The Springfield facilities are to be sold to Roshel, a leading defense and commercial vehicle manufacturer

Roshel plans to use the Springfield facility to expand its vertically integrated production of commercial, special and armored vehicles

Roshel sees opportunity to restore the Springfield facilities to full capacity over time with the expansion of production with its major OEM partner

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – International Motors LLC* (“International”) today announced the signing of an Asset Purchase Agreement under which Roshel, a leading defense and commercial vehicle manufacturer, will acquire operating assets of the International facilities located in Springfield, OH. Roshel plans to use the Springfield facility as the hub for U.S. based, vertically integrated production of commercial, special and armored vehicles with opportunities to expand production with other major commercial vehicle OEMs.

The Springfield facility has been the long-time home of International’s truck assembly plant. In recent years, the plant has been almost exclusively dedicated to contract manufacturing via an agreement with a major automotive company. The contract will expire on September 30, 2026.

“With the end of our contract manufacturing agreement, we have been working diligently to find a suitable path for the Springfield Assembly Plant,” said Samara Strycker, executive vice president and chief financial officer at International. “We have been focused on finding a buyer that values the capabilities of this historic facility and the community. We believe this path forward positions the plant for long-term success, while utilizing the manufacturing expertise developed in Springfield over many decades.”

The Springfield facility includes more than 2 million square feet of manufacturing space on 500 acres including a full assembly line and paint booth. It will allow Roshel to expand production of their commercial, special and armored vehicles, which are built on chassis from several major OEMs and customized to the needs of emergency response, defense and security operations.

“Adding this Springfield facility, with its rich history, to our U.S. footprint strengthens our ability to support U.S. defense and commercial automotive programs locally,” said Roman Shimonov, CEO of Roshel. "It will allow us, along with our partners, to combine the expertise of the Springfield workforce with our advanced manufacturing capabilities to address a broad range of evolving customer requirements.”

Closing of the agreement is subject to customary closing conditions.

ABOUT ROSHEL

Roshel is a leading North American manufacturer of advanced armored and secured transportation solutions for government, defense, and commercial customers. Headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, with manufacturing facilities in Canada and the United States, Roshel delivers technology-led security products and custom engineered armored vehicles designed to meet the evolving needs of modern security environments. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and operational excellence, Roshel provides clients with end-to-end manufacturing capabilities, including design, fabrication, assembly, and smart fleet integration. The company’s mission is to anticipate and exceed security challenges by delivering reliable, mission-ready solutions tailored to each unique requirement. For more information, visit www.roshel.com.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL

Based in Lisle, Illinois, International Motors, LLC* creates solutions that deliver greater uptime and productivity to our customers throughout the full operation of our commercial vehicles. We build International® trucks and engines and IC Bus™ school and commercial buses that are as tough and as smart as the people who drive them. We also develop Fleetrite® aftermarket parts. In everything we do, our vision is to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility to create the cleaner, safer world we all deserve. As of 2021, we joined Scania, MAN and Volkswagen Truck & Bus in TRATON GROUP, a global champion of the truck and transport services industry. To learn more, visit www.International.com.

Noah Note: Another feather in Roshels cap this week after their Algoma agreement. Roshel is finding significantly more business in the United States and in turn through the American government the last year. While a lot of focus has been on Border Patrol and ICE, it is unfsir to say it is the majority of their American business.

The Senator (and other assorted conversions) are slowly climbing the list of popularity among security firms, law enforcement, and other special agencies South of the Border. Of course Roshel doesn't announce sales really, which can make tracking a bit hard, however most of the companies business these days (not include Cash-In-Transit) is coming from down south.

Roshel already has the Michigan factory, however if I remember correctly the company has been looking to add another facility for a while. This particular factory was producing the CV series with GM, however with the Silverado Medium-Duty being sunset the factory has been left with little use.

I should also note that, while not confirmed officially, Mexican officials have reportedly selected the Senator as their future Light Armoured Vehicle of choice after a series of trials that also included a number of other platforms including the JLTV and KLTV. My bestie False at r/RoshelArmor, ever dedicated, has been following the saga so I don't fully have too lol. You should all give them love. They're great at what they do. Anything Roshel they keep track.

Of course it is yet to be seen what exactly Roshel does with this space. I imagine the company will give out more details as things are properly finalized and the official transfer takes place. Until then, congrats to Roshel on the continued expansion! I don't think it'll be the last we hear from them in the next few months. Wouldn't be shocked to see another CANSEC surprise either.

So this is something I don't usually do, however I do want to get the news out there a bit on here. I don't like direct reposting but I am sure they will forgive me. Steve Chase and Pippa Norman are reporting that both CPSP qualifiers have been given a twenty-day window period to revise their respective RFP.

This was something that came out of Navy Day yesterday, and I was planning to put it in the newsletter however they got to it first, so I won't bother. Both companies will have until April 29th to submit their revised proposals. That means that a CANSEC announcement, as we somewhat speculated as an option, is effectively off the table.

Mid-June is now the new timeframe for an announcement, around the same time that Vice-Admiral Topshee is to be posted. I believe that is like the 15th? I don't know for sure but I inagine any announcement will come before that, at least I think the Vice-Admiral for all the work he has done in forging the current path deserves to have this under his belt.

I don't really have much to add to what Steve and Pippa added. They cover it pretty well. It also isn't terribly shocking given the scale of CPSP and the release of the DIS that the Federal Government is providing a decent chunk of reaponse time to both parties to pad out and clarify things a bit.

It's normal. I get it. People are gonna say it's normal. Of course I don't think there is much either aide could offer to really sweeten the deal at this stage, bar some major commitment from third-party players. Lord knows there are enough of those running around that I struggle to keep track, especially the Korean side.

Again, at this stage I don't have anything to really add to this. Thats why I was hesitant to post it. Of course if the Feds believe they can squeeze a bit more out of either company I think there will be dissapointment. I haven't asked anyone on feelings, but I imagine both would be rather keen to get this shit done, and likely aren't keen to drag this out further with revisions.

Both sides knew of the DIS before it was released. Everyone knew about the DIS before it was released. Both im sairly sure accounted for what was expexted in their bids. I don't think theres much that it changes for them when it comes to what was sunmitted, which I add were both over a thousand pages long! Both bids were looking at hundreds of thousand of jobs over the project's lifetime and 40+ billion in direct and indirect investment. Thats a cool fact I guess.

Basically I don't expect there to be much here. Certainly it aint gonna get much more juice out of these lemons. Again, get it happens, get it's the process, and yes for such a scale as CPSP there will always be more caution and such.

Oh well. Its a few weeks, and it likely won't push the announcement much so in the grand scheme it means almost nothing. I digress before I rant or something. Go check out Steve and Pippas stuff. They worked hard to get this out in sure, and they banished Pippa to freaking Finland a few weeks ago so like.

Steve has also been working really hard, especially on accountability, which I greatly appreciate him and Murray for laying out some of the issues everyone is facing lately. You should go be supportive of Steve.

He was attending a roundtable with the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) today! The SOS released the following statement and pictures from the event:

Over two weeks in late March and early April, members of SkyAlyne, CAE, KF Aerospace, and Royal Canadian Air Force teams had the opportunity to see vital assets for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program in-person, with visits to several aircraft production facilities in Germany and Switzerland, along with attending the Military Flight Training Conference in Switzerland.

The itinerary included meetings and tours with Airbus, Grob, and Pilatus, where three of the aircraft fleets for the FAcT program are currently in production. These visits were very useful and provided a detailed view of manufacturing processes, quality control standards, and program progress at each organization.

At Airbus, in Donauwörth, Germany, the delegation toured production facilities and met with program representatives to review the CT-153 Juno (Airbus H135) aircraft being delivered as part of FAcT. The visit enabled direct engagement with the supplier while observing progress on the production line, including a test flight of a Juno recently out-of-manufacturing.

Similarly, the visit to Grob, in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, included a walkthrough of the manufacturing facilities, where the CT-102B Astra II (Grob G 120TP) is being produced. Important conversations with the supplier also took place, regarding the aircraft on order, including production status and milestones.

