The Canadian Army today announced the completion of it's first ever FPV Training Course. Leading up to the scaling of Class I UAS under the Minerva Initiative, the Canadian Army has launched the Full Manual Uncrewed Aerial System (FMUAS) Operator Course to ensure troops are Drone-Ready. The Army released the following statement and Images in commemoration of this achievement:

TORONTO, July 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Volatus Aerospace Inc. (“Volatus” or the “Company”) (TSX: FLT) (OTCQX: TAKOF) (Frankfurt: ABB), a Canadian-headquartered global aerospace and defence company, is pleased to announce its participation in the Maritime & Arctic Security & Safety (MASS) Conference 2026, taking place July 13–16 at the St. John’s Convention Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Presented by Saab Canada, MASS 2026 brings together industry leaders, northern representatives, government stakeholders and international partners to showcase the technologies and collaborations advancing Canada's security and sovereignty in maritime and Arctic environments.

Volatus will highlight its integrated, multi-domain portfolio, including autonomous systems, counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (C-UAS), SKYDRA, its proprietary C-UAS planning and readiness software, aerial intelligence, mission support, training, and advanced aerospace capabilities supporting defence, security, public safety, critical infrastructure protection, and industrial operations.

"Canada's Arctic and maritime regions present unique operational challenges that require innovative, resilient and multi-domain solutions," said Glen Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of Volatus. "MASS brings together the organizations and leaders shaping the future of Canada's security and sovereignty. We look forward to showcasing how Volatus combines aviation expertise, autonomy and intelligence to help customers operate effectively in some of the world's most demanding environments."

Participation in MASS 2026 reflects Volatus' continued commitment to supporting Canadian sovereignty through innovation, operational excellence and strategic partnerships that strengthen national resilience and readiness.

As demand grows for persistent intelligence, autonomous systems and mission-critical capabilities in northern and maritime environments, Volatus remains focused on delivering operationally proven, mission-ready solutions that help customers meet today's operational requirements while preparing for tomorrow's challenges.

Visitors are invited to meet the Volatus team at Booth 3 throughout the conference to learn more about the Company's capabilities, current initiatives, strategic partnerships and vision for the future of aerospace and defence.

About Volatus Aerospace Inc.

Volatus Aerospace is a Canadian-controlled global aerospace and defence company delivering integrated uncrewed systems, aerial intelligence, and mission-critical operational services. The Company provides unmanned aerial systems, aerial intelligence services, autonomy software, and advanced training solutions supporting civil infrastructure, public safety, and defence markets.

Arcfield Canada congratulates ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) on selection as the preferred bidder for Canada's Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). This significant milestone represents an important step forward in modernizing Canada's submarine capability and strengthening the nation's long-term maritime defence and security.

This milestone marks the beginning of a transformational capability for the Royal Canadian Navy and represents a significant investment in Canada's long-term defence, security, and sovereign maritime capability. As the program advances toward contract award and fleet delivery, the focus will increasingly shift toward ensuring the submarines remain operationally ready throughout their service life.

As a leading provider of sovereign sustainment and mission-support services to Canada's defence enterprise, Arcfield Canada looks forward to continued discussions with TKMS to deliver a proven, low-risk, and integrated sustainment solution that ensures long-term operational readiness and aligns with Canada's defence and economic priorities.

The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project represents a generational opportunity to build not only a new fleet, but also a lasting sovereign sustainment capability that will support Canada's national security while creating high-value jobs, advancing technical expertise, and strengthening Canada's defence capacity for decades to come.

To learn more about our Arcfield Canada’s capabilities visit www.arcfield.ca

OTTAWA, Canada, July 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CCC is pleased to announce it has been awarded a contract by the United States Department of War (U.S. DoW) to deliver replacement components for a Rheinmetall Canada’s MSU-200NAV, which is used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps to start aircraft engines while on the ground.

Through CCC’s contract, Rheinmetall Canada will provide the Naval Air Warfare Center with replacements for two key components of the MSU-200NAV – the starter, which initiates the turbine operation, and the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), which manages the turbine performance, sequencing, and safety.

Rheinmetall Canada is a long‑standing Canadian leader in aerospace ground support technologies, with deep engineering expertise and a proven track record of providing advanced, dependable solutions to U.S. and allied defence customers. Based in Ottawa, the company has supported the development, modernization, and sustainment of the MSU‑200NAV for more than two decades, ensuring this critical capability continues to meet the demanding aircraft ground support requirements of their international customers.

CCC is the designated contracting authority for purchases by the U.S. DOW from Canada worth USD $350,000 or more. Through its free U.S. DoD Prime Contractor service, CCC enables companies like Rheinmetall Canada to deliver made-in-Canada solutions to the U.S. DOW.

To learn more, contact the CCC team.

Canadore College has been awarded a contract to deliver a three-week Aircraft Maintenance training program for Royal Canadian Air Cadets this summer, renewing a valued relationship that has helped introduce young Canadians to careers in skilled-trades relating to aviation for more than a decade.

Beginning July 13, 2026, the program will welcome 20 Air Cadets from across the country to Canadore's Aviation Campus in North Bay, where participants will receive hands-on training and exposure to the aircraft maintenance industry. As a designated Military Connected College, Canadore is committed to supporting members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans, military families, and youth programs that help develop future leaders and skilled professionals.

The program is being delivered in collaboration with the Canadian Cadet Organizations and builds on Canadore's long history of supporting cadet training programs and aviation education in Northern Ontario.

"We are thrilled to welcome cadets back to Canadore College this summer," said Deidre Bannerman, Dean of the Centre of Academic Excellence and Lifelong Learning. "This program reflects the best of what post-secondary institutions and the Canadian Armed Forces can accomplish together - giving young Canadians meaningful, career-relevant aviation experience in a supportive and inspiring environment."

Throughout the three-week program, cadets will participate in educational and practical learning activities focused on aviation theory, aircraft structures and systems, standard maintenance practices, inspections, servicing procedures, and skilled trades associated with the aviation sector. The program will exposure cadets to career pathways in aviation, including opportunities in technical trades, apprenticeship programs, and related workforce development fields, while providing an aviation experience in a supportive and inspiring environment.

"Canadore's Aviation Campus is built around experiential learning, and this program gives cadets a firsthand look at what a career in aviation can offer," said Lianne Girard, Chair, Aviation and Aerospace Technology at Canadore College. "We're excited to share our facilities, expertise, and passion for the industry with the next generation of aviation professionals."

The initiative provides cadets with an opportunity to gain technical knowledge and skills while exploring potential career pathways within Canada's growing aviation industry.

