Department of National Defence, and Public Services and Procurement Canada, the milestone event recognized the significant progress being achieved at Halifax Shipyard.

The keel laying ceremony is a centuries-old tradition, dating back to the ancient Romans. Today’s ceremony included the tradition of laying a coin to the hull of the ship to bring luck to the captain and crew during the life of the ship. The coin, selected by the Royal Canadian Navy and presented by Vice-Admiral Topshee, was welded in place by Brandon VanHeighten, a Red Seal welder at Halifax Shipyard. Vice-Admiral Topshee officially declared the hull “well and truly laid” at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), Irving Shipbuilding has delivered six AOPS for the Royal Canadian Navy, is constructing two AOPS for the Canadian Coast Guard, 15 RCD for the Royal Canadian Navy and is providing essential ship repair services for the Halifax-class vessels.

The NSS has revitalized Canada’s shipbuilding industry while creating local jobs and delivering significant economic impact. With Irving Shipbuilding’s supply chain stretching from coast-to-coast, the NSS is delivering almost $11.3 billion in labour income to Canadians, supporting an average of 10,600 full time jobs annually across Canada, with 4,500 of these jobs located in Nova Scotia. In total, over $6.3 billion in taxes, fees, and charges are expected to be collected by all three levels of government between 2013 and 2027, with the NSS contributing $17.0 billion to Canada’s GDP.

Halifax shipbuilders have been able to focus on building back critical supply chains and developing their advanced skills to produce the cornerstone of Canada’s naval fleet. As Canada’s sole source for construction of naval combatants, Irving Shipbuilding is delivering unique, sovereign capability which will keep Canada’s sailors safe, protect Canadians, and confidently deliver on our international security responsibilities abroad.

QUOTES

“Today’s keel laying for the future HMCS Fraser highlights the evolution of a sovereign capability which has been developed in Halifax to deliver the objectives of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. Our 3,000 shipbuilders are proud to be building ships which will serve Canada for decades to come. We’re producing the next generation fleet for the Royal Canadian Navy, while delivering on every one of our commitments to sustain the legacy ships.

Dirk Lesko, President, Irving Shipbuilding

About Irving Shipbuilding

Irving Shipbuilding is Canada’s National Shipbuilder, selected in 2011 to build the new fleet of combat vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy. To date, six Arctic and Offshore Patrol ships have been delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy.

The company has commenced construction on two custom Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships for the Canadian Coast Guard, and construction is underway on the larger River-class destroyers. Nearly $15 billion in spending commitments are projected through 2027, with nearly 700 organizations across Canada as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

This team of 3,000 shipbuilders is proudly based in Halifax, NS.

Noah Note: A monumental moment for everyone involved, and for the Royal Canadian Navy. Today is a day to be happy and celebrate as we begin the journey of Canada’s largest revitalization of our combatant fleet since WW2.

For those of you across the Navy, Irving, and Industry who have worked hard to get here, all I shall say is congratulations. I know all of you have been working hard over the years for this moment, but your work is only beginning, and the road ahead will be hard.

But I am confident in you, that you will find the strength to not only persevere but thrive and build something truly beautiful here. You hold a lot of responsibility in your hands. Your country looks to you to keep her and her children safe. That is a monumental burden to have, but we have done it before and we will do it again.

Build her strong, build her true.

Mayor Announces Defence Construction Panel for Winnipeg Industry

Noah — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:28:41 GMT

As Canada moves to expand its military capacity, Winnipeg construction companies will get a closer look at upcoming defence-related construction opportunities coming to the city at an event organized by Mayor Scott Gillingham on June 25.

The Sky Economy: National Defence Panel on Winnipeg Construction Opportunities will bring members of the Winnipeg Construction Association and Manitoba Heavy Construction Association together with military, defence, and federal procurement officials.

“Winnipeg is already one of Canada’s most important aerospace and defence cities, and there is more opportunity ahead,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “This event is about making sure local construction companies know what work is coming, understand how the federal process works, and are ready to compete.”

The panel will provide information on the scope of upcoming defence-related construction projects in the Winnipeg area, including expansion of 17 Wing. It will also give companies a chance to learn more about how to become qualified Department of National Defence construction suppliers.

Confirmed panelists include:

Major-General Jeff Smyth, RCAF Chief of Air and Space Force Development
Colonel Jody Hanson, Commander, 17 Wing / CFB Winnipeg
Major Chris Dyer, Commanding Officer, Real Property Operations Detachment, Winnipeg
Representatives from Defence Construction Canada and Public Services and Procurement Canada

Gillingham said the panel is part of his broader Sky Economy initiative, which is focused on growing Winnipeg’s role in aerospace, defence, aviation, advanced manufacturing, and other industries connected to the Winnipeg airport area, 17 Wing / CFB Winnipeg, and CentrePort South.

