Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz.

The Prime Minister and the Chancellor discussed deepening cooperation between Canada and Germany across defence, security, energy, and artificial intelligence (AI). Over the past year, the two countries have signed agreements on AI, quantum, and battery technologies, launched the Sovereign Technology Alliance, and secured more than six new critical minerals partnerships.

Last month, the leaders launched negotiations toward a Canada-Germany Strategic Partnership Agreement to further advance cooperation on key priorities, including security and defence, emerging technologies, supply chains and raw materials, energy, and space.

Building on their participation in the Coalition of the Willing meeting earlier today, Prime Minister Carney and Chancellor Merz reaffirmed their enduring support for Ukraine and the need to maintain pressure on Russia to achieve a just and lasting peace.

The leaders agreed to remain in close contact.

Today, on Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, participated in a virtual meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in support of Ukraine. The meeting was hosted by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and co-chaired by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz.

The leaders reaffirmed their solidarity with the Ukrainian people and discussed their shared commitment to maintaining coordinated international support. They discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence capabilities, bolster its energy security and critical infrastructure, and sustain economic pressure on Russia by continuing to implement and enforce new sanctions, including on Russia’s shadow fleet.

Prime Minister Carney reiterated Canada’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine, including through more than $2 billion in military assistance this year alone. The Prime Minister highlighted Ukraine’s role as a founding member of the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, which will reinforce long-term defence industrial cooperation among allies and partners.

The leaders underscored the urgent need to help Ukraine protect civilians and critical infrastructure from continued Russian attacks. They also discussed joint measures to strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience, support essential infrastructure repairs, and ensure access to electricity and heating as part of broader humanitarian needs throughout the winter months.

Canada stands with Ukraine – and will for as long as it takes – to support a just and lasting peace and defend Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

In a rapidly changing world, Canada is setting a new course. We are building our strength at home, diversifying our trading relationships abroad, and investing in the infrastructure that will secure our future. From the ports and corridors that move Canadian goods to market, to the ships that keep our trade routes open, we are laying the foundations of a stronger, more self-reliant country.

Established trading relationships are being tested, and Canada is not standing still. We are moving fast, seizing new opportunities, and reducing our dependence on any single partner.

That is why the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, today announced the largest shipbuilding contract in Québec’s history. The Government of Canada will invest more than $11 billion to build six new program icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard in partnership with Chantier Davie Canada Inc. This historic investment grows Canada’s domestic shipbuilding industry, strengthens our ability to keep critical trade routes open, and reinforces our strategic autonomy.

All six icebreakers will be built in Canada at the Davie Shipyard in Lévis, Québec, creating nearly 5,000 good jobs in the construction phase alone and contributing nearly $650 million annually to Canada’s GDP. Under the government’s Buy Canadian Policy, these vessels will be built with Canadian steel and other domestic materials, while maximising opportunities for Canadian manufacturers, suppliers, and small and medium-sized businesses.

The program icebreakers will replace the Coast Guard’s aging heavy and medium icebreakers – the ships that work Atlantic Canada and the St. Lawrence through the depth of winter, and the Arctic through the summer season. They cut open our most vital sea lanes, answer the call of ships in distress, and come to the aid of vessels trapped in the ice.

This investment will equip the women and men of the Canadian Coast Guard – the civilian service Canadians count on to keep our waters safe – with the modern ships they need to answer the call, from search and rescue to environmental response, for decades to come. Additionally, it secures Canada’s position as the home of NATO’s largest icebreaking fleet, bolsters national security in the North, and protects Canadian interests. Construction will begin in 2027, this first ship will be ready five years later, and the full fleet will be in service by 2038.

Canada’s new government is laser-focused on building a stronger, more independent, more resilient Canadian economy that drives prosperity for all. This is our economic strategy at work. We are expanding the Port of Montréal at Contrecœur and the Port of Québec to move more Canadian products to global markets. And we are using major federal procurement, from armoured vehicles to submarines and icebreakers, to build Canadian industrial capacity, strengthen domestic supply chains, and create high-paying careers here at home.

Canada is a trading nation with the world’s longest coastline. Today, we are strengthening our capacity to build ships at home, assert our presence in the Arctic, keep our waterways open, and move Canadian resources to new markets around the world.