"Being selected for this training is an amazing chance to be involved in a new program," said Flight Sergeant Thomas Graham, an Air Cadet from 299 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron located in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. "I am really excited to get hands-on experience working on aircraft that I can share with the junior cadets at my home unit inside and outside the classroom."

Canadore College's Aviation Campus is home to one of Canada's leading aviation training centres, offering programs in aircraft maintenance, avionics, aviation technology, and related fields

Noah Note: Fantastic news! Such a wonderful program, and a wonderful opportunity to the Cadets who will participate. You love to see it.

July 8, 2026 – Ankara, Türkiye – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, concluded a successful visit to Türkiye, where he accompanied Prime Minister Mark Carney to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Leaders Summit.

At this year’s Summit, the Minister reaffirmed Canada’s strong commitment to NATO, collective defence, and transatlantic security at a time of heightened global instability. Discussions with Allies focused on strengthening deterrence and defence, increasing readiness, and remaining prepared to respond to evolving threats.

The Minister participated in high-level Summit sessions and held bilateral meetings to advance Canada’s defence priorities, including strengthening cooperation with Allies, reinforcing NATO’s eastern and northern flanks, and enhancing maritime security.

During a bilateral meeting with Türkiye’s Minister of National Defence, Yaşar Güler, the Ministers signed a Statement of Intent to enhance bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries. This agreement establishes a framework to expand collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including military-to-military dialogue, operational support, and the potential development of a defence industrial cooperation agreement, contributing to the security of the Alliance.

In discussions with France’s Minister of the Armed Forces, Catherine Vautrin, Minister McGuinty signed an Arrangement technique pour le Conseil franco-canadien de coopération en matière de défense. This arrangement builds on the Canada-France Security and Defence Partnership (2024) and the Feuille de route (2026). This renewed cooperative framework will maintain momentum on enhanced dialogue, interoperability, science and technology collaboration, military cooperation, and capability development.

The Minister also announced that Iceland will join the Maritime Security Partnership, an initiative that brings together Canada, Denmark, Germany, Norway to strengthen maritime domain awareness, improve information sharing, and enhance coordination across the North Atlantic. The membership expansion underscores Canada’s role in promoting stability and security in northern and transatlantic waters.

Canada has joined Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom in reinforcing their commitment to greater maritime burden sharing for deterrence and defence in the North Atlantic, Baltic Sea, and Arctic Ocean. In response to the increasingly challenging security environment and the long-term threat posed by Russia, Allies will expand modern maritime capabilities, enhance training and operations, strengthen command-and-control and situational awareness, and reinforce NATO unity and collective security.

Canada continues to play a leadership role within NATO and remains committed to working closely with Allies and partners to uphold international peace and security, defend shared values, and address emerging threats. Through Operation REASSURANCE, Canada maintains its largest sustained military presence in Europe in more than 30 years, demonstrating its enduring commitment to NATO’s deterrence and defence posture on the Alliance’s Eastern Flank. As the Framework Nation for NATO’s Forward Land Forces in Latvia, and now the third Framework Nation of Multinational Division North (MND-N), Canada is taking on greater responsibility to reinforce NATO’s Eastern Flank, strengthen collective defence, and contribute to security and stability across the Euro-Atlantic region.

As an Arctic nation and founding member of NATO, Canada is also working with Allies to strengthen awareness, deterrence, and defence in the Arctic, while contributing to continental defence. Throughout the year, Canadian Armed Forces operations in the Arctic and the North are conducted in coordination with NATO activities, including enhanced Vigilance Activity ARCTIC SENTRY, in support of Canada’s role in continental defence. Together, these efforts reinforce Canada’s sovereignty and security interests and support stability across the region.

Quotes

Quick facts

• NATO is a cornerstone of Canada’s international security policy. Canada steadfastly supports NATO’s principle of collective defence by providing direct support to NATO missions and operations.

• Canada remains committed to maintaining and strengthening the transatlantic bond – the security of North America and Europe are interconnected.

• Canada’s Maritime Security Partnership is a framework for practical cooperation with Allies on shared maritime security priorities, including information-sharing, coordination, and operations in areas such as the North Atlantic and the Arctic.

• Through Operation REASSURANCE, Canada maintains its largest sustained military presence in Europe in more than 30 years, demonstrating its commitment to NATO’s deterrence and defence posture.

July 8, 2026 – Ankara, Türkiye – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

We, the Minister of National Defence of Canada, the Minister of Defence of Denmark, and the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Latvia, recognize our common interest in maintaining credible deterrence along NATO’s Eastern Flank and our shared resolve to defend every inch of Allied territory.

In response to Russia’s brutal and illegal war against Ukraine, NATO Allies agreed at the 2022 Madrid Summit to scale up NATO’s forces along its Eastern Flank, leading to a more robust, ready and a warfighting capable posture. The role of NATO’s Multinational Division North in maintaining and strengthening this posture has become increasingly important as Russia continues to pose a threat to NATO Allies.

We jointly announce that Canada is joining Denmark and Latvia as the third Framework Nation for Multinational Division North. The addition of Canada will bolster the Division’s ability to provide essential command-and-control and support to NATO forces in Latvia. This will naturally complement Canada's continuing role as Framework Nation for and contributions to Multinational Brigade Latvia, which reports to Multinational Division North in the NATO chain of command. Canada, Denmark, Latvia, and the Allies contributing to Multinational Division North remain steadfast in standing up to aggression that threatens our individual and collective security.

Top Aces Inc. (“Top Aces”), the global leader in advanced operational air combat training, today announced the completion of its acquisition of Select Global International (“SGI”), a Canadian defence company specializing in simulator-based fighter pilot instruction for the Royal Canadian Air Force (“RCAF”).

The transaction, which was first announced on June 11, 2026, brings together SGI’s high-fidelity synthetic training expertise with Top Aces’ more than 20 years of advanced live-fly operational training. The combined expertise ideally positions Top Aces to support the RCAF’s transition to a fifth-generation fighter capability, advancing the objectives of Canada’s Operational Training Infrastructure Enterprise Modernization (OTIEM).

About Top Aces

Founded in 2000 by former RCAF CF-18 pilots, Top Aces delivers advanced, live-fly combat training to the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as NATO and allied forces worldwide. With an industry leading safety record of more than 150,000 accident free flight hours, Top Aces operates the world’s largest fleet of commercially owned tactical fighter aircraft, including the only privately operated F-16s. Built on an uncompromising commitment to safety, credibility, and operational realism, Top Aces provides mission critical training informed by real world experience – preparing allied forces to operate against advanced, near peer threats in an increasingly complex and contested environment. Experience Matters.

Learn more at www.topaces.com.

About Select Global International

Select Global International is a Canadian defence company specializing in simulator-based fighter pilot instruction and synthetic training solutions in support of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Founded in 2013, SGI is staffed by veteran CF-18 instructor pilots with extensive operational and leadership experience.