At Pilatus, in Stans, Switzerland, the delegation toured production areas and met with the teams to discuss the CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC-21) aircraft being procured for the FAcT program. The visit provided an opportunity to observe the build process and engage directly on key aspects of delivery, and included a fly-by demonstration of the aircraft.

Following these site visits, the team participated in the Military Flight Training (MFT) conference in Lucern, Switzerland. The conference enabled engagement with industry stakeholders and military members and facilitated discussions on current trends and challenges in military pilot training.

Noah Note: First, I love the patch. Second, I appreciate that SkyAlyne has been very open to showcasing FACT and the milestones it achieves. It might not seem like much, but these kinds of public displays and acknowledgement of what the team is doing goes a long way I feel at engaging with people.

It also means I geg to show off the new trainers a bunch! Something I very much love to do. Absolutely stunning in their proper liveries aren't they? More companies need to be open to showing off not just whag they're doing but also the steps they're taking to try and make projects a success.

Its good for accountability, good for educating the public, and best of all good foe my photo album!

Irving Shipbuilding has provided the following update on the status of CCGS Donjek:

On 9 April, KONGSBERG had the pleasure to mark the official Kick-Off of the design contract for the Mid-Shore Multi-Mission (MSMM) vessels for the Canadian Coastguard.

The contract was awarded the KONGSBERG Vanguard LP, comprising Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (‘KONGSBERG’), Salt Ship Design, and Adaptive Marine Solutions Inc. (‘AMS’) in mid-March.

This announcement marks the official start of a collaborative effort to strengthen Canada’s maritime capabilities under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. The MSMM project will support the Canadian Coast Guard in key missions including marine science, hydrographic surveys, search and rescue, and icebreaking.

Together, the partners bring a powerful combination of Norwegian and Canadian expertise, uniting advanced defence technology, world-class naval architecture, and deep local marine knowledge from both allied nations.

Drawing on shared experience, complementary strengths, and commitment to excellence, KONGSBERG will work with its Canadian partners to develop and deliver the best possible vessel design in support of Canada’s requirements and the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

KONGSBERG in Canada said:

“KONGSBERG in Canada is proud to contribute to the growth of Canada's our country’s industrial base by investing locally, strengthening allied supply chains, and helping create export opportunities for Canadian businesses. This approach is aligned with Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy and its Build-Partner-Buy framework, which prioritizes domestic production where feasible and partnerships with trusted allies where needed.”

AMS said:

“We are proud to support the Canadian Coast Guard through the MSMM contract design, an important step in strengthening Canada’s marine capability. This work sustains skilled jobs, builds domestic expertise, and reinforces a resilient shipbuilding ecosystem. We are also grateful for our partners: KONGSBERG for their deep maritime experience and SALT for their outstanding design capabilities, both of which are instrumental to delivering a high-quality solution for Canada.

By advancing this program, we are helping sustain high‑value jobs, strengthen domestic expertise, and contribute to a resilient, sovereign shipbuilding and sustainment ecosystem. This work ensures that critical knowledge and capability remain here in Canada, positioning our industry to meet future demands with confidence plus talk about presence in Ottawa and Newfoundland.”

SALT SHIP DESIGN said:

“It is an honor for us in SALT to take part in such a prestigious project. Together with our partners KONGSBERG and AMS we intend to deliver a harmonized contract design suitable for quoting by the bidding shipyards. With our slogan being “passion for ship design”, we will do our part for the Mid-Shore Multi-Mission vessels to become the efficient workhorses as intended for the Canadian Coastguard.”

Chargé d’affaires Jon-Åge Øyslebø, at the Norwegian embassy in Canada said:

“It’s a pleasure to see another example of how Norway and Canada are strengthening relations in so many areas. The two countries share interests and values, we are close allies as founding members of NATO, we have an extensive cooperation in the Arctic, and our armed forces and our Coast Guards work closely together. Norway’s advanced maritime sector is well‑positioned to contribute expertise in Arctic operations, vessel design and systems, and maritime technology.”

About KONGSBERG in Canada

Proudly based in Ottawa, Ontario, in the heart of Kanata’s technology hub, with operations in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, KONGSBERG brings together Norwegian technology and Canadian expertise to support mission-critical operations across the country. Every day, military personnel, air traffic controllers, and first responders rely on KONGSBERG solutions to help keep people, infrastructure, and operations safe.

With more than 50 years of experience supporting the Canadian Armed Forces, and following its 2024 selection to support NAV CANADA’s Digital Aerodrome Air Traffic Services (DAATS) program, KONGSBERG in Canada is well-positioned to help meet the country's evolving defence and security needs. The multi-year DAATS initiative is helping modernize air traffic services through digital tower technology and strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure across Canada.

April 9, 2026 – Inuvik, Northwest Territories – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Department of National Defence (DND) will host a public engagement session to share information and answer questions about infrastructure planned for North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Modernization and Continental Defence at the Forward Operating Location in Inuvik.

Community members from Inuvik and surrounding areas are invited to attend. DND representatives will provide an overview of the project, outline planned infrastructure, and respond to questions from community members.

When: Tuesday, April 21, 2026

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm MDT

Where: Midnight Sun Complex (MSC)

95 Gwich'in Rd, Inuvik, NT X0E 0T0

What: The session will begin with a presentation, followed by a question-and-answer period with community members. This venue is wheelchair accessible. On-site and street parking are available.

Notes to editor / news director

Interested media must confirm their attendance with DND’s Media Relations Office by email at: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca no later than 10 am MDT April 20, 2026. Note that media’s questions should be directed to the Media Relations Office.

April 9, 2026 – Yellowknife, Northwest Territories – National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces

The Department of National Defence (DND) will hold a public consultation session to exchange information and answer questions regarding planned infrastructure projects as part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) modernization and continental defence initiative at the forward operating location in Yellowknife.

Residents of Yellowknife and surrounding areas are invited to participate. Representatives from the Department of National Defence will present an overview of the project, describe the planned infrastructure, and answer participants' questions.

Date and time: Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (TAR)

Location: Explorer Hotel – Katimavik Room D, 4825 49th Avenue , Yellowknife, TN X1A 2R3

Event: The session will begin with a presentation, followed by a question and answer period with community members. The venue is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available on-site and on the street.

Notes to the Editor-in-Chief/News Director

Media representatives wishing to attend this event are asked to confirm their attendance with the DND Media Relations Office by email at mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca no later than 10:00 a.m. (PDT) on April 22, 2026. Please note that media inquiries should be directed to the Media Relations Office.

Welp. After months of begging and annoying the wonderful folks at Transport Canada have finally provided some photos for the famed Hermes 900 Statliner that is sadly no longer in their possession. If you read the newsletter this week, you'll remmeber that the Starliner has officially been transfered to the Canadian Coast Guard.

Yes, through no effort of their own the CCG is now the proud owner of a kinda-new Hermes Starliner. While I believe Murray first broke the news in September, the CCG and TC have been very hesitant to confirm the move officially until this week.

I have asked a few times mind you, however the responses have always been that it was a discussion in progress. Evidently not anymore… The Starliner was delivered back in September after several years of delays. Originally she was supposed to be delivered in 2022, though issues with the platform pushed that out further and further.

There are apparently still some ongoing issues deapite delivery but I don't know what they are. Also kinda funny that the CCG is now the one player in the Defence Team with a MALE UAS, and will be until the RCAF receives the first Guardian in 2028. That is a bit funny to me.

I love the Surveillance Red though. One of the best schemes we have. Matches up nicely with the Dashes. The primary role of the Starliner is still to support the National Aerial Surveillance Program. That means monitoring potential oil spills, survey ice and marine habitats, and monitor activity on the ocean in Canada’s Arctic.

The plan was at one point to base it in Iqaluit but I don't know if thats still the expectation. Funny enough Canada did consider grabbing a Global Hawk from Germany for the role but it didn't work out. That would have been sick. As more info becomes available I'll post an update! At least we know it's here…

Happy Wednesday?

I'm gonna be real with you I forgot Let's Talk. I thought I did it already until I was reminded tonight. My bad! You all need to bully me every Tuesday I guess to remind me to do it. Im sorry! I need to be as tight about it as the Newsletter.