Quotes

Quick facts

• Chantier Davie plays a critical role in supporting Canada’s fleets, building, repairing, and maintaining ships for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and the Royal Canadian Navy through more than $7.74 billion in contracts since 2012

• As Polar Class 3 icebreakers, the program icebreakers will be designed as modern, versatile vessels capable of carrying a wide range of missions in challenging ice conditions across Canada’s waterways. They will form the next generation of Arctic capable ships, supporting growing operational demands in the North, from search and rescue and environmental response, to Northern resupply and Arctic science missions.

• In 2019, the Government of Canada announced it would be procuring six new program icebreakers under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, as part of the CCG fleet renewal.

• In 2024, the government awarded Chantier Davie a $19.6-million contract to begin initial design work for six new program icebreakers for the CCG.

• In 2025, the Government of Canada awarded a $3.25 billion contract (before tax) to Chantier Davie for the construction of the Polar Max, which will be one of the most powerful and capable heavy icebreakers in the world.

• In 2024, the Government of Canada signed the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort Pact with the United States and Finland to strengthen cooperation on the design, construction, and maintenance of Arctic and polar icebreakers, including through information sharing, workforce development, and joint research and development.

Noah Note: Colour me a bit surprised. This one felt like it came from nowhere, not that it wasn't coming soon, but it feels it just sorta happened. Of course a contract for the Programs has been sitting for a while in anguish, waiting to be picked up on by the feds. A previous contract from last year for initial work has some confused it seems. That wasnt the commitment for six, this is.

Either way, we have commitment now to six Program Icebreakers. While that was always the plan, a plan isnt a commitment until its in writing. This secures that finally, so no more room to speculate on what that final number might be. Of course, a pick-me-up after the weekend, including an announcement that can play into sovereignty and trade, isnt entirely unexpected in itself. I suspect thia was moced up a bit to play counter to that news.

Similarly I do always love acknowledging the planned largest Icebreaker fleet in NATO. Icebreaker itself as a deaignation is a real thing though, and what counts as an Icebreaker is… contentious to some. These are certainly Icebreakers, im not here to argue that, but it is a note I make when discussing numbers. Ice-Strengthened, Polar Rating does not equal an Icebreaker.

The Program themselves will be very capable vessels, supplementing the future bulk of the fleet in the MPI and the future Arpatuuq and Imnaryuaq. 20,000 nm range at 11 knots without refuelling, accommodation for up to 68 crew and program personnel, hangar and maintenance capacity for one medium CCG helicopter, and significant general and containerized cargo capacity.

They'll be excellent additions to the fleet when they come online, and that is honestly the really big thing about the story here. There is a pretty set timeline here, first delivery by 2032 and final by 2038. Essentially one delivered per year starting 2032. That alone is an insame timeline for most, least of all Levis in the midst of both modernization and their major peoject.

That is essentially the whole fleet delivered within the next decade, which would downright be one of the fastest shipbuilding timelines we have had from contract to final delivery, for a class of six vessels seemingly without much major support from Helsinki. That is a monumental task to ask of almost anyone really, but one I hope to see Davie rise to the challenge for.

That isnt small. It would certainly be a proving ground moment for the comoany if they can pull it off. Won't be easy, certainly.

Less than a year after programme launch, GKN Aerospace unveils its uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) demonstrator for the first time

Demonstrates rapid progress from concept to demonstrator

Brings together propulsion, aerostructures and systems integration expertise from Sweden, the Netherlands, and the UK

Marks the next phase of collaboration with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Swedish Armed Forces

Less than a year after launching a collaborative programme with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), GKN Aerospace today unveiled its UAV demonstrator, marking the first public presentation of the platform and a major milestone for the programme.

The initiative was announced in November 2025 with the objective of developing a UAV demonstrator and dedicated turbojet engine within 18 months. The effort brings together expertise in propulsion, aerostructures and systems integration from Sweden, the Netherlands, and the UK.

The programme includes the development of a dedicated turbojet engine, airframe and onboard systems. The demonstrator has been developed as a flexible platform for testing and evaluation, supporting the exploration of future uncrewed aviation technologies while providing valuable experience in how complex aerospace systems can be developed, integrated and manufactured on accelerated timelines.

Sara Eklöf, Senior Vice President Government Solutions, GKN Aerospace, said:

The initiative builds on the long-standing collaboration between GKN Aerospace, FMV, and the Swedish Armed Forces. Development and testing activities will continue as the programme moves into its next phase, including preparations for future flight-test activities.

The public display at The Armed Forces Air Venture 2026 includes a full-scale UAV mock-up together with the dedicated turbojet engine being developed as part of the programme. The event forms part of the Swedish Air Force's centenary celebrations.