ST. CATHARINES — Today, Premier Doug Ford was in St. Catharines to announce that the Ontario government is investing over $90 million through the Ontario Shipbuilding Grant Program (OSGP) to increase capacity in the province’s shipbuilding industry as part of its plan to protect Ontario. The investment will help meet the growing demand for Ontario-made vessels, help Ontario shipbuilders support Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and boost the economic competitiveness of Ontario’s shipbuilding and its supply chain while creating thousands of good-paying jobs across the marine sector. The investment is part of Ontario’s ongoing work to support national security and defence, as outlined in the framework for the Ontario Defence Industrial Strategy.

“As Canada and our allies work together, making record investments in defence and global security, Ontario is ready to build the ships that will protect our country and keep our economy moving,” said Premier Ford. “Today’s investment will increase the resilience of Ontario’s marine industry, support thousands of good-paying jobs across Ontario and give businesses more ways to get their products to market.”

Through the OSGP, the province is investing $11 million into Ontario Shipyards, with operations across the Great Lakes; over $8 million into Allied Marine and Industrial in Port Colborne; more than $6 million into MetalCraft Marine Inc. in Kingston and $1.1 million into Connor Industries in Parry Sound. The funding will be used for skills training, infrastructure improvements and new machinery and equipment, helping to position Ontario as a global leader in the “blue economy” and marine trade. The province will also expand the OSGP to provide up to $64 million in future funding

“The marine sector is a vital driver of Ontario’s economy, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to the province’s GDP each year,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Our government is making historic investments in Ontario’s shipbuilding industry to ensure the sector’s long-term prosperity and generate good-paying jobs that drive economic growth for years to come.”

The OSGP will help Ontario-based shipbuilders increase Canada’s capacity under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, a long-term project to renew the country’s fleet of combat and non-combat vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada. As part of the broader federal Defence Industrial Strategy, Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy focuses on three pillars: construction of large vessels, construction of small vessels, and vessel repair, refit and maintenance. Supporting this work will complement Ontario’s Defence Industrial Strategy by ensuring the province’s shipbuilders capitalize on increased federal defence spending, which could reach $150 billion annually by 2035 and generate lasting economic benefits for Ontario workers.

“As Canada and our allies make record investments in defence and security, Ontario stands ready to seize this generational opportunity for workers and businesses,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through continued investment in the Ontario Shipbuilding Grant Program, we are delivering on the mandate set forth in the Ontario Defence Industrial Strategy framework, while equipping shipbuilders across the province to design, develop and deploy the marine technologies our supply chains need.”

Ontario launched the OSGP in 2025 to ensure the province’s shipbuilding sector has the skills, resources, infrastructure and workers to contribute to Canada’s maritime security and shipbuilding future. The expanded OSGP supports Ontario’s participation in Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy by leveraging Ontario’s shipbuilding capacity to meet future demand.

Quick Facts

• Last year, Ontario announced $215 million in funding to support the province’s shipbuilding industry and broader marine sector.

• The second application intake for the OSGP is expected to launch in late summer 2026.

• The GDP of the Great Lakes region is approximately $7.5 trillion. If it were a country, this would make it the third-largest economy in the world.

• Ontario is home to four of five Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River, which includes 10,500 kilometres of shoreline. We share these waterways with our most important trading partner, the United States.

Quotes

Noah Note: This money has been on the table too long. I am happy for everyone who has received some, and who are looking at a bit of relief in the current climate, but this funding has sat forever. It has been in play to much. It should have been out there a long time ago.

I am supportive of targetted investment in critical, strategic industries like Shipbuilding, but that funding needs to be stable, flexible and not justnreactive in nature. It feels they wanted that, but it also stretched out the timelines.

I am happy to see Ontario here. Ontario Shipyards got hit hard with the Hanwha loss. They had a lot of gope for their partnership and investment. That is gone now with CPSP, which is sadly just nature of competition's like this. Someone loses, and that means that the partmers lose. It would happen no matter which side won.

That doesn't mean I can't frown a bit at it. No idea if this also stops their FASST-V partnership, hopefully not.

July 8, 2026 (Kongsberg, Norway / Ottawa, Canada) - KONGSBERG, Kongsberg Maritime, and BCIT are pleased to announce a significant investment that will establish the Marine Innovation Simulation Centre of Excellence (MISE) in British Columbia. The initiative is designed to strengthen maritime innovation and skills development, support ongoing research and development, while building on key objectives outlined in Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.

The partnership and subsequent investment are enabled through the Industrial Technological Benefits (ITB) policy, and in support of KONGSBERG programs in Canada. This investment will directly support improved facility infrastructure, onboarding of applied research and faculty expertise, and ongoing research and long-term capability development.

Through the partnership, BCIT’s new Simulation Center will be built around the Kongsberg Maritime simulation technology, providing a synthetic environment, development tools, and APIs to support collaborative applied research with Canadian industry, academia, defence, and public-sector stakeholders. It will serve as a platform for prototyping, human factor studies, testing, and accident and incident analysis including de-risking new concepts in areas such as maritime safety, autonomy, cyber resilience, critical infrastructure, port development, and low- and zero-emission operations. The hub will also help accelerate commercialization opportunities and support the development of sovereign Canadian capability in a strategically important sector.

“We are very pleased to demonstrate our continued commitment to Canada through this partnership,” said Jordan Freed, President and Managing Director at Kongsberg Geospatial, KONGSBERG’s Ottawa-based subsidiary. “Sovereign digital systems are a key capability outlined in Canada’s defence industrial strategy. Our company is pleased to play a role in building out key defence capabilities, based on KONGSBERG and Norway’s long history of maritime domain research and infrastructure.”

The partners will implement a strategic long-term capability to support sustainable and future-oriented maritime development. The technology partners will deliver the core systems, simulation environment, and technical expertise required to enable high realism, scalability, and innovation across the project’s solutions.

“Together with BCIT, we are establishing a long-term innovation and research hub for Canada’s maritime sector—one that can support safer operations, faster competence development and the testing of new concepts before they are deployed in the real world," said Are Føllesdal Tjønn, Managing Director, Maritime Simulation at Kongsberg Maritime. "By combining advanced simulation with collaborative R&D, MISE will empower Canadian maritime capability and support future sustainable growth."

To expand access and increase training capacity, the partnership will provide licenses for cloud-based simulation systems, enabling BCIT to extend learning beyond the campus—supporting flexible delivery, additional practice hours, and remote and distributed training models for its students, while also helping increase access to maritime education and skills development opportunities for Indigenous communities.