Anywho, 20 questions this week to get this out on time. To the three I missed I'll add you guys to next week's Q&A! There's one question there where I might do a bit of a mini-post? Maybe. I'm actually working on a piece for someone else this week! If you can believe that.

As always you can ask your questions, and vote on others, over on our Slido page. It will be up until Monday! A lot of you sent stuff in DMs also but I prefer the stuff there as it can be voted on and also kept open to everyone. If you enjoy my content also consider supporting TNSR over on our Kofi!

Q1. The Apr-01 Gagetown announcement includes $172M for "the establishment of new ground-based air defence infrastructure." Do you know what that refers to?

See the newsletter here for the full details. The funding itself is going to infrastructure needed as part of Enduring Phase II and III. There have been no changes to the current plans, nor anything new from this. Just some infrastructure funding, lol.

Q2. Can you explain the super hangars in a little more depth? From the description you gave in last week's Q&A, they seem like very large single points of failure.

There isn't much more to say, honestly. The approach is fairly straightforward. To support the incoming CF-35A fleet, two new facilities will be constructed at Cold Lake and Bagotville, spanning roughly 34,500 square meters and 22,000 square meters, respectively.

These facilities will serve as the centralized hubs for managing and maintaining the future fleet. Looking at them as a single point of failure is a bit harsh. I think I gave a bit of an inaccurate description calling them just hangars. It's more accurate to view them as large-scale, integrated complexes that are primarily being driven by the F-35’s unique security and maintenance requirements.

They bring together all necessary functions under one roof, including maintenance bays, mission planning facilities, training and simulator infrastructure, and the required Special Access Program Facilities (SAPF). Canada is not the only F-35 operator adopting this consolidated model, either.

While there is absolutely a case to be made for future redundancy and further infrastructure investment, which I made last week, there is a purpose to this approach. The F-35 is not a CF-18. The fifth-generation capability it provides comes with strict burdens that we collectively face as operators. That includes requiring secure facilities, climate-controlled environments for maintenance, and specialized IT infrastructure. That standard is mandated for everyone who operates the F-35.

Ultimately, the decision was made that the best approach was to consolidate everything, from training to maintenance to mission planning, into a singular complex to maximize operational efficiency and maintain the strict security and infrastructure requirements needed for a fifth-generation platform.

If we get into GCAP, then a lot of the same needs will likely also be present. That is the nature of operating modern platforms; the more complex the platform, the more complex the backend becomes. It becomes more efficient, effective, and economical to consolidate everything in one place that can act as a central point for the fleet to operate from.

Q3. Could we see SAR duties and aircraft transferred from RCAF to CCG under the new reorganization?

This gets brought up a lot, and the answer remains the same. There are no plans to do so yet, and as a concept, I don't think we'll see it anytime soon. People make the argument for and against all the time. Both from the approach that the CCG, especially with the developments this past week, is better to take on the domestic SAR role while the RCAF focuses its capabilities on other things, or maybe, if you are bold and radical, look into things like CSAR (good luck on that one...). There is also the idea that SAR takes away resources and funding from the RCAF that could be better dedicated elsewhere.

There's also the approach that the RCAF already maintains this institutional knowledge, has the resources and infrastructure in place that the CCG lacks and will take time to build, and that downloading this and the existing fleets to the CCG wouldn't actually do much in terms of improving things, especially when countered by the investments needed and the complications that would come from transferring to a civilian agency.

Personally, I don't see it as a priority, nor do I think that it is necessarily as easy as some paint it. I get the arguments, but it feels like one of those choices where the benefits are almost all highly hypothetical, and in the grand scheme, it doesn't really seem worth the effort. I don't see it myself. Sorry. I just can't.

Q4. Can you inform me what the issues are with the TAPV?

As in the fleet now or historically? Because historically, the answer is everything and anything God could throw at them. The TAPV has a history of rollovers. Pick a blame on that one: high center of gravity, crew training, whatever. It has an extensive history. The platform also has a history of breaking issues, including multiple failures at low speed and several brake fires over its lifetime. I think the ABS system still isn't functional, but one of you in the comments can correct me.

They also just have a history of just catching on fucking fire in general, so there's that. The TAPV also struggled when first being delivered because of its weight, which caused significant wear on the suspension system that had to be redesigned. Guess how they do off-road...

There is a recognition that concerns at the time were not properly taken into consideration, and that early testing of the TAPV in different conditions and environments was inadequate. Lack of a proper feedback system, shocker, continues to be an issue.

There is more, but I digress. I could go on about how the TAPV is a mismatch for the roles it intends to play, and all the historical issues it has suffered, but you get the idea. We've all heard it, and we've all gone through the song and dance.

The TAPV is a GWOT holdout that is tall, heavy, and outside the IED-laden environment of Afghanistan, lacks purpose. She is shitty as a recce platform that she was never intended to be, continues to suffer from mechanical and electrical issues, and while many of the problems above have been resolved or mitigated, the fleet still suffers.

Worst of all, we have hundreds of them with little modern purpose. They are not a platform for the modern battlespace. Time has outpaced the TAPV, and they are in desperate need of modernization, but the likes of Textron continue to be difficult partners for collaboration.

Lack of spare parts and existing contracts continue to be issues, which has left large parts of the fleet parked and awaiting long-term repairs. Everyone keeps trying to find a purpose for them because we're stuck with the fleet and need to find some way to extract value. CUAS seems like a role they're destined for, talking around maybe utilizing it as an unmanned carrier for UAS or loitering munitions.

If there is a role, then someone has proposed the TAPV for it. There exists an MLRS TAPV somewhere at NDHQ. I have not seen the concept, but someone proposed it! Gotta utilize what you have, I guess, and there's a whole bunch of TAPVs waiting for something to do.

I don't see a future for the fleet. I don't want there to be a future. I would rather they just go away, but sadly, we aren't in a place where viable replacements are available. I subscribe to utilizing LUV to cast them away; I'm sure Mark will show up and give his concept. He has a good one laying around.

Most of all? I just think it's time to give up on them. I just think we're at the point where it's better that way.

Q5. Are there any rumors or plans for a dedicated EW/Counter-C5ISRT or SIGINT airframe?

There are not; however, I continue to advocate for utilizing the Global 6500 in this role, as many of our allies like the United States, Germany, and now Korea continue to champion.

I would love to see a whole fleet of special mission Globals for things like EW, SIGINT, etc. However, that doesn't seem to be the plan right now, sadly.

Q6. You spoke of some potential delays in American approval on some projects; can you expand on this?

Sadly, I can't say much on this file, as I have not heard much more than I have said before. The issue is primarily with American companies trying to bid on Canadian projects.

There is concern that the American government is either dragging out approvals for things like Technical Assistance Agreements, which are legally required under ITAR if they want to share technical knowledge, collaborate, or provide training to foreign entities, or that the system is failing to provide approvals in a reasonable timeline due to any number of bureaucratic or administrative issues.

To clarify, I don't know where the hold-ups are exactly, just that they are a concern. The issue is that without those approvals, an American company can't submit an official bid. This has forced us in cases to extend closing dates or delay things while we wait for these companies to get their approval.

In many cases, we don't want to exclude these companies. We want them to bid; however, some recent discussions have raised the idea of moving on anyway because it's becoming more and more of an issue. It isn't limited to newer, smaller companies, either.

There is also concern that the Americans are being deliberately slow when it comes to things like FMS and such. That is a bit harder for me to confirm; however, I have heard a few people complain.

Sadly, I can't say much, as this remains one of those rumors where I just don't have many follow up details available to share. However, I have heard it enough to believe it is at least somewhat credible.

Q7. With more CH-149s being added to the fleet, has there been any talk about adding CSAR focused CH-149s? The Italians already did the groundwork with the HH-101A.

CSAR is being discussed, but in the general framework of nTACS. The AW101 could certainly be in the conversation; however, there is none specifically about it in that role that I have heard.

There are discussions, however, since the 149 line is going to be open with IMP, on if we should order a few more on top of the new three coming to the fleet. We got some 146s in the SAR role that we would maybe like to replace. Time will tell, but the option and desire are there...