About the programme

The Swedish UAV programme, initiated by an FMV contract in November 2025, involves GKN Aerospace designing a clean-sheet UAV demonstrator and dedicated turbojet engine to accelerate rapid capability development, innovation, and scalable production.

Noah Note: An interesting concept. I had a chance to speak with the GKN team yesterday, and they were quite proud of this one. Not only was it thwir attempt to prove that they could design a common chassis for various applications, but they're also working on developing their own engine for the platform.

It isn't technically Canadian, so a bit out of our scope, but I did wanna show it off since I'm here and was able to spend a little bit of tike with folks. In the current enviornment, there is a timeline where we see something like this in Canadian service. Who knows anymore. Eother way it's a cool thing to highlight sometimes what alloes are working on and trialing.

SkyAlyne is excited to share that the first two Royal Canadian Air Force CT-157 Siskin II aircraft (Pilatus PC-21) will be present at AERO Gatineau-Ottawa 2026 airshow, taking place September 18–20 at the Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport.

Having recently completed production test flights and factory acceptance in Stans, Switzerland, the aircraft will be travelling to Canada for delivery to the RCAF. The planes will serve in the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program for both the Advanced Flying Training – Fixed Wing (AFT-FW) and Advanced Flying Training – Jet (AFT-Jet) courses, helping prepare the next generation of Canadian military pilots for operational service.

“This is an exciting opportunity to give people a first look at the CT-157 Siskin II and the capabilities it will bring to RCAF aircrew training,” said Harrison Ruess, SkyAlyne’s Head of Communications, Collaboration and Stakeholder Relations. “We’re proud to engage communities and help encourage young people to pursue STEM education and careers in aviation, aerospace, and defence.” 

The two-seat CT-157 Siskin II features a 1,600-horsepower Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engine and can reach speeds of up to 685 km/h. The aircraft can sustain g-forces from positive 8G to negative 4G, providing the performance and capability required for advanced military aviation training. The avionics also include several made-in-Canada components.

SkyAlyne has ordered 19 CT-157 Siskin IIs for the RCAF FAcT program. The fleet will be based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Upon arrival in Moose Jaw, the aircraft will undergo final delivery to the RCAF, and begin work on developing and testing new elements of the FAcT program, and take on a ‘train the trainer’ role, as the FAcT team stands up an entirely new ab-initio training ecosystem for the RCAF.

Visitors to AERO Gatineau-Ottawa 2026 will have an opportunity to see the CT-157 Siskin II up close and learn more about how FAcT will transform RCAF aircrew training in Canada.

Following an initial mission stop in Vietnam, the Pacific Partnership 2026 (PP26) team, has arrived in Indonesia, the second of five mission stops across the Indo-Pacific.

Led by U.S Navy Captain Robert C. Reyes and Commander (Cdr) Genevieve Chatelois, Pacific Partnership falls under Operation HORIZON, the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) contribution to promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The mission helps build humanitarian assistance and disaster response capacity, while deepening ties with Indo-Pacific countries.

Canadian personnel will work alongside participating nations including Australia, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These efforts will bolster host nation capacity to administer critical humanitarian services and support efforts to prepare and respond to potential disaster emergencies in the region.

During the deployment, the Canadian PP26 mission team will work alongside host nation and mission partners to conduct medical exchanges, community outreach, and disaster preparedness engagements. The first stop took place in Vietnam in mid-June.

Building connections in Vietnam

On June 24 during the initial stop in Quang Tri, Vietnam, mission staff visited the Gio Linh Center for Rehabilitation of Children with Disabilities for a community outreach and engagement event. The Gio Linh Center for Rehabilitation of Children with Disabilities provides daily care, physical therapy, and support for disabled children and Agent Orange victims. Supported by the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange and Dioxin, the center serves as a critical lifeline for vulnerable youth in the region.

The contingent spent time interacted with 47 children doing arts and crafts, playing games, and participating in other recreational activities. Cdr Geneviève Chatelois stated, “It was nice to play tic-tac-toe, hand games and draw with kids. It is impressive to see that we can connect with the community through games and arts without needing to speak the same language. As a Canadian, it was truly moving to share this moment with the Vietnamese community.”

The sentiment was shared by the Canadian Task Force Padre, Maj Innocent Inienwe, who added that, "Drawing with the children was a powerful reminder that kindness and joy transcend language and culture. It was a privilege to share this moment with them and witness the hope, creativity, and resilience they expressed through art."