“The Marine Innovation Simulation Centre of Excellence speaks to the power of collaboration and partnership. This innovative project will enable the creation of new education and training programs, support small and medium-sized businesses to commercialize new products, and create the most advanced marine education research environment in Canada,” said Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, President of BCIT. “This unique partnership combines workforce development, applied research, and industry collaboration in one environment.”

“MISE reflects BCIT’s commitment to preparing the next generation of talent for Canada’s evolving marine sector,” said Jennifer Figner, Provost and Vice President, Academic, BCIT. “By expanding access to advanced maritime training and immersive learning opportunities, MISE will equip learners with the skills, experience, and industry connections needed to succeed in a rapidly changing sector. It will strengthen BCIT’s ability to deliver responsive, future-focused education that meets the needs of employers and communities across Canada.”

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, said: “Kongsberg's investment in the Marine Innovation Simulation Centre of Excellence in British Columbia, made through Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, is a significant step forward for Canada's maritime sector. As the first national hub for maritime simulation and applied research, the centre will help address the shortage of certified mariners and drive innovation. It will also support Canadian small and medium-sized businesses in developing new products and bringing them to market, while strengthening Canada’s defence industrial base. It directly addresses a skills shortage that both commercial and DND operators have identified, in advance of the new fleets being delivered."

BCIT’s strong academic capability, applied research expertise, and educational leadership is central to the implementation and development of the project. Together, the partners expect the initiative to generate significant socio-economic value through workforce development, stronger industry–academia collaboration, innovation opportunities for Canadian small and medium-sized businesses, and broader knowledge transfer across the maritime sector. The project is also expected to support regional economic activity, strengthen sovereign industrial capability, and create long-term benefits for training, research, and commercialization in Canada.

Note: Kongsberg Gruppen ASA and Kongsberg Maritime AS are now two separately listed companies following the demerger of Kongsberg Gruppen. Kongsberg Maritime was listed as an independent global maritime technology company on Euronext Oslo Børs on 23 April 2026.

Noah Note: NOT specifically CPSP-related, but good timing and Kongsberg has put simulators and simulation technology as a major area of collaboration that they wish to explore in Canada as a consequence of CPSP. I expect we will see more in the coming weeks, as CPSP details are more ironed out amd more MOU are signed. The process does not stop at announcements!

I also expect we'll see a lot on Autonomous and Unmanned. Recreating something like the Oslofjord Critical Maritime Infrastructure Protection Test Bed in Canada has been in the CPSP pitch for a while, one of the few things we actually know of interest from Kongsberg.

Oslofjord is a live maritime zone that allows partners and authorities a space where they can run scenarios, simulate responses, and train against real-time data from radars, satellites, and underwater sensors.

It fuses subsea autonomy, surface and space-based surveillance, traffic monitoring, and analytics into a single decision-support architecture, with Kongsbergs HUGIN AUVs carrying much of the load underwater.

It is a post-Nord Stream effort to build the critical testing and simulation infrastructure needed to test Autonomous systems and operating in the Undersea enviornment. It is a NATO-unique facility that has garnered a lot of interest from people around industry, and I'm sure the CAF and Federal Government who would love a domestic facility for this kind of trialing.

While I can't say what the plan fully looks like, and what Kongsberg might be thinking. It could be different in ways, who knows, I do think it is something to keep an eye out for. It is one of their bigger, confirmed promises that I imagine will be at the top of the list to highlight.

Nova Scotia’s universities have taken a significant step toward improving access to higher education for military members, veterans, reservists and their families through a landmark agreement signed Wednesday, June 24 in Halifax at the University of King’s College.

In late June, the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents (CONSUP) and the Canadian Military, Veteran and Family Connected Campus Consortium (CMVF3C) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) establishing a province-wide framework to better support military-connected learners across Nova Scotia’s 10 public universities. The agreement is the first of its kind in Canada and reflects a shared commitment to expanding post-secondary opportunities for Canada’s military community.

Dalhousie President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kim Brooks joined fellow university presidents from across the province at the event and signed the agreement on behalf of Dalhousie.

Removing barriers for military-connected learners

Nova Scotia is home to more than 13,000 military personnel and 1,600 reservists, with those numbers expected to grow in the coming years as the province’s role as a national centre for defence, security and innovation continues to expand. Military service often involves frequent relocations, career transitions and periods of deployment that can make pursuing higher education challenging. The MOU establishes a coordinated approach across Nova Scotia’s universities to help remove barriers and create more seamless pathways for military-connected learners.

Rear Admiral Josée Kurtz, commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic, welcomed the agreement. “This memorandum, this consortium, is part of the potential that is yet to be explored, and I can’t wait to see where it goes,” he said. “To all of you leaders in your respective environments, a big ‘thank you’ on behalf of all our people in the Canadian Armed Forces.”

Under the agreement, CONSUP members will:

• Recognize skills, training and qualifications acquired through military service to support academic pathways;

• Assist military members and families who transfer between institutions because of postings or relocation; and

• Strengthen campus-based supports and services that contribute to student success and well-being.

Dr. Andy Hakin, chair of CONSUP and president of St. Francis Xavier University, said the agreement builds on a long tradition of welcoming military learners while creating new opportunities for collaboration among institutions.

“We are delighted to enter into an MOU with CMVF3C,” said Dr. Hakin. “Nova Scotia universities have a long history of welcoming military personnel and their families. This MOU brings our 10 universities together to move quickly to support the expansion of military learners, and to share best practices, to learn from one another, and to offer a welcoming and high-quality university experience regardless of the chosen university.”

Building on a national movement

The agreement builds upon the growing Military and Veteran Friendly Campus movement across Canada. The CMVF3C network emerged from efforts led by the University of Alberta to create more welcoming and effective pathways for military-connected students. The consortium now works with post-secondary institutions, the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans Affairs Canada and a range of community partners to improve coordination and support student success.

Dr. Suzette Brémault-Phillips, chair of the CMVF3C and a professor in the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, described the agreement as an important example of provincial leadership.

“Nova Scotia is leading the way with a first-of-its-kind provincial commitment to military-connected learners. We hope today’s agreement inspires other provinces and territories to build similar partnerships and create a network of support for military members, veterans and their families across Canada.”

There is already interest from other Atlantic universities in pursuing similar agreements in their respective provinces.

What’s next

Over the coming months, Nova Scotia’s universities will hope to build on the MOU by exploring further opportunities for collaboration to support veterans. By working together, Nova Scotia’s universities hope to make it easier for military members, veterans and their families to pursue their educational goals, while contributing to the province’s broader strengths in defence, security, research and innovation.

The agreement also builds on existing Dalhousie supports for military-connected students, including a long-standing partnership between the Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development and the Naval Fleet School Atlantic at Stadacona Base in Halifax. This program provides specialized, in-person instruction to meet the training needs of Canadian Navy recruits and active personnel, with courses spanning areas such as engineering, electrical theory, control systems, technical communication, project management and learning strategies.