Q8. Your thoughts on the return of Anti Submarine missiles?

I'm not fully sold. There's a bit of a resurgence right now, but I await to be impressed. Call me a bit skeptical on them; not against, but also I'm not exactly confident in their effectiveness in the modern environment.

Perhaps some of the future developments, like with the Brits, will spark my interest, but right now I'm just kinda meh.

Q9. Call me crazy, but I think CAMM would have been worth the integration hassle for RCD. It would have been a great option for CDC too.

Vigilance originally planned to utilize CAMM, lol. So there was one person looking at it, though that was in the CMMC with Vigilance 75. I like CAMM. I think it's a cool system, and I get that feeling. There is gonna be some hurt because it also meant losing ExLS.

Keep in mind that technically you can utilize CAMM in a regular 41 with the sleeve. It isn't like ExLS was the only way forward; however, there was also a desire from the Navy to try and keep the number of munitions low, and sadly, CAMM didn't really offer enough between ESSM and RIM-116 to justify adding it.

That's before we get into the other stuff, lol. RIM was always wanted, though. The Navy always preferred having it around, so there wasn't a whole lot of mourning in this case.

I get the sadness. However, it kinda fell into a very specific niche, and for a platform that is trying to save as much as possible, CAMM was an easy system to ditch for the Rivers. ESSM and RIM-116 fill the need just fine, and in this case, that's enough.

Q10. Any insights on shared infrastructure plans following the CG manager's report in Times-Colonist news that the shift from DFO to DND has been a “good fit”?

There are no plans. The plans are being discussed now because there was almost nothing in place beyond the fundamentals when it comes to the CCG move to the Defence Team.

Sadly, I have not heard any updates or semi-official plans for what shared infrastructure looks like. I'm sorry. When I do get info, believe me, I will share it!

Q11. With the retirement of the CC-130H(T)s, are there any plans for new tactical tanker capability or modify existing -130Js for the role, to complement the -330s?

No plans. We are going entirely Husky, although I would LOVE to get a few more Husky. People forget how versatile a platform they are, not just for air-to-air refueling but also in the transport role. Would love to see a few more in the future.

No plans for smaller tankers, though. We're out of that game for now.

Q12. What's the latest status of the Indirect Fires Modernization project? Is it running into any problems?

Nope. It's running just fine. We should see an RFP drop sometime this year, summer maybe fall? As far as I know, there have been no delays to plans.

The Army, I should note, was also in the middle of finalizing restructuring last year, so in some cases, that slowed things down. Even without that, the IFM team has been engaged at events and consulting with industry as they work to draft the RFP. People tend to forget that it takes time to draft an RFP and such, especially if it is significantly different from the RFI.

But no, as far as I know, we're still on track to see an RFP in the next few months.

Q13. Are the new CT-142Q a replacement or supplement to the existing CT-142?

They are a replacement!

Q14. Might be misremembering this, but isn't a WW2 dazzle scheme going to be standard on the Halifax-class after refits; if so, will it continue onto the Rivers?

There will be no River-class dazzle. They will be going with the Grey as seen in the recent model, at least as far as I know. However, some of the AOPS are supposed to get some new artwork soon! That will be equally as cool.

But yeah, sadly no dazzle. Maybe CDC will get some if it ever comes to existence. Not the Rivers, though, unless we do something for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic in the far future.

Q15. To what extent are you seeing an uptick in the speed and quantity of defense-related procurements as a result of DIA so far?

Quantity as in increases to existing plans? None. However, a number of projects have been pushed ahead by the DIA, including ESCP-P, which was pushed up by like three years, Airlift Capability Project that was pushed up a few, and CMAR that was pushed up two years from plans.

There have been a number of wins the DIA have managed to pull off by identifying projects already at a place where they could go, like CMAR or projects like ESCP-P where it was recognized there was a pathway through strategic partnerships.

One thing to remember is that the DIA itself is in its infancy. It isn't a standalone agency yet, is still building its team, and still lacks the proper mandates and authorities to operate as a dedicated procurement agency. It's hard to really judge them at this stage because they're still in that stage of starting up, which takes time.

That's all coming soon, mind you; the plans are there. However, as of now, the DIA, despite having all that ongoing, has managed to get balls rolling and contracts signed, which I can respect. Credit to Fuhr and Lightbound especially, who I know have been working very hard to get things done, and really pushing for more change.

To answer generally a bit? Projects are moving, fast. Almost every project that can is seeing its timelines pushed forward. IFM, Heavy Direct Fire Modernization, Medium Cavalry, nTACS. All of them and more are getting timelines cut by sometimes two or three years. HDFM is looking at almost four or five if they get what they want!

Q16. RCN Chief of Naval Capability, RAdm Jason Armstrong, indicates there are plans to upgrade the AOPS (Starshell Winter 2026 edition). Do you have any insights?

Not that I can say are official or anything. There are talks about things like COBRA and autonomous systems, obviously. There are some talks about containerized weapons systems, but far more limited given there's still a lot of hesitation on them.

Sadly, I do not have insight here on specifics. The AOPS are great platforms, with the oversized electrical, cooling, and space, etc., capacity to do more if we desire. What that exactly looks like? I can't tell you, as I'm not privy to those plans.

Of course, there is a lot more to it, but the AOPS were designed from the outset to be upgradable and take on new payloads in the future. They have the SWAP-C margins in place to do more.

If I figure it out, I'll tell you!

Q17. For what it is/what it has become, do you think MINERVA is too large of a scope for a single project?

I think MINERVA is in a weird place. It is very large-scale, yes. I wouldn't call MINERVA a project. It really is an initiative, and in that initiative, we are likely to see many different challenges, contests, and projects rolled into its banner.

My issues with MINERVA remain the same. It doesn't feel like the Army really knows what it wants. There is a sense that perhaps they are trying to do too much at once, where it could be very easy to get stuck in the definition stage of things or try to rush through and end up messing up like GPUAS, where there wasn't enough built into that foundation, where the authorities weren't there for success.

I don't get the feeling that the Army is really at a stage where they can quickly scale up cheap, effective Group I UAS systems in the timelines, cost, or scale that they desire. It just doesn't feel like MINERVA has that sense, has a proper system in place to execute that vision properly.

The industry is ready. There are people just waiting to really tackle this. However, I worry the Army isn't at the stage where they're ready to facilitate that. I hope to be proven wrong. I hope we can execute on MINERVA, because there is some progress being made on autonomous systems. Look at the CASEVAC RFI from this week's newsletter. That's cool stuff! We just need the system in place to take stuff like that, acquire it quickly, and then scale it up four, five, ten times those numbers.

Sadly, I don't think it's there yet.

Q18. Could MSMM form a basis for a CDC? Commonality in hulls between two fleets would certainly speed things up.

That's the plan actually, lol. As far as I know, Kongsberg wants to bid a version of Vanguard for CDC; however, it will look a lot different obviously from MSMM. It would still be in the same family, though. However, a lot of that depends on CDC.

Right now, CDC has a lot of very unique, very special requirements being looked at. There is still debate ongoing for what the final platform should look like, but right now? It's looking fairly unique to us. Can Kongsberg still find a Vanguard design in their books to fit that? Maybe. I think they can.

However, the uniqueness of our requirements does make it a challenge if they can't react fast. They'll also face heavy competition from existing designs like Vigilance and Davie's Corvette proposal. The Navy would love to focus on a Canadian design if possible.

That doesn't exclude them; however, it is a disadvantage, and I don't think MSMM, given how different a scale the two platforms would be, is any sort of factor for the Navy in this regard. MSMM is a very small Vanguard concept, just like CDC would be a fairly big one. Two opposite sides of the Vanguard scale.

Q19. It appears NASA and China are trying to claim land on the moon by placing nuclear reactors. Could Canada and Japan weather the controversy and do that too?

I don't know if I'm qualified to talk about nuclear reactors on the moon; however, I know Daniel at the Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation with their LEUNR Reactor concept, based off the legendary SLOWPOKE-2 design, is certain that he can make it happen!

He's also crazy enough to pull it off, so you know what? Maybe we can, lol. The CSA seems to think they can do something with it considering they gave them a healthy bit of support to further the concept.