As Pacific Partnership 2026 continues through the Indo-Pacific, Canadian Armed Forces members will continue working alongside host nations and international partners to strengthen disaster response capabilities, share expertise and build lasting relationships with communities across the region

KONGSBERG has signed a contract with General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada (‘GDLS-Canada’) valued at NOK 1.1 billion for the delivery of PROTECTOR RS4 Remote Weapon Systems.

20 Aug 2026

These systems will be integrated onto the Canadian Army’s Armoured Combat Support Vehicle (ACSV). The contract represents a continuation of the established partnership between KONGSBERG and GDLS-Canada. This order is a follow-on procurement of RS4 systems for the ACSV program, building on previous deliveries to the same platform.

“This contract confirms our customer’s confidence in the PROTECTOR systems and further strengthens our long-term partnership with GDLS-Canada. We are proud that the RS4 continues to be selected as a key capability for the Canadian Armed Forces’ modern vehicle fleet,” said Kjetil Reiten Myhra, Executive Vice President, KONGSBERG and President of the Defence Systems division.

KONGSBERG has previously delivered RS4 systems to GDLS-Canada for integration on ACSV vehicles. The new deliveries will further enhance and expand the operational capabilities of the Canadian Army.

The RS4 is part of KONGSBERG’s PROTECTOR family of Remote Weapon Systems, providing high levels of protection, flexibility, and situational awareness for vehicle crews.

The PROTECTOR RS4 is an advanced Remote Weapon System designed to enhance survivability, precision, and operational flexibility for modern military vehicles. The system is in service with defence customers worldwide and can be integrated onto a wide range of vehicle platforms.

August 19, 2026 – Shippagan, New Brunswick – National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) has officially welcomed the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Cascumpec Bay into service, strengthening search and rescue capacity in northern New Brunswick and helping crews respond quickly to mariners in distress.

Today, Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie-Bathurst, joined Canadian Coast Guard personnel and community members in Shippagan, New Brunswick, to dedicate the CCGS Cascumpec Bay into service. The dedication marks an important milestone for the vessel and the National Shipbuilding Strategy, which has delivered 20 new high endurance search and rescue lifeboats to the CCG.

The CCGS Cascumpec Bay was built by Chantier Naval Forillon in Gaspé, Quebec, and delivered to the CCG in December 2024. Since then, it has been operating out of Shippagan, New Brunswick, supporting search and rescue operations in the region.

With all 20 Bay Class Search and Rescue Lifeboats now delivered through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, CCG crews across the country are equipped with modern, Canadian-built vessels to carry out critical search and rescue operations. Their construction has also supported skilled Canadian jobs and strengthened Canada’s shipbuilding and marine industries.

Quotes

Quick facts

• Clarence Savoie, the vessel’s sponsor, had the honour of officially bestowing the CCGS Cascumpec Bay with its name and wishing “fair winds and good fortune” to all who will sail on the vessel, marking the beginning of its service and enduring legacy. Clarence Savoie is a highly respected member of the Acadian communities in northern New Brunswick, known for his extensive marine knowledge and strong connections to the marine environment.

• In 2018, Chantier Naval Forillon Inc of Gaspé, Quebec, and Hike Metal Products Ltd of Wheatley, Ontario, were awarded the construction of four new Bay Class Search and Rescue Lifeboats each, in addition to the existing contract awarded in 2015 to build six Bay Class Search and Rescue Lifeboats each. The total value of the contracts for these lifeboats was $180 million.

• The CCG’s new Search and Rescue Lifeboats are specifically designed, equipped, and crewed to respond to incidents at sea. These vessels are self-righting and can operate up to 120 nautical miles from shore, always maintaining a maximum 30-minute state-of-readiness with a typical ability to respond the moment an alert is received.

• The CCG’s high-endurance Search and Rescue Lifeboats are referred to as “Bay Class” vessels, as each one is named after a Canadian bay under the Vessel Naming Policy.

• The CCG keeps waterways safe for mariners, protects the marine environment, and responds to approximately 6,000 calls for marine assistance each year.

• To date, 30 small vessels have been delivered to the CCG under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. This includes 20 Search and Rescue Lifeboats, two Channel Survey and Sounding Vessels, seven Hydrographic Survey Vessels and one Coastal Research Vessel.

• The Government of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy is a long-term, multi-billion-dollar program focused on renewing the CCG and Royal Canadian Navy fleets. The Strategy enables Canada’s marine agencies to have the modern ships they need to fulfill their missions while revitalizing Canada’s marine industry, creating good middle-class jobs, and maximizing economic benefits across the country.