Where was Mr. Fuhr Today? (06/12/2026)

Noah — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:38:57 GMT

He is attending the ILA Berlin Airshow as part of a mini world tour! The SOS provided the following photos, including meeting with Jens Plötner, State Secretary at the German Ministry of Defence!

Canada and the Philippines strengthen defence partnership with new arrangement

Noah — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:30:52 GMT

June 11, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, met with His Excellency Gilberto Teodoro, Philippine Secretary of National Defense, to strengthen bilateral defence relations and advance cooperation with one of Canada’s most important defence partners in the Indo-Pacific.

During the meeting, the Minister and the Secretary marked two significant milestones in the Canada–Philippines defence relationship: the signing of a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement, and the signing of a Statement of Intent on Strengthening Defence Cooperation.

Prior to their discussions, the Minister and the Secretary signed a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement between the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to facilitate the exchange of logistical support during combined exercises, training, deployments, and operations. This arrangement will increase operational readiness and interoperability and help both forces to work together more effectively.

Building on the Defence Cooperation Arrangement signed in 2024 and the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement signed in 2025, Canada and the Philippines have also signed a Statement of Intent on Strengthening Defence Cooperation to guide the next phase of their growing defence partnership. The Statement of Intent reflects a shared commitment to deepen cooperation and provides a roadmap to expand cooperation between the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defense of the Philippines and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

In their discussions, the Ministers explored additional opportunities to expand cooperation in areas such as maritime security, joint military exercises, and the defence industry. They also exchanged views on the evolving security environment in the Indo-Pacific and reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintain and promote the rule of law in the region.

As a Pacific nation, Canada’s security and prosperity are closely linked to the stability of the broader Indo-Pacific region. Canada is, and will continue to be, an active, engaged, and reliable partner in promoting regional peace and stability. In light of the upcoming 10th anniversary of the arbitral ruling on the South China Sea on July 12, Canada reaffirms its unwavering commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Quotes

“It was a pleasure to meet once again with my Philippine counterpart to advance our growing defence partnership. With the signing of the Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement and the Statement of Intent on Strengthening Defence Cooperation, Canada and the Philippines are taking important steps toward closer defence cooperation. These initiatives will strengthen interoperability between our armed forces, facilitate greater collaboration, and reinforce our shared commitment to a secure, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Canada also signalled its interest in deepening defence ties through the signing of a Statement of Intent on defence cooperation. Canada values the Philippines’ vital role in Southeast Asia, and we remain committed to expanding this partnership in support of regional security, stability, and shared prosperity.”

The Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

Quick facts

In January 2024, the Department of National Defence and the Philippine Department of National Defense signed a Defence Cooperation Arrangement, enabling cooperation in military education, training, capacity building, UN peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Through Operation HORIZON, the Canadian Armed Forces regularly engages with regional partners, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and uphold respect for international law.
This cooperation is demonstrated through Canada’s participation in key regional exercises, including Exercise SAMA-SAMA, Exercise TEMPEST EXPRESS and Exercise BALIKATAN, where Canadian Armed Forces personnel train alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other partners.
In May 2026, the Canadian Armed Forces completed its inaugural active participation in Exercise BALIKATAN, an annual military exercise in the Philippines.
The Philippines has been a member of Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program since 1998, with over 400 military and defence personnel trained through the program.
Canada also cooperates with the Philippines as an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Strategic Partner and through the ASEAN Regional Forum. The Philippines has signalled its support for Canada’s increased engagement with ASEAN and its related bodies.

Noah Note: I have always been a major supporter of strengthening our relationship with Indo-Pacific partners, including supporting their efforts to exercise sovereignty against an encroaching China. Canada is already collaborating extensively, such as providing maritime surveillance support through the Dark Vessel Detection Programme.

Maybe its because I grew up around a lot of Filipinos but I have a deep admiration for them, their hard-working attitude and loyalty. They are great people, ones firmly established in the Canadian culture.

So seeing these kinds of efforts, especially coming off recently signed agreements is always gonna put a smile on my face. The Indo-Pacific relationships cannot survive off of just our usual allies. It requires us to branch out to new partners, and in turn step up our efforts.

The RCN has stepped up activity in the Pacific, in line with Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy.

These are good steps. They're ones im happy to see but as always I still expect to see more, and while good steps they also shouldn't be seen individually, or as isolated measures. These kinds of efforts need to be interlinked to each other, building off each other if we hope to establish ourselves as a player.