So you know what? Why not! We can claim New Manitoba for the Great White North. I vote for New Manitoba at least. I will also take Lesser New Brunswick as well for our future moon territory.

Q20. Has there been any talk from De Havilland of possibly making a SAR variant of the CL-515 and possibly exporting it, as allies are starting to look at seaplanes?

They've talked about it. The 415 had some very limited maritime patrol variants. I believe the Greeks still have theirs? I can't say how far along as a concept they are; only DeHavvy knows that. However, they've talked about wanting to do more with the 515.

SAR fits that well. Maritime patrol also has a role. Is there a place for a smaller, utility seaplane? I think so. Not everything needs to be a US-2 sized platform. For Canada? I don't know. For countries like, say, Indonesia, Greece, or the Philippines? I think having access to a small, rugged platform like the 515 in a more defence-focused role could have value.

It does require De Havilland, though, to step up and start getting their ball rolling. That includes on De Havilland Field. Focus on getting yourself started up, and then let's hear the pitches for more variants.

Remember that you can ask your questions for next week by following this link. Dont be afraid to ask multiple questions if you like!

The Teaming Agreement establishes cooperation on research, technology transfer, and investment to support the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).

The Partnership would integrate Canada’s lithium resources into strategic applications, with potential supply to German and allied industrial customers.

The Agreement provides a framework for future international collaborations and export opportunities, aligning with Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy.

Kiel, April 8, 2026 – TKMS and E3 Lithium signed a Teaming Agreement to establish a strategic framework for cooperation in support of Canada’s future submarine capabilities under the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).

The Teaming Agreement sets the stage for collaboration on research, technology transfer and investment initiatives of mutual interest. The cooperation aims to integrate Canadian critical minerals into the submarine supply chain, with potential benefits for both domestic industry and international export markets.

“The CPSP represents a cornerstone of Canada’s naval capability, and critical minerals are essential to the technology that powers tomorrow’s submarines,” said Thomas Keupp, Chief Sales Officer at TKMS. “Through this agreement with E3 Lithium, we are not only securing access to a sustainable supply of lithium but also strengthening the industrial partnership between Germany and Canada. This cooperation reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and long-term capability development.”

Under the agreement, TKMS and E3 Lithium, a leader in Canada’s lithium sector with the country’s largest lithium resource, will explore opportunities to leverage Canada’s lithium production for strategic applications. E3’s Clearwater Project, a direct lithium extraction development, is expected to produce up to 36,000 tonnes per year of battery-grade lithium at full capacity, supporting potential supply to German and allied industrial customers.

E3 Lithium will bring its extensive expertise in lithium resource development, extraction technology, and processing, contributing to the creation of a robust supply chain that can support both Canada’s submarine program and potential international opportunities.

“Partnering with TKMS allows us to connect Canada’s critical minerals industry with strategic global markets while supporting a transformative national defense program,” said Chris Doornbos, CEO at E3 Lithium. “This agreement is a strong step toward leveraging Canada’s lithium resources to create sustainable economic value, advance technology transfer, and strengthen industrial ties with Germany and allied nations.”

The Teaming Agreement also provides a foundation for exploring further cooperation on international projects that incorporate critical minerals into advanced technology platforms, leveraging TKMS’s global naval portfolio and E3’s leadership in the Canadian lithium sector.

Noah Note: One weird thing about CPSP so far has been the role of Critical Minerals in the conversation. No one doubts their value, and the Federal Government has made it clear its a key sector they would like to see TKMS and Hanwha tap into, however so far the movement on the sector has been fairly quiet and minimal.

So whenever a Critical Mineral related announcement gets put out there I tend to take a big note of it. Of course Lithium is one of the big ones that we expect to see tapped into for this. Almost everyone recognized in the short and medium-term that Lithium batteries will likely be the mainstay of Diesel-Electric submarines. There will be cases where Lead-Acid will continue to be an ultra-cheap option and potentially new salt or solid-state batteries could appear on the market?

However as lithium battery systems mature, get integrated onto more proposals, and become cheaper overall the trend will likely lean into Li-Ion becoming the overall standard for most people moving forward, at least the middle-ground option for many who don't need to absolutely cheap out.

For almost anyone the domestic supply of battery cells will be important, or at least having access to a ready supply. For Canada this is especially important as we try to domesticate the entirety of the ISS chain here. The peoduction of battery cells and systems has not been something overtly discussed around, perhaps because we expect it to happen no matter what, but it would be an absolute desire.

While we can argue about EVs and thr Electric Automotive Supply Chains value to Canada, from a defence standpoint the investments laid down in the last few years has positioned Canada as a player in the Battery ecosystem, with a foundational supply chain and expertise already being built up through investments like PowerCo and NextStar, German and Korean respectively.

The KSS-III Batch II utilizes Commerical Vsllz from Samsung SDI. I believe they are NMC? Don't quote me. The Type 212CD has long been rumored to utilize cells from SAFT but I can't confirm myself. Obviously a Canadian system could utilize different cells themselves, however I do make note of what the parent designs utilize.

E3 is a good partner for helping build up that supply chain. The Alberta Geological Survey and Alberta Energy Regulator estimate that the province’s subsurface contains an estimated 82.5 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent, one of the largest accumulations in the world, and E3 is the first to start tapping into that.

Their demonstration facility near Olds started producing Alberta’s first battery-grade lithium carbonate starting in September. The company plans to scale up it's flagship Clearwater Project this year with Phase 1 aiming for a production target of ~12,000 tonnes/year of lithium carbonate with a total production capacity of ~36,000 tonners/year by 2030.

One thing about TKMS that I notice a lot in conversations and in their public discussions is demand. The company has significant pressure on it's existing supply chains, only set to grow as new orders from countries like India and potentially the likes of Greece and Argentine come through.

Li-Ion batteries will be a major cornerstone of those bids, and as such securing a steady, scalable supply battery cells will become importsnt for supporting TKMS global supply chain, not counting existing customers who might have interest in upgrading to Lithium Battery systems in the future.

So the presssure isnt just on us, but also on the company to ensure they have the avenues amd resources to support an ever-growing global network. That is something that can oftentimes be missed in these conversations. There is inherent value that companies see in Canada, and a need to build out new supply chains to meet growing demand. Oftentimes we view these sort of partnerships and agreements in a very insular way, either as forced by Canadian policy or as incentive to swoon interest.

It ignores that there is a lot Canada has to offer, and companies recognize that there is untapped potential in the Canadian market with large-scale growth and expansion that until now was either unfeesable or at least heavily disadvantaged. That has changed the last few months as Canada turns to the Defence Industrial Base and Industry to help insulate against outside policy decisions and economic downturn.

These kinds of partnerships are the ones we talk about championing often. They are mutual beneficial, common-sense investments that not only strengthen Canada’s Critical Mineral and Defence supply chain but allow us to contribute effectively to our collective security. These are the kinds of investments I like to see over grand-scale, song and dance partnerships and proposals that are overtly risky, require heavy feseral intervention to succeed, and don't have a natural path to long-term viability.

So, needless to say I am a happy boy and this gets a thumbs up from me.

ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND, April 07, 2026 /GLOBE NEWSWIRE/ — Kraken Robotics Inc. (“Kraken” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: PNG, OTCQB: KRKNF) announces the successful integration and demonstration of its KATFISH towed synthetic aperture sonar and autonomous launch and recovery system (LARS) from SEFINE’s RD-22 unmanned surface vessel (USV) in coordination with SEFINE SISAM (Strategic Unmanned Systems Research Center). The demonstration took place in Q1 2026 off the coast of İstanbul, Türkiye.

“Recent developments underscore the importance of safeguarding critical maritime transit routes and underwater infrastructure, and autonomous mine countermeasure capabilities like KATFISH can play an important role in helping navies efficiently detect and classify mine-like objects,” said Bernard Mills, Executive Vice President, Defence at Kraken Robotics. “By combining SEFINE’s multi-role USV with Kraken’s cutting-edge KATFISH and USV LARS, navies can deploy advanced technologies faster and more efficiently, strengthening defence and maritime security in increasingly complex environments.”