Preventive Medicine Technicians (PMed Techs) have long played a critical role in protecting the health of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel. Through public and occupational health programs, they support disease prevention and surveillance, infection prevention and control, and workplace hazard identification and exposure monitoring, across the full spectrum of CAF operations.

A need for change

The PMed Tech occupation recently underwent a comprehensive occupational analysis that identified challenges with its structure, including an exceptionally broad scope of responsibilities spanning two different fields and a need for up-to-date regulatory and professional standards. These challenges made it difficult for members to maintain their full professional scope, reduced job satisfaction, and contributed to personnel turnover, creating staffing pressures and challenges in meeting CAF operational requirements.

A way forward: Introducing two new health protection occupations

As a result, the PMed Tech occupation will be retired and replaced by two new occupations: Occupational Health Technologist (OHT) and Public Health Officer (PHO). Preserving and modernizing PMed Tech expertise, these new occupations will provide distinct specialties in Force Health Protection, enabling more focused training, greater depth of expertise, and enhanced operational effectiveness.

The OHT occupation will focus on managing occupational health hazards in Defence Team workplaces through prevention and surveillance. This includes identifying, inspecting, and responding to occupational exposures and environmental conditions that may pose health risks, such as mould, lighting, thermal stress, vibration, radiation, laser exposure, noise, indoor air, and ventilation issues. OHTs will also support occupational health programs and workplace health protection initiatives, contributing to CAF personnel readiness.

The PHO occupation will focus on managing communicable diseases and public health hazards across the Department of National Defence. This includes identifying, inspecting, and responding to public health risks related to food, water, waste, insects or other pests that can spread disease, and infectious disease threats. PHOs will also support commanders in identifying and reducing health threats to personnel at home and abroad.

Benefits and next steps

These new occupations will reflect similar professions in the civilian workforce, improving alignment with recognized professional standards and practices. This is expected to increase attraction and retention of CAF personnel by offering clear career pathways and increased professional recognition both within and outside the military.

To begin this transition, current PMed Techs will undergo a Compulsory Occupational Transfer into either OHT or PHO based on personal preferences, qualifications, and service requirements. Career management support and training pathways have been developed to ensure continuity in the delivery of force health protection services, minimize disruptions to operational capabilities, and to support members’ continued service within the CAF.

For more information on these occupation changes, please contact the implementation team at OHTPHOimpl-ImplTHTOSP@forces.gc.ca.

August 17, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard

Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Louis S. St-Laurent, Canada’s largest, most powerful icebreaker, reached the North Pole on August 16 as part of its 2026 Arctic deployment.

The transit supports Canada’s work to define the country’s continental shelf and map its outer limits under the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea. As part of the ongoing 2024-2027 missions in support of Natural Resources Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent is collecting high-resolution geoscience and hydrographic data in the Arctic. The mission demonstrates Canada's ability to operate safely and effectively in one of the world's most challenging environments while advancing important national interests in the Arctic.

Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers are among the most capable and powerful in the world, operated by some of the most experienced crews, and able to reach remote and hard-to-access areas across Canada’s Arctic. Through its enduring presence and operations in Canada’s Arctic waters, the Canadian Coast Guard reinforces Canada’s sovereignty and security in the North.

The Canadian Coast Guard’s summer operational season runs annually from June to November to support Northern communities, carry out services, and support Government of Canada Arctic missions.

Quotes

Noah Note: Not mentioned here, or really much anywhere, but this is part of the Canada-Sweden Arctic Ocean Expedition. CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent was joined this year, as last by the Swedish Icebreaker Oden. Oden has actually been a featured friend for several years in the Canadian Arctic, and this is the second consecutive year she joined Louis to the North Pole.

Here are some of the photos from the Swedish side of the expedition from this year and last:

August 19, 2026 // Melbourne, Australia and Ottawa, Canada — Ocean Software has been selected by SkyAlyne to provide the Resource Management and Scheduling (RM&S) capability as part of the training system supporting Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Under the agreement, Ocean will deliver its FlightPRO and TAMS solutions to support the planning, scheduling and management of training operations across the FAcT program, with implementation activities expected to commence in the coming months.

SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace, is the Prime Contractor for the FAcT program, which will modernize pilot and aircrew training for the RCAF. The program will operate from 15 Wing Moose Jaw (Saskatchewan), 15 Wing Southport (Manitoba), and 17 Wing Winnipeg (Manitoba), and includes introducing five new training aircraft fleets – with 71 total new aircraft. The program is managed jointly by industry, RCAF, and government from a Joint Management Office in Ottawa (Ontario).