The Faculty also offers flexible professional development, pathway programming, recognition of prior learning and microcredentials that can help learners build on previous training and experience as they pursue further education or career advancement.

“This type of partnership reflects our civic mission in action,” says Jennifer Hann, Dean (Acting) of the Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development. “It’s highly specialized, mission-driven education that’s responsive to public and national interests. It’s one way we are helping extend Dalhousie’s reach beyond Nova Scotia and into national and international contexts.”

Noah Note: What a wonderful partnership. I comemnd everyone who has worked to get this across. I always love seeing initiatives like this taking place, especially when it.comws to education. We have such a wonderful educational ecosystem ripe for exploit when it comes to supporting our National Defence, and opening doors to further mobility and collaborative expansion is always welcome.

OTTAWA, CANADA – July 8, 2026 – Telesat LEO ULC, a subsidiary of Telesat Corporation (Nasdaq and TSX: TSAT), one of the world’s largest and most innovative satellite operators, today announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with Canada’s Defence Investment Agency for Telesat Lightspeed services to deliver secure Military Ka-band (Mil-Ka) Arctic connectivity to the Canadian Armed Forces for the Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar (ESCP-P) program.

This agreement builds on the Strategic Partnership Agreement announced in late 2025 between the Defence Investment Agency, Telesat, and MDA Space for the ESCP-P program and reflects Canada’s strategy to leverage commercial expertise and innovations to accelerate delivery of critical sovereign capabilities. Telesat expects to deliver a comprehensive solution to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), including secure, Mil-Ka connectivity across Canada’s Arctic region, spanning 65 degrees to 90 degrees North latitude. The program will also include end-to-end network integration services, including user terminals, ground and control infrastructure, training, and support services.

“We commend the Canadian Armed Forces, the Defence Investment Agency, and the Government of Canada for their forward-looking approach to securing critical military communications capabilities,” said Dan Goldberg, Telesat’s President and CEO. “By leveraging commercial innovation and investments, Canada will accelerate access to secure, advanced, resilient and sovereign connectivity while driving meaningful cost efficiencies in program delivery. Telesat Lightspeed will help strengthen the CAF’s ability to maintain persistent communications, operational awareness and mission success across the strategically vital Arctic domain.”

The above agreement is subject to the execution of a definitive contract by the parties, which Telesat expects to be completed in the coming weeks. Following execution, Telesat intends to share more detailed information about the expected financial impact of this agreement. This agreement, as well as the anticipated definitive contract, will not impact the timing of Telesat Lightspeed global service delivery, which remains on track for Q1 2028.

Noah Note: A huge congrats to Telesat here. I kinda expected this to be the pathway, if only to lock in to the Lightspeed network fully ahead of the SATCOM Sisters coming online in the early 2030s (hopefully). Once they seperated out the Military Ka-Band I kinda had it in my head, especially with the timelines at present.

Anywho, great job either way!

"Canada and the United Kingdom recognise the shared challenge facing like-minded partners in scaling defence industrial capacity, strengthening resilience, and supporting deterrence and defence.

We welcome the growing interest among allies and partners in developing multilateral approaches to defence financing and procurement, including our ongoing initiatives.

These initiatives have the potential to support investment in defence industrial capacity, improve coordination across allies, and enhance the availability and interoperability of capabilities. They can operate in parallel to support collective defence and security.

The efforts of the countries supporting the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank and the Multilateral Defence Mechanism have a high degree of complementarity, and, taken together can serve to improve defence investment throughout the supply chain.

Canada and the UK will continue to engage closely to ensure our respective initiatives develop in a coherent and mutually supportive way. Where it is possible within their agreed mandates, we will seek opportunities to cooperate closely and ensure complementarity. We encourage like-minded partners to engage in these discussions."

Noah Note: This has been in the minor rumor mill the last few days. We talked a bit about MDM last week as a competitor to the DSRB. I should note that competition doesn't come from them being similar. In fact, both are more complementary to each other at furst glance. The DSRB is a bank, a financial instrument to utilize.

By comparison the MDM is a procurement vehicle. It is there to facilitate the rapid and joint procurement of common equipment. The includes through Direct grant funding and pooled buying, but explicitly removes itself from long-term financing as the DSRB would, same to supporting Industry.

Deapite those differences though, the two are competitors. Capital is always going to be a limiting factor, and the DSRB asks for a fairly hefty commitment out the gate. There is also a bit of an open debate to be had on eaither side about the value of the other. Certainly, certain UK officials have used MDM as an idealized model that they believe fits better than DSRB.

Funniest timeline is basically recreating SAFE through aligning both instruments. Sone people are talking about a merger, but I dont see that. These are two seperate, distinct things. They have different frameworks, goals, and setups. Perhaps there could be some sort of reciprocal membership down the line? Where members have an option to easily participate in both?

Either way its good to get soke alignment, especially if it means getting the UK involved. Belgium involvement in the DSRB, I hope, at least helps nudge the Netherlands into the conversation again after they gave a pretty cold response before. Getting all three into the DSRB would be a fsirly big boost to the walking start we have now.

Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, on the margins of the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, Türkiye.

Prime Minister Carney congratulated Prime Minister Frederiksen on the formation of the new government in Denmark. The prime ministers reaffirmed the strong partnership between Canada and Denmark and discussed opportunities to increase cooperation on trade, defence, Arctic security, energy, and critical minerals. With bilateral trade having doubled over the past 10 years, the leaders agreed there is significant potential to expand partnerships between Canadian and Danish industries and businesses.

To deepen transatlantic cooperation and further contribute to NATO’s collective defence, the Prime Minister confirmed that Canada will join Latvia and Denmark as the third Framework Nation for NATO’s Multinational Division North (MND-N). As a high-readiness command, MND-N is entrusted with critical responsibilities to protect the northern Baltic Sea region. This includes planning and coordinating military operations, information sharing, and exercises. As a Framework Nation, the Canadian Armed Forces will take a leadership role in these efforts to defend NATO’s Eastern Flank.

Prime Minister Carney underscored Canada’s efforts to establish the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank to provide multi-year, low-cost financing for defence, security, and resilience initiatives.

The leaders reaffirmed their enduring support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. They agreed to maintain pressure on Russia to negotiate in order to achieve a just and lasting peace.

Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Frederiksen agreed to remain in close contact.

Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, on the margins of the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, Türkiye.

Prime Minister Carney reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to transatlantic security and NATO’s collective defence. The Prime Minister thanked President Rinkēvičs for Latvia’s continued hosting of Canadian Armed Forces personnel deployed under Operation REASSURANCE – Canada’s largest overseas mission.