The demonstration focused on rapid detection and classification of mine-like objects and critical underwater infrastructure and was attended by several navies and government organizations. KATFISH delivered 3 cm x 3 cm resolution data at a range of 200 meters per side which was live streamed to a command center onshore, enabling real-time classification of contacts by operators with SEFINE SISAM’s mission planning software.

The same KATFISH and USV LARS were demonstrated from a UK Royal Navy in-service 11-meter ARCIMS USV in November 2025. These joint integrations mark a major step forward in delivering agile, modular, and cost-effective mine countermeasure capabilities for modern naval operations.

A video of the demonstration can be viewed at https://youtu.be/JIXapiCCeSA.

Noah Note: Kraken continues the string of good news this year, further reinforcing why they are one of Canada’s brightest defence unicorns. Thr company has been hitting ball after ball since the start of the year, announcing their largest series of orders ($35 Million) to date in January, followed up with another order series of orders totaling $24 million just a few weeks ago.

The company has also started production recent at their new Battery Manufacturing Facility in Nova Scotia along eith making deliveries recently of thr Royal Canadian Navies new Remote Minehunting and Disposal Systems. Biggest of all, the comoany further closed on the acquisition of Covelya Group last month.

Keep in mind that Kraken has kept going, month after month…. Healthy orders, new partnerships with the likes of TKMS and a great showing at REPMUS 2025 have all pushed Kraken into the spotlight of one of Canada’s superstars, and one of my personal champion picks.

Developments like these are great to highlight, and the integration of Covelya and her subsidiaries, Sonardyne, EIVA A/S, Forcys, Wavefront Systems, Voyis Imaging, and Chelsea Technologies to the Kraken family leaves near limitless potential for the company to futher broaden her tendrals in the defence ecosystem with new technologies, partners, and clients coming in from the acquisition.

I try to remain a neutral judge, but even I have companies I get hyped about and love to see do good. We're all fanboys at the end of the day, and sometimes it feels good to celebrate co.oanies who are able to snatch that brass ring and make something of themselves.

So keep on going Kraken! Skys the limit from here.

Companies strengthen their strategic partnership, combining proven technology with strong domestic execution capabilities, to delivery long-term infrastructure in support of Canadian Patrol Submarine Project

April 7, 2026, Ottawa, Ontario

Hanwha Ocean and PCL Construction have signed a Teaming Agreement to further advance collaboration on submarine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) infrastructure as part of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). The agreement builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed last year by the two companies, and reflects a shared interest in developing a more structured and integrated approach to collaboration in Canada.

At the centre of the partnership is the opportunity to support the development of submarine MRO infrastructure on both coasts, including facilities in Esquimalt, British Columbia and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Such infrastructure is widely seen as a key component in enabling Canada to sustain and operate its submarine fleet over the long term.

PCL, one of Canada’s leading construction firms, brings extensive experience in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects across the country, including for the Government of Canada, the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, along with a well-established domestic supply chain and skilled workforce. PCLs involvement highlights the role of Canadian industry in any future infrastructure development related to CPSP.

Hanwha Ocean contributes experience in submarine design, construction, and sustainment, based on decades of involvement in naval programs. The company’s background in integrating complex systems and supporting lifecycle operations provides a foundation for potential collaboration in submarine infrastructure.

The two companies are aligning their capabilities across design, engineering, construction, and supply chain coordination to support Canada’s evolving submarine infrastructure requirements. The collaboration reflects a broader trend toward partnerships that combine international technical experience with domestic industrial capacity. Such approaches are increasingly seen as a way to support long-term capability development while ensuring meaningful participation from local industry.

Quotes

About the KSS-III Canadian Patrol Submarine (www.KSS-III.ca)

Hanwha Ocean’s KSS-III is a proven, in-service, in-active production submarine that fully meets and exceeds all requirements for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). These include superior underwater surveillance capability and deployability in the Arctic with extended range and endurance that will provide stealth, persistence and lethality to ensure that Canada can detect, track, deter and, if necessary, defeat adversaries in all 3 of its oceans.

Equipped with Lithium-ion batteries and an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, the KSS-III offers the longest submerged endurance among any conventional submarine – exceeding 7,000 nautical miles. It is outfitted with both a state-of-the-art sonar system and acoustic tiles, offering outstanding target detection capability and advanced stealth performance. The platform is fully optimized for Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Minelaying, and Special Operations Forces (SOF) support.

Importantly, Hanwha Ocean has the fastest delivery schedule, able to deliver four KSS-III submarines to fully replace Canada’s current Victoria Class fleet before 2035 if on contract in 2026. Earlier retirement of the Victoria Class fleet will result in estimated savings of approximately $1 Billion on maintenance and support costs. The additional 8 submarines will be delivered at a rate of one per year, meaning the entire fleet of 12 submarines will be delivered to Canada by 2043. No other option can come anywhere close to this delivery schedule.

About Hanwha Ocean (www.HanwhaOcean.com)

Hanwha Ocean is a leading global shipbuilder with more than four decades of experience in complex naval and commercial shipbuilding programs. Supported by its large-scale, integrated shipyard in Geoje, South Korea that spans 5-square kilometers and has more than 31,000 employees, the company combines proven industrial capacity with operational experience to deliver modern, in-service naval platforms backed by a resilient through-life support model.

Since its establishment in 1973, Hanwha Ocean has delivered more than 1,400 vessels worldwide and has built deep expertise in the design, construction and sustainment of submarines and surface combatants for the Republic of Korea Navy. The company builds approximately 45 commercial and naval ships each year.

Hanwha Group, a Fortune 500 company with more than 100,000 employees and 91 subsidiaries globally, is the Republic of Korea’s leading defence company. Other Hanwha business areas include aerospace and mechatronics, energy and ocean solutions, finance, and retail and services.

Hanwha is committed to establishing a robust and long-term presence in Canada in several strategic areas that will create jobs and economic growth, accelerate Canada’s domestic defence capabilities, and enhance cooperation, partnership and supply chains between Canada and South Korea – a relationship that is becoming increasingly important, and one that supports the objectives of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Hanwha has teaming agreements and MOUs in place with more than 30 Canadian companies.

About PCL Construction (www.PCL.com)

PCL Construction is one of the most respected and accomplished global construction leaders, comprising independent companies operating throughout Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and Australia. With an annual construction volume of $13.8 billion CAD, PCL builds projects that shape communities and strengthen infrastructure. The company’s 100% employee ownership model fuels a culture of commitment for clients in the buildings, civil infrastructure, heavy industrial and solar markets. With a strategic presence in more than 30 major centers, PCL’s leadership teams consistently drive innovation and set new benchmarks for excellence, bringing unparalleled skill to every project. Watch us build at PCL.com.

Noah Note: Another upgrade to a Teaming Agreement for Hanwha. The interesting thing to me is the mentions of Esquimalt and Halifax for potential MRO facilities, something I don't believe Hanwha has done before. Interesting…

As publicly confirmed by the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal on March 31, 2026, Colonel James Smith has been charged with one count under Section 129 of the National Defence Act—Neglect to the Prejudice of Good Order and Discipline. The charge relates to an investigation by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service into the receipt of compensation and benefits.

Today, after carefully considering all relevant factors and ensuring procedural fairness, I have made the decision to temporarily remove Colonel Smith from his position as Commander Task Force Latvia. This is a decision made to ensure continuity of leadership and the effective conduct of operations while the charge against Colonel Smith proceeds through the military justice system.

I will emphasize that this situation will in no way affect the accomplishment of Canadian Armed Forces’ mission on Operation REASSURANCE. Lieutenant-Colonel Joel Maley will assume interim command of Task Force Latvia. We will continue to ensure the same level of service and operational continuity throughout this interim period and into the planned transition in summer 2026. Colonel Smith will be assigned other duties in Canada until the matter is concluded.

The importance of ensuring all administrative processes is conducted fairly and efficiently is paramount as this matter moves forward within the military justice system. We have no further information to release at this time.

Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin

Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command

Two proven Canadian defence suppliers establish Roshel Algoma Defence Solutions Inc. (“RADS” or “Roshel Algoma Defence”) to deliver sovereign ballistic steel solutions

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario, April 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Algoma Steel Group Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTL; TSX: ASTL) (“Algoma Steel” or “Algoma”), a leading Canadian producer of steel plate and hot rolled sheet products and Roshel Inc. (“Roshel”), a Canadian-owned defence manufacturer of smart armoured vehicles, have formed Roshel Algoma Defence, a joint venture to establish a Canadian Centre of Excellence for Ballistic Steel Production. This partnership is purpose-built to deliver sovereign ballistic steel defence solutions, including full-cycle capabilities such as metal fabrication, forming, welding, and machining in Canada.

This new collaboration comes at a time of historic defence investment by the Government of Canada and aligns with the new Defence Industrial Strategy’s emphasis on strengthening sovereign industrial capabilities and Buy Canadian policies across major procurements. It also responds to the growing need for international defence companies to partner with a local, end-to-end supplier and service provider when operating in Canada.

By advancing a made-in-Canada approach to critical defence inputs, Roshel Algoma Defence will enable new, sovereign production of ballistic steel solutions to support defence procurements, including for Light Utility Vehicles (LUVs), the Domestic Arctic Mobility Enhancement (DAME) program, ships, submarines, and broader Canadian Defence needs. Additionally, Roshel Algoma Defence will support the use of ballistic steel across other industries, including infrastructure, marine, aerospace and security platforms while creating opportunities to export Canadian-made ballistic steel solutions to allied countries.

RADS is well-positioned to support over 500 workers, including new, high-quality manufacturing jobs and strengthening Canada’s skilled industrial workforce for the long term, reinforcing broader domestic supply chains, including those supporting automotive manufacturing such as Ford Motor Company and F-Series production in Oakville. Together, Roshel and Algoma Steel are advancing a made-in-Canada solution that will drive economic growth, reinforce national security, and deliver lasting benefits to Canadian workers, industry, and communities.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking information” under applicable Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), including statements regarding the establishment of Roshel Algoma Defence and a Canadian Centre of Excellence for Ballistic Steel Production and the anticipated benefits thereof, Algoma’s transition to EAF steelmaking, the Company’s expected reduction in carbon emissions following completion of the EAF project, Algoma’s future as a leading producer of green steel, Algoma’s modernization of its plate mill facilities, transformation journey, ability to deliver greater and long-term value, ability to offer North America a secure steel supply and a sustainable future, and investment in its people, and processes, and statements regarding the Company’s strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “hope,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “design,” “pipeline,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document. Readers should also consider the other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information” in Algoma’s Annual Information Form, filed by Algoma with applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities (available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.com) and with the SEC, as part of Algoma’s Annual Report on Form 40-F (available at www.sec.gov), as well as in Algoma’s current reports with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Algoma assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

About Roshel Inc.

Roshel Inc. is a Canadian manufacturer of advanced armoured vehicles, with headquarters in Brampton, Ontario, specializing in the design, production, and support of platforms for government, security, and commercial applications. The company supplies Canada, allied nations, and NATO partners, with its vehicles operating in some of the world’s most demanding environments and consistently meeting the highest standards of protection and performance. Roshel is committed to operational excellence, responsible business practices, and community engagement, supporting both its customers and the communities in which it operates.

About Algoma Steel Inc.

Based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Algoma is a leading Canadian producer of high-quality plate and sheet steel products, proudly supporting critical sectors including energy, defense, automotive, shipbuilding, and infrastructure. Guided by a purpose to build better lives and a greener future, Algoma is shaping the next generation of sustainable steelmaking in Canada.

With the transition to electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking and a modernized plate mill, Algoma is redefining how steel is made in Canada. Powered by Ontario’s clean electricity grid, this transformation represents one of the largest industrial decarbonization initiatives in North America and is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 70%. These advancements provide stability for continued investment in diversification projects aligned with Canada’s evolving needs.

This new chapter also introduces Volta™, the brand for all steel produced through Algoma’s EAF technology. Volta delivers the same trusted performance customers rely on, with significantly lower emissions—produced safely, sustainably, and proudly in Canada.

Building on more than a century of steelmaking expertise, Algoma continues to invest in its people, processes, and technologies to strengthen domestic supply chains and deliver responsible, Canadian-made steel that helps build a better tomorrow.

Noah Note: Of all the partnerships I never expected to see, this is certainly one of them. Holy… Talk about a surprise to Jumpstart the brain a bit. Of course I guess I shouldn't be too surprised.

Roshel has been trying hard to build themselves not just a domestic source of balllistic steel, but to position themselves as Canada’s premier provider of Ballistic Steel across the entire industry. Not mentioned here is their other existing partnership with Sweden's Swebor to establish a domestic ballistic steel capacity utilizing Swebors existing supply chain and IP.

Roshel of course has good reason to be looking into local sources for it's Ballistic Steel, with LUV now looking at nearly 3000 potential vehicles as part of Phase II to replace the G-Wagon. The companies already well positioned to capitalize on Canada’s lack of domestic suppliers here just based off the potential that LUV Phase II brings.

It presents an opportunity for someone like Roshel with the resources and mandate to quickly corner the market, especially with locking down a major player like Algoma with the experience, a newfound excess of capacity and a strong government backing them to push into the defence sector to help jumpstart the move.

I like everyone at Roshel. They're great, and have always treated me great. So I am very happy for them. I await more details to what this partnership, and the future roadmap for establishing a domestic line if Ballistic Steel will look like. I'm not in the Soo myself, however I have friends at Algoma, and a win for one Northern city is a win for all of us up here.

This press release was originally distributed by Soldier Systems Daily. Usually I would not repost, but I felt this significant enough to do so. Please go lend your support and views to them as well.

Prague (March 23, 2026) – Colt CZ Group SE (“Colt CZ”) hereby announces Colt Electro Optics, LLC (“Colt Optics”) has been selected to support the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle (CMAR) C25 General Service Weapon System program.

Colt Optics, a subsidiary of Colt CZ Group, is proud to have been selected to provide its custom-designed 1-6x Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO), along with its custom dual ring mounting solution, for the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle (CMAR) program. Led by the Canadian Defence Investment Agency, the program will deliver a modern replacement for the current C7/C8 assault rifle fleet, including a modernized small-arms optic.

The Colt Optics CMAR 1-6x LPVO will be produced in Canada to maximize Canadian defense readiness and industrial capability for the Canadian Armed Forces.

“Colt Optics was founded in 2024 with a focus on designing weapon optics for the ever-evolving needs of the modern warfighter and all firearm users, alike,” said Matt Van Haaren, President of Colt Optics. “Our team of engineering expertise spans decades of experience and has developed optics currently in service with many militaries around the globe. We are excited to support the CMAR program in providing this capability to the Canadian Armed Forces,” added Matt Van Haaren.

Noah Note: For those of you asking about optics you finally have some sort of answer, though likely not exactly what you desired. Colt will deliver their own bespoke optics as part of the existing CMAR framework. Despite a bit of a look around I have yet to find information regarding the product itself sadly. Rest assured though I have reached out and will report back when I have information!

Still a massive win either way compared to what we have. We’ve known for a long while now that a new LPVO would be included with the new rifles, however seeing some confirmation on things (especially when it went undiscussed at the presser) is a bit reassuring. I was a bit worried there would be a drought on this file!

ERIN, ON, Apr. 2, 2026 /CNW/ - Spartec Composites Inc. is pleased to host a delegation from Hanwha Ocean at its facility in Erin, Ontario. The visit marks a significant step in ongoing collaboration discussions regarding Hanwha Ocean's intent to explore Spartec as a key Canadian composites manufacturing partner for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). The discussions are part of a national evaluation process conducted by Hanwha Ocean to identify high-capability Canadian partners. Any future formal partnership remains subject to the Government of Canada's procurement process and the finalization of definitive agreements between the parties.

If Hanwha Ocean is awarded the CPSP submarine contract, Spartec would be positioned to support the program with its industry-leading advanced composite structures and manufacturing expertise. “We are pleased to welcome the Hanwha Ocean delegation to our facility to showcase our advanced manufacturing capabilities,” said James Countouris, President of Spartec Composites. “This visit represents a meaningful opportunity to discuss how our expertise in composites can support Hanwha Ocean’s vision for the CPSP, potentially bringing transformative growth to Spartec and Wellington County.”