Today’s announcement builds on more than 20 years of partnership between Ocean and the RCAF, with FlightPRO supporting training management, personnel readiness, scheduling and operational coordination across the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) and Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) programs, the predecessors to FAcT.

“Canada has been one of Ocean’s most important defence partnerships for more than 20 years,” said Pete Smith, CEO of Ocean Software. “We are proud to be working with SkyAlyne in support of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s transition to the Future Aircrew Training program. FAcT represents a significant investment in the future of Canadian military aviation, and we are pleased to contribute proven capability already trusted across the RCAF enterprise.”

“FAcT represents a significant step forward in how Canada trains its future pilots and aircrew,” said Kevin Lemke, General Manager of SkyAlyne. “Ocean Software’s long-standing experience across existing RCAF training programs provides a strong foundation as we modernise training and deliver a world-class capability for the Royal Canadian Air Force.”

ABOUT

Ocean Software

With more than 30 years of defence experience, Ocean Software delivers mission-critical operational readiness solutions supporting air, land, maritime and joint domains. Ocean’s proven expertise and dependable delivery underpin use in 17 nations across the globe.

Learn more: ocean.software

SkyAlyne: The Future of Aircrew Training

SkyAlyne is the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program provider for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). SkyAlyne is a team of defence, training, simulation, and aviation industry experts assembled from across Canada, working to prepare the next generation of RCAF Pilots and Aircrew. SkyAlyne was formed in 2018 as a partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace, two Canadian aviation, training, and defence leaders.

Learn more: SkyAlyne.ca

August 17, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The 28th annual Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense (CHODs) conference will be held in Victoria, Canada from August 31 to September 2, 2026. The conference will be co-hosted by Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jennie Carignan, and the Commander of United States (U.S.) Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo.

This year’s theme, “Strengthening Collective Security: Navigating Challenges in a Dynamic Indo-Pacific Landscape” will bring together senior miliary leaders, practitioners and regional experts to discuss regional security issues, including non-defence and non-military perspectives.

A total of 32 countries have been invited to participate this year. Held annually since 1998, the conference brings together senior military leaders from across the Indo-Pacific to strengthen mutual understanding, cooperation and interoperability among allies and partners.

When: Monday, August 31 to Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Where: Victoria Conference Centre, 20 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8W 3M7

August 17, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown returned to Halifax, Nova Scotia, following a six-month deployment from February to August 2026 to the Indo-Pacific region in support of Operations HORIZON and NEON.

While deployed, HMCS Charlottetown strengthened interoperability with 15 allied and partner nations through multinational exercises such as KAKADU, BALIKATAN, and VALIANT SHIELD, cooperative engagements, and maritime security activities, including a range of maritime, aviation, and diving operations.

The deployment demonstrated the Royal Canadian Navy's ability to deploy and sustain combat-ready forces globally, alongside allies and partners, strengthening regional security and reaffirming Canada's commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Quotes

Quick facts

• During its six-month deployment, HMCS Charlottetown spent more than 150 days at sea, sailed over 45,000 nautical miles across the Indo-Pacific, and visited 13 ports in 10 countries.

• HMCS Charlottetown conducted live-fire surface engagement exercises, demonstrated anti-submarine warfare capabilities, carried out helicopter training, and performed engineering diving operations.

• As part of Operation HORIZON, HMCS Charlottetown supported Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy through increased military presence, exercises, and defence cooperation in the region.

• As part of Operation NEON, HMCS Charlottetown contributed to the multinational effort to implement United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea, upholding international law and supporting regional maritime security.

• HMCS Charlottetown is a Halifax-class frigate crewed by approximately 240 sailors and aviators, including an embarked CH-148 Cyclone helicopter detachment.

• Halifax-class frigates form the backbone of the Royal Canadian Navy's surface fleet and support operations at home and around the world.

First set of eight satellites for Globalstar 2-R mission deployed to low Earth orbit on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking the beginning of the commissioning phase

TORONTO, Aug. 16, 2026 /CNW/ -- MDA Space Ltd. (TSX: MDA) (NYSE: MDA), a leading provider of advanced technology and services to the rapidly expanding global space industry, confirms the successful deployment of the initial eight replenishment satellites for Globalstar Inc.'s (NASDAQ:GSAT) existing low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation. Developed and fully integrated and tested in Montréal, the satellites were launched on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, at 9:12 p.m. ET aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral, Florida, and will now undergo a series of in-orbit tests as part of the commissioning phase.