To deepen these ties and reinforce transatlantic security, the Prime Minister announced Canada’s extension of Operation REASSURANCE until 2031, with an increase of persistently deployed personnel up to 2,600. Operation REASSURANCE is a critical NATO mission that helps deter Russian aggression on NATO’s Eastern Flank and fortifies our shared defence.

The Prime Minister also confirmed that Canada will join Latvia and Denmark as the third Framework Nation for NATO’s Multinational Division North and looked forward to deepening cooperation with both partners to reinforce defence and security along NATO’s Eastern Flank.

The Prime Minister and the President discussed strengthening the bilateral partnership, including through increased trade, investment, and defence industrial cooperation. Prime Minister Carney emphasised Canada’s membership in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, unlocking defence procurement opportunities. The leaders discussed the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank and its potential to strengthen Allied defence industrial production. Prime Minister Carney welcomed Latvia’s support for the initiative and discussed opportunities to encourage broader participation.

The Prime Minister and the President reaffirmed their steadfast support for Ukraine and underscored the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia, including through sanctions, while advancing efforts toward a just and lasting peace. They also exchanged views on regional security challenges, including hybrid threats.

Prime Minister Carney and President Rinkēvičs agreed to remain in close contact.

Noah Note: As I said before, dedication goes a long way, and sexuring our position out past 2030 is a major show of support to our allies and goes a long way to show seriousness in commiting to our stance as as Eastern Front partner.

Same goes for joining up as a Framework Nation for NATO's Multinational Division North (MND-N), a major commitment that turns Canada from a local leader in Latvia into an Operation leader that stretches across the Baltic states. In the inmediate little changes, but taking on that leadership role does open up for further, deeper Canadian commitments to the alliance and Baltic Front at a time where Canada’s Army is about to undertake its most significant shift in doctrine woth the Army Warfighting Concept dropping this Fall.

Also important to note that Latvia is the one Baltic to jump quick on the DSRB. Im interested to see what that might lead to.

In a more dangerous and divided world, Canada must be prepared to defend ourselves and our Allies. As the threats to North America evolve, Canada is focused on taking full responsibility for the security of our Arctic. Over the past year, Canada has undertaken a generational transformation of our defence posture through historic investments, major reforms, and stronger partnerships with our Allies. As a result, Canada is a stronger, more capable member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) with greater ability to lead and advance the Alliance’s mission of collective security.

Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, concluded his participation at the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, Türkiye. At the Summit, Canada and our Allies signed a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to NATO and to transatlantic security. Canada is on a clear path to meet NATO’s target of investing 5% of GDP in defence by 2035. We are moving fast, making ambitious and strategic defence investments, including in a new submarine fleet, the world’s second-largest fleet of icebreakers, and new aircraft, missiles, and cyber defences.

To strengthen collective defence and security, Prime Minister Carney announced a series of new investments and initiatives to build up domestic and Allied defence industrial capacity, reinforce deterrence along NATO’s Eastern Flank, support Ukraine, and mobilise private capital in support of shared security priorities.

In Türkiye, the Prime Minister underlined new defence partnerships and contracts that will catalyse growth in the private sector, including:

• An agreement-in-principle with Telesat for ESCP-P to utilise Telesat Lightspeed to provide sovereign, reliable, and continuous military satellite communications in the Arctic – expected to result in a multi-billion-dollar investment in Canada’s defence sector.

• An approximately $800 million contract with Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace to procure Joint Strike Missiles, a type of long-range missile, which will be integrated into future fighter aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force.

• An updated procurement strategy for the Light Utility Vehicle project to immediately limit the tender to two Canadian defence industry suppliers to deliver 1,600 to 2,100 vehicles and 400 to 500 light utility trailers for the militarised portion of the Canadian Armed Forces’ fleet.

  To further reinforce the Alliance’s capabilities, grow the transatlantic industrial base, and support cutting-edge innovative defence and dual-use companies, Prime Minister Carney announced that:

• Canada has agreed to open technical negotiations to join the NATO Innovation Sub-Fund. This aims to develop emerging and advanced technologies that are important for NATO’s defence and security, while giving Canadian innovators opportunities to access capital, strategic networks, and transatlantic markets.

• Canada will host the 2027 NATO Industry Forum to strengthen cooperation between Allies and industry to advance defence innovation and industrial capacity across NATO.

To deepen trade and commercial ties with NATO Allies and to create new partnerships for Canadian workers and businesses, the Prime Minister announced:

• The launch of negotiations with Germany toward a Canada-Germany Strategic Partnership Agreement (Partnership Agreement). As Canada’s largest trading partner in the EU, the Canada-Germany partnership supports careers across Canada. The Partnership Agreement will bring together cooperation across key priorities – including security and defence, technology, investment, supply chains and raw materials, energy, and space – under one umbrella, with concrete projects and commitments, to shape and advance cooperation in the years to come.

• The launch of negotiations with Türkiye on a comprehensive Canada-Türkiye free trade agreement. With bilateral trade between Canada and Türkiye reaching $4.3 billion in 2025, the agreement will unlock significant opportunities for businesses, workers, and investors in both countries.

The Prime Minister announced the extension of the Canadian-led Operation REASSURANCE until 2031, including plans to increase Canada’s persistently deployed personnel to up to 2,600. As Canada’s largest overseas mission, Operation REASSURANCE helps deter Russian aggression on NATO’s Eastern Flank and fortifies our shared defence. The Prime Minister also confirmed that Canada will join Latvia and Denmark as the third Framework Nation of Multinational Division North, taking on more responsibility to protect NATO’s Eastern Flank.

Building on successful negotiations with international partners in Montréal this spring, Prime Minister Carney welcomed support from eight countries for the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB). Canada is helping lead the establishment of this new multilateral financial institution that will mobilise and deploy private capital quickly to bolster collective security. As the future host of its headquarters, this Canada-led Bank will provide long-term, low-cost financing for defence, security, and resilience initiatives across supply chains, helping governments and small and medium-sized enterprises address critical financing gaps. The DSRB will also spur significant job creation across member countries – with new orders for businesses in defence industries and new partnerships in emerging sectors from AI and quantum to space and cyber.

Prime Minister Carney announced that a portion of Canada’s previously announced commitment of approximately $2 billion in military assistance for Ukraine will support urgent and critical requirements, including:

• $475 million for ammunition – including $75 million to deliver extended-range rounds through the Czech Ammunition Initiative – and $400 million to source over 39 million rounds of various calibre ammunition from Canadian industry.

• Nearly $400 million to build 35 Canadian-made armoured combat support vehicles to sustain Ukrainian frontline combat units.