The proposed collaboration holds the potential to generate an estimated 70–100 new skilled manufacturing jobs in Wellington County. This would significantly strengthen the advanced manufacturing ecosystem within the region's rural economic zone. Spartec acknowledges the continued support of Michael Chong, MP for Wellington–Halton Hills, and Wellington County officials, whose commitment has been vital to the growth of advanced manufacturing in the area.

About

Hanwha Ocean is a global shipbuilder with more than four decades of experience in complex naval and commercial programs. Established in 1973, it has delivered more than 1,400 vessels worldwide and produces approximately 45 vessels annually. Its integrated Geoje shipyard in South Korea spans approximately 5 square kilometres and employs 31,000 people, providing the industrial scale to design, build, and support programs of this scale. As a qualified supplier for Canada's CPSP, Hanwha Ocean has proposed an accelerated delivery approach and a plan to deliver long-term economic benefits through industrial participation and supply chain growth.

Spartec Composites Inc., based in Erin, Ontario, is a leading Canadian manufacturer of advanced composite structures. With one of the country's broadest ranges of composite processing technologies, Spartec has served the defense, industrial, and automotive sectors across North America for decades.

Noah Note: Not an official partnership I would like to add, however Spartec did put out a presser so I feel obliged to put it out there in fairness. Even if not official, it is still always notable to see who is being talked to and what potential area's bith sides might be exploring.

I expect we're going to see a string of announcements for partners in the next two weeks as both sides try to lock down their numbers as high as possible ahead of a possible decision, which is expected to be made (though not announced) any week now.

Royal Canadian Navy selects ALL.SPACE Hydra 4 for shore-based SATCOM evaluation at Maritime Forces Pacific facilities in Victoria, BC

Quad-link, multi-band terminal enables resilient communications across LEO, MEO, GEO, and HEO environments

Evaluation supports transition toward next-generation multi-orbit capabilities, including Hydra MAX

ALL.SPACE, a leader in multi-orbit, multi-link SATCOM solutions, announced that the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has acquired a Hydra 4 multi-band, multi-orbit mobility terminal for shore-based testing and evaluation at Maritime Forces Pacific facilities in Victoria, BC.

This supports the Navy’s next-generation SATCOM terminal program for current and future operations.

Hydra 4 is a quad-link, multi-band, multi-orbit terminal that enables simultaneous connections across Military Ka, Commercial Ka, Ku, and L-band, ensuring resilient, jam-resistant communications for maritime and shore operations in LEO, MEO, GEO, and HEO. Designed for mobility and high-performance environments, ALL.SPACE terminals leverage advanced digital beamforming and tracking technologies to maintain stable, high-speed connectivity even under challenging dynamic conditions.

The evaluation will also help guide the RCN’s direction toward Hydra MAX, ALL.SPACE’s next-generation terminal and future capability goal. Hydra MAX has demonstrated the ability to operate across multiple orbits simultaneously while on the move and offers up to 500 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth per beam (1 GHz aggregate) in Ka-band, enabling compatibility with emerging LEO constellations such as Telesat Lightspeed and Amazon LEO.

Additionally, ALL.SPACE’s recent successful on-the-move connectivity over High Elliptical Orbit (HEO) highlights its relevance for Arctic operations at high latitudes where the RCN patrols.

Paul McCarter, CEO of ALL.SPACE, states: “The RCN’s evaluation highlights the operational importance of reliable multi-orbit connectivity. With Hydra 4 available today and Hydra MAX on the roadmap, naval teams can maintain continuous, intelligent communications while on the move, from southern waters to the High North, regardless of orbit or threat.”

Testing at Maritime Forces Pacific facilities in Victoria, BC, will inform the RCN’s short-term SATCOM architecture decisions, including a potential fleet-wide deployment of Hydra MAX on platforms such as Halifax-class frigates and Harry DeWolf-class arctic offshore patrol vessels. As a leader in multi-orbit, multi-link SATCOM, ALL.SPACE continues to support defense customers globally with terminals designed to deliver resilient, high-capacity connectivity across increasingly complex operational environments.

OTTAWA, Ontario, April 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CCC is pleased to announce that it was awarded a new 5-year contract with the United States Department of Defense (U.S. DoD) for maintenance services by StandardAero. Through CCC’s contract, StandardAero will repair and/or modify 501K engine components at its facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The 501K engine is a critical power source for the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet, providing reliable propulsion and onboard power generation for a range of naval vessels. Ensuring the availability and performance of these engines is essential to maintaining fleet readiness, supporting operational tempo, and enabling the Navy to carry out missions safely and effectively.

StandardAero is recognized as a global leader in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services, delivering dependable support to military and commercial operators worldwide. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained technicians, the company provides customized solutions that help extend the operational life and performance of assets. Its capabilities span engine and airframe maintenance, component repair, system upgrades, and a broad range of specialized services tailored to meet the demanding requirements of commercial and defence customers.

Over the past twenty years, StandardAero has delivered more than $160 million in MRO services to the United States Air Force, Navy, and Army through CCC-administered contracts. The company has also supported the sustainment of Rolls Royce T56 Series III engines that power U.S. Navy and Marine Corps C130, C2, P3, and EP3 aircraft, as well as the CFM567B engines used in the Navy’s P8A Poseidon fleet.

CCC is U.S. DoD’s designated contracting authority for purchases from Canada over $350,000 USD. Through the free U.S. DoD Prime Contractor service, CCC enables Canadian businesses like StandardAero to supply the U.S. DoD with made-in-Canada solutions and facilitates U.S. DoD buying commands to procure from Canada.  

Australia’s world-leading Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) is set to play a central role in Canada’s ambitions to build the largest and most sensitive over-the-horizon radar (OTHR) system ever developed.

The collaboration will strengthen bilateral defence cooperation with Canada and could become Australia’s biggest defence export in history.

The program reflects decades of trust between the two nations and demonstrates the global recognition of Australia’s sovereign capability in high frequency radar science, engineering and operations.

During his visit to Australia, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended a Defence capability briefing where Defence and BAE Systems Australia showcased the JORN OTHR system and its high-frequency detection capabilities.

Defence has worked closely with the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) to support Canada’s planning for its Arctic OTHR program, including the development of technical and operational requirements.

As part of the partnership, the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) released a request for tender to BAE Systems Australia for the design, manufacture and commissioning of an OTHR system for potential delivery of the first stage of Canada’s Arctic OTHR capability development program.

Defence is committed to ensuring any export benefits Australia’s sovereign JORN capability, sustaining its position as a global leader in OTHR technology and improving economies of scale for maintenance and upgrades.

“Defence welcomes the mutual advantages that will flow from further development of the JORN technology through collaborative research and development. It serves to strengthen our domestic sovereign defence industry through engagement among Defence, BAE Systems Australia and Canadian and Australian industry partners,” Head of Air Defence and Space Systems Division Air Vice‑Marshal Martin Nussio said.

BAE Systems Australia, the nation’s largest defence contractor, is currently delivering a major midlife upgrade to JORN under Project AIR2025 Phase 6.

Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro noted that the technology underpinning these developments is based on decades of research by Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and innovation by Australian industry. She said BAE Systems Australia has played a critical role in supporting the development of JORN over many years.

“These world-leading upgrades, together with new critical technological development, will provide the capability required for the Canadian Arctic OTHR,” Professor Monro said.

BAE Systems Australia was initially contracted to assist with the development of OTHR technology at the original Jindalee Facility in Alice Springs, which formed the baseline for the JORN specification. BAE continues to play a key role, developing technology for the Phase 5 upgrade to JORN and more recently winning the competitive tender to lead the Phase 6 midlife upgrade project and provide sustainment support to the JORN capability system. BAE continues to deliver enhancements and sustainment for JORN.

Defence worked with Canada in August 2025 to establish requirements for the Arctic OTHR mission system, which will be substantially larger than a JORN radar site.

DSTG is collaborating with BAE Systems Australia and Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) to leverage decades of Australian expertise with Canada’s experience operating high frequency radars in the Arctic.