This marks a defining moment in MDA Space history, as these LEO satellites are the first to be delivered by MDA Space as a prime contractor for commercial communications constellations.

"This program for Globalstar marked a major transformation in our design and high-volume satellite production process, enabling us to accelerate development and manufacturing," said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. "With the execution of this constellation nearing completion, and with our new high-volume manufacturing facility now in operation, we are ramping up even further, giving us the capacity to meet customer requirements as market demand increases."

The remaining nine satellites on order are in the final stages of integration at MDA Space. Once fully operational on orbit, they will enable Globalstar to extend the life of its existing constellation, which supports direct-to-device satellite-enabled services on select mobile phones and IoT applications.

ABOUT MDA SPACE

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA; NYSE:MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global defence and space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The global MDA Space team of more than 4,000 space experts has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission--bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that's been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we'll take you there. For more information, visit mda.space.

A Canadian Defence Team delegation participated in the 37th annual international Military Law and Operations (MILOPS) strategic engagement in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from August 3 to 6, reinforcing Canada's commitment to addressing shared security challenges alongside allies and partners.

The delegation, comprising seven Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and one civilian Defence Team member, was led by Lieutenant-General Derek Macaulay, Canada's Senior Military Representative to the Indo-Pacific, and Major-General Robin Holman, Judge Advocate General.

Co-hosted by U.S. Pacific Command and the Malaysian Ministry of Defence, MILOPS brought together approximately 250 military, legal, and policy professionals from more than 30 nations. Through 55 guest speakers and expert panels, participants explored the intersection of law, military operations, and policy while sharing practical approaches to strengthening legal interoperability, operational cooperation, and regional security.

For Canada, participation in MILOPS reflects the priorities outlined in Our North, Strong and Free and Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy. Both recognize that Canada's security and prosperity are strengthened through cooperation with allies and partners, respect for international law, and collective responses to shared security challenges.

Lieutenant-General Macaulay participated in the panel, The Future Security of the Polar Regions, where discussions examined how strategic competition, technological change, climate change, and international law are reshaping the Arctic. He highlighted Canada's approach to safeguarding Arctic sovereignty through sustained military presence, modernized capabilities and close cooperation with allies, including through NORAD and NATO.

"Canada's security is strengthened through trusted partnerships. Whether in the Arctic or the Indo-Pacific, we work alongside allies and partners to uphold international law, reduce the risk of conflict, and promote regional stability," said Lieutenant-General Macaulay.

Major-General Holman joined the panel, Contemporary Legal Challenges and Opportunities in the Indo-Pacific, where discussions focused on the role of international law in maintaining regional stability. He highlighted how shared legal frameworks and legal interoperability enable partners to respond effectively to evolving security challenges while supporting a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

"International law is more than a legal framework. It builds trust, strengthens interoperability, and enables partners to operate together effectively in support of peace and security. MILOPS provides an invaluable opportunity to deepen those relationships," said Major-General Holman.

The value of MILOPS extends well beyond the conference venue. The Indo-Pacific is home to many of Canada's largest trading partners and some of the world's busiest maritime trade routes, making regional stability important to Canada's economy and national security. At the same time, safeguarding Canada's Arctic remains essential to protecting Canada's sovereignty and the defence of North America.

By participating in MILOPS, the Canadian Defence Team strengthened the relationships, legal interoperability, and shared understanding that help allies and partners respond collectively to emerging challenges. Those efforts support Canada's national interests and contribute to a safer, more secure future for Canadians.

When referring to Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), the world's largest international maritime biennial exercise, the medical component may not be what comes to mind. However, RIMPAC 2026 marked a significant milestone: for the first time, Canadian medical personnel provided real-world medical care to patients aboard USS Essex (LHD 2), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Forward Surgical Team (FST), consisting of a trauma surgeon, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, anesthesiologist and transfusion medicine specialist, emergency physician, operating room nurse, and operating room technician, embarked USS Essex on July 2 for approximately one month to provide combined Role 2 medical capabilities, at sea to allied and partner personnel participating in RIMPAC 26.

Lieutenant-Commander Sebastian Vuong, Anesthesiologist and Transfusion Medicine Specialist with 1 Canadian Field Hospital, was impressed by how quickly the teams came together.

"Most of us had never met before the start of RIMPAC. Within just a few days, we had integrated seamlessly into mixed surgical teams made up of Canadian, and U.S. personnel."