• $50 million to provide critical information technology and engineering equipment to Ukraine.

• Canada has been among Ukraine’s top supporters in the face of Russia’s aggression, committing over $25.5 billion in multifaceted assistance to Ukraine since 2022, including over $8.5 billion in military assistance.

At the 2026 NATO Summit, Prime Minister Carney met with the Secretary General of NATO and leaders from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, North Macedonia, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine. These meetings focused on advancing cooperation on shared defence and security priorities, including strengthening Allied capabilities, supporting Ukraine’s self-defence, and restoring safe and unrestricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Canada entered this NATO Summit on a clear upward trajectory – rapidly increasing defence spending and building the capabilities and infrastructure needed to defend ourselves and our Allies. Through new investments, deeper defence industrial partnerships, strengthened support for Ukraine, and an expanded role in reinforcing NATO’s Eastern Flank, Canada is delivering on its commitments and helping build a stronger, more secure Alliance. Canada will continue to prioritise investments in the Arctic as part of its ongoing work to strengthen collective defence, defend transatlantic security, and protect the values that unite us.

Quotes

Quick facts

• At the 2026 Summit, NATO Allies were joined by 9 additional partner countries and the European Union.

  Canada’s attendance at the 2026 NATO Summit follows targeted actions the government has taken over the past year to rebuild, rearm, and reinvest in our military, including:

• Increasing defence investments to 2% of GDP in 2025-26.

• Providing pay raises to all Canadian Armed Forces members.

• Launching the Defence Investment Agency to overhaul and streamline Canada’s defence procurement.

• Launching the Defence Industrial Strategy to transform our defence industry by prioritising Canadian suppliers and materials, investing in Canadian innovation and commercialisation, and streamlining procurement.

• Investing more than $40 billion to defend, build, and transform Canada’s Northern and Arctic regions.

• Securing major defence contracts for critical equipment and infrastructure, including $6.4 billion to construct two new polar icebreakers, $2.1 billion over five years to acquire long-range missile capability for the Canadian Armed Forces, and $4.67 billion over five years to reinforce Arctic security through the Over-the-Horizon Radar project.

• Signing a strategic partnership with Telesat and MDA Space to deliver the ESCP-P program in December.

• Announcing that Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has been selected as the preferred supplier to begin negotiations for delivering Canada’s next fleet of submarines to the Royal Canadian Navy.

• The Defence, Security and Resilience Bank will provide long-term, low-cost financing for defence, security, and resilience initiatives, helping to address critical financing gaps, with benefits for defence workers and industries, including small and medium-sized businesses.

• Canada launched Operation REASSURANCE in 2014 following Russia’s initial invasion of Ukraine. More than a decade later, it remains the Canadian Armed Forces’ largest overseas mission.

• Canada has been among Ukraine’s top supporters in the face of Russia’s aggression, committing over $25.5 billion in multifaceted assistance to Ukraine since 2022, including over $8.5 billion in military assistance.

• In February 2026, Canada extended Operation UNIFIER by an additional three years, to 2029, to ensure the Canadian Armed Forces can provide ongoing military training and capacity-building support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Noah Note: CALL IT A NIGHT. WOW. Holy there is a freaking lot to go through here. How to close a freaking NATO summit by dropping like everything at one freaking go. I need a moment lol.

To start, a couple things on the big announcements. LUV tracks with what we reported both on Monday and yesterday on X. LUV is being looked to be sped up. Part of that is a realignment on the goals and expectations of what suppliers will be involved.

The government aims to award on LUV by the end of 2027, potentially this year. The announcement does not confirm who is being downselected, but I am.of the belief that it is GM and Roshel. Both of whom were the domestic companies that met the requirements, although in GM case there was some that they may have just got through.

Utilizing Lightspeed to deliver on ESCP-P was also something that we expected. I speculated on it when the Partnership with MDA and Telesat was first announced. Lightspeed was already being constructed with Arctic coverage baked in. Its architectures and infrastructure, especially when Telesat began setting out dedicated military Ka-Band was already well aligned.to quickly fulfill those requirements.

Doing this allows Canada to secure priority access to the Lightspeed network, and deliver on an Arctic-Capable communication constellation years ahead of schedule to when ESCP-P was hoped to be delivered. Also provides a good stopgap as the other SATCOM Sisters are being worked on.

Joint Strike Missile, admittedly, I heard two weeks ago and kept to myself, when Kongsberg shadowdropped a new JSM customer. That has been in the plans a long while though, as we have so often reported over the last year. That and LRASM/JASSM are the primary Long-Range, Precision Strike capabilities that the RCAF in hunting. It has always remained in the books, and I am happy to see at least one of them get done and dusted.

OP Reassurance has been extended, just a few months after the last lol. Dedication goes a long way, and sexuring our position out past 2030 is a major show of support to our allies and goes a long way to show seriousness in commiting to our stance as as Eastern Front partner.

Same goes for joining up as a Framework Nation for NATO's Multinational Division North (MND-N), a major commitment that turns Canada from a local leader in Latvia into an Operation leader that stretches across the Baltic states. In the inmediate little changes, but taking on that leadership role does open up for further, deeper Canadian commitments to the alliance and Baltic Front at a time where Canada’s Army is about to undertake its most significant shift in doctrine woth the Army Warfighting Concept dropping this Fall.

It'll be interesting though, to see what comes of that. On top of that we have Canada joining the NATO Innovation Sub-Fund, which was first scooped oit by Pippa a few days ago, a near billion dollar allocation to Ukraine, and a new Strategic Partnership announcement with Germany.

All of this IS ON TOP of what was announced yesterday, including:

• An alliance Globaleye Order for up to 10 Aircraft, plus some confirmation that Poland, Spain, and Finland are interested in their own AEWC fleets. An absolute massive win in it's own right considering that the Federal Government has been banking on significant export sales as the reasoning behind pushing through and securing Globaleye.

• A new Critical Mineral Stockpiling Initative

• Several new Space initatives, including Isar/MLS deal, Canada joining NATO STARLIFT, and a new pan-alliance framework for sattelite connectivity in HALO

• A new Multinational Initiative to develop a new NATO common 155mm shell that Canada will be participating in

• The first Tranche of DSRB Members Including Albania, Belgium, Greece, Latvia, Luxembourg, Romania, Türkiye, Ukraine

• And of course Subs the day before.

All in all it is hard to see how Canada doesn't come out of this a winner. An expanding leadership role in NATO, The first DSRB members, a significsnt export win in Globaleye, and several procurement announcements including one project sped up by two years in LUV and several in ESCP-P.

If the Feds desore hwre was to show off, than show off they most certainly have. This is an absolutely world-class list of announcements to make on the Defence-side. Was everything I expected here? No. There was one other thing I was expecting, but in due time it'll come.

There was lots that I wasn't expecting though, and that is what matters in my books. At the end of the day, the Feds get to walk out of this Summit being able to hold theor head up high with real victories and commitments under their belt. You love to see it.

Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, on the margins of the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, Türkiye.

Canada and Germany have a robust bilateral relationship across commerce, defence, and energy. Germany is Canada’s largest trading partner in the European Union, with bilateral trade valued at over $34 billion. To create new partnerships between workers and businesses in both countries, the leaders announced the launch of negotiations toward a Canada-Germany Strategic Partnership Agreement (Partnership Agreement). The Partnership Agreement will bring together cooperation across key priorities – including security and defence, technology, investment, supply chains and raw materials, energy, and space – under one umbrella, with concrete projects and commitments, to shape and advance cooperation in the years to come.

Canada and Germany are focused on attracting investment, creating jobs, expanding businesses, and harnessing each other’s strengths to build.

The Prime Minister and the Chancellor invited their foreign ministers to advance negotiations, with the intention of finalising the Partnership Agreement before the end of the year.

Prime Minister Carney and Chancellor Merz agreed to remain in close contact.

“Today, the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, and the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, announced the launch of negotiations towards a Canada-Germany Strategic Partnership Agreement (“Partnership Agreement”).

Canada and Germany benefit from a robust bilateral relationship, with established cooperation across a number of shared priorities.

The Partnership Agreement will serve as a flexible strategic framework through which Canada and Germany will shape and advance cooperation, and direct investment in key strategic industries, for years to come.

Amongst others, key areas of cooperation will include:

1. Security and Defence;

2. Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Space;

3. Supply Chains and Critical Minerals;

4. Energy; and

5. Investment.

The Prime Minister and Chancellor invited their Ministers of Foreign Affairs to advance negotiations, with the intention of finalising the Partnership Agreement before the end of the year.”

Noah Note: This strategic partnership is not new, however it is an area that I am watching like a hawk. There is significant chance that this agreement will lay the foundation for most CPSP investment, at least for the short and medium-term.

Taking note of its priorities, areas of interest, etc that pop up will be of grave importance. So rest assured that I will try my best to be a nosey boy amd get to the bottom of things as best I can! I expect that Munitions amd Space will be important avenues listed among here, along with Critical Minerals.

Munitions is one I am very much keeping a tight eye on.

“In times of profound geopolitical change, Canada, Germany and Norway are determined to build a strategic, long-term security partnership built on shared values and interests.

Yesterday’s Canadian decision to join the German-Norwegian Type 212CD submarine cooperation creates a unique opportunity to boost our defence industrial and military cooperation.

We are seizing this opportunity to bring Canada, Germany and Norway closer together for decades to come in a spirit of friendship and trust.

Together, we will assume greater responsibility for transatlantic security and collective defence.

Our commitment extends beyond security and defence, encompassing strategic areas such as investment, energy, artificial intelligence, space and critical minerals.”

Noah Note: One thing I expected was somw konda of trilateral announcement seperate meetings or such. I guess not huh?

Maawandoon Inc., an Indigenous-owned leader in engagement, procurement strategy, and AI-enabled supplier discovery, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a contract by IMP Aerospace and Defence, a division of IMP Group Limited, to deliver the Increased Opportunities to Indigenous Businesses Report (OBIBR) and the Indigenous Businesses Participation Plan (IPP) in support of the CH149 Cormorant In-Service Support (ISS) Program.

The engagement includes a comprehensive set of deliverables, including:

• An assessment of opportunities for Indigenous businesses to participate in CH149 Cormorant ISS work

• Market research on the capacity and capabilities of Indigenous businesses to support the program

• An Indigenous Businesses Participation Plan with a schedule to meet the 5% participation target

• Identification of indirect benefits to Indigenous businesses, peoples, and communities

These deliverables will help advance the Government of Canada’s Indigenous Procurement Target by providing a roadmap to create increased opportunities for Indigenous businesses in the aerospace and defence sectors.

Powered by IndigiMatch

Maawandoon’s deliverables are powered by IndigiMatch, its AI-driven Indigenous vendor-matching platform. IndigiMatch uses advanced natural language processing, real-time ingestion of contracts and capabilities, and Canada’s largest Indigenous business dataset to support:

• Rapid identification of Indigenous suppliers for ISS work packages

• Compliance with ITB, PSIB, and federal procurement mandates

• Audit-ready engagement tracking and reporting

• Vendor performance monitoring and capability mapping

Applying IndigiMatch to the CH149 Cormorant program further demonstrates the platform’s value across Canada’s aerospace and defence sectors.

A Shared Commitment to Indigenous Economic Development

“Maawandoon is honoured to support IMP Aerospace and Defence in advancing meaningful, measurable Indigenous participation across the CH149 Cormorant program,” said Marvin Pelletier, Director of Maawandoon Inc. “IMP’s leadership directly supports economic reconciliation and strengthens Canada’s aerospace and defence supply chain.”

July 7, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Moncton and Edmonton departed their homeport of Halifax, Nova Scotia, to deploy on Operation REASSURANCE, where they will join Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1).

From July to October 2026, the ships will operate in European waters, contributing to continuous NATO maritime presence and security, while also advancing mine countermeasure operations.

As Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels (MCDVs), HMC Ships Moncton and Edmonton are equipped with advanced mine countermeasure capabilities, including the REMUS 100 Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and Royal Canadian Navy clearance diving teams. As part of Canada’s continuing commitment to NATO and to the security of the Euro-Atlantic region, this mission will focus on detecting and neutralizing historic sea mines, promoting safe navigation, and protecting critical undersea infrastructure.

Operating as part of SNMCMG1, HMC Ships Moncton and Edmonton will integrate with Allied navies to conduct specialized mine countermeasure operations in strategically significant waters. This deployment demonstrates Canada’s capacity to project maritime capability abroad while contributing directly to safe and secure sea lines of communication.

Quotes

Quick facts

• SNMCMG1 provides NATO with a continuous maritime capability for operations in peacetime and crisis, enhancing readiness and interoperability among Allies.

• Operation REASSURANCE is Canada’s largest overseas military operation, supporting NATO’s deterrence and defence posture in Central and Eastern Europe since 2014.

• HMC Ships Moncton and Edmonton are Kingston-class MCDVs with a ship’s company of approximately 45 personnel of all ranks for a total of 90 sailors. They are equipped with REMUS 100 Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, capable of conducting rapid environmental assessments and seabed surveys to detect underwater threats.

• Canada has deployed Royal Canadian Navy ships to NATO’s Standing Naval Forces on a persistent rotational basis for over a decade, reinforcing its role as a reliable and capable Ally.