Aboard USS Essex, the CAF FST worked alongside U.S. Navy Fleet Surgical Team 5, the U.S. Army 105th Surgical Augmentation Detachment, and the Canadian Medical Emergency Response Team (CMERT), operating as a single multinational medical capability. Led by Major Nadine Verwey, CMERT is a medical evacuation and en route critical care capability. that bridges the gap between the point of injury (Role 1) and higher-level medical facilities (Role 2 or Role 3).

The combined teams participated in a humanitarian assistance and disaster response mass casualty exercise. This provided an opportunity to become familiar with the ship's extensive medical facilities, which include four operating rooms, a 15-bed intensive care unit, a 36-bed ward, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, a blood bank, dental services, pharmacy, and primary care facilities.

Master Corporal Claire MacDonald, an Operating Room Technician, reflected on the opportunity: "It's been an incredible opportunity to sail aboard a U.S. Navy ship and work alongside a multinational surgical team. I look forward to bringing those experiences back to Canada, helping us continue to build an even stronger and more interoperable surgical capability."

The successful integration of Canadian personnel demonstrated Canada's growing role as a trusted partner in multinational expeditionary medical operations and highlighted the CAF's ability to deliver advanced healthcare capabilities in complex maritime environments.

RIMPAC 2026 is the 30th exercise in the series that began in 1971. 30 nations, 30 ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 190 aircraft, and more than 30,000 personnel participated in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands from June 24 to July 31.

“Welcome to THOR’S HAMMER!” announced LCol Frode Ringdal, Norwegian Trial Manager as he held a replica of Mjölnir in the air at the opening ceremony of Exercise THOR’S HAMMER 2026 (TH26).

Hosted at Camp Rødsmoen, Norway in May and June, exercise THOR’S HAMMER is an Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) trials and evaluation event hosted by partner nations on a biennial rotation. Since its inception in 2015, THOR’S HAMMER has grown significantly, becoming one of Canada’s key international interoperability and effectiveness exercises for testing EW equipment in environments with varied experience, systems, and expertise. Initially focused on the Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) threat in Afghanistan, the exercise now includes Uncrewed Systems (UxS), reflecting lessons from the war in Ukraine.

This year marked the sixth iteration, with an expanded role for the Canadian Armed Forces . THOR’S HAMMER 2026 included running a dedicated evaluation lane with Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), providing equipment for testing, and supporting partner nations with personnel to strengthen collaboration and partnerships.

“The Cellular Effectiveness Lane demonstrates how international partners build interoperability,” explains Niki Galagedara, Research Engineer with DRDC’s Communications Threat Analysis Group. “A simulated tower and mobile base station create shared, realistic networks for testing and collaboration. Here, nations align systems and procedures, improving compatibility, coordination, and resilience, ensuring forces can operate seamlessly in complex environments and respond effectively to emerging cellular threats.”

TH26 provided members of the Communications and Electronics Branch exposure to aspects of EW they do not often encounter, including signals analysis and the employment of Force Protection Electronic Countermeasures (FP-ECM).

“Seeing how different nations conduct Electromagnetic Warfare has given me a clearer understanding of how future conflicts may be fought,” says Sgt Matthew Cochrane of 39 Signals Regiment. “I had the opportunity to assist in both the Cellular Effectiveness and RCIED lanes, which highlighted the importance of interoperability with our allies. I look forward to applying these lessons in training at my home unit.”

THOR’S HAMMER 26 was successful, highlighting strong interoperability while identifying gaps requiring further research, testing, and international cooperation. THOR’S HAMMER 28 will be hosted by Canada at Canadian Forces Base Suffield in Alberta, where partners will continue to train against UxS and RCIED threats.

“Ukraine has shown that dominating the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) is no longer optional,” says Warrant Officer (Master Gunner) Matt Kalil, Canada’s Head of Delegation. “The EMS is critical to the SHIELD function of the Canadian Army. We must develop and maintain a robust FP-ECM capability to prevent avoidable casualties. TH26 builds essential partnerships and helps revitalize the Canadian Army’s Land Electronic Warfare Centre. We have significant work ahead before TH28—it starts now.”

Building on an initial $50-million investment, Dominion is developing a fully integrated, sovereign UAS solution with a world-class advisory board to support critical defense and aerospace requirements.

In March, we made an initial $50-million investment to build Dominion Scout, Canada's first sovereign Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP): an uncrewed aircraft that extends our reach and mass across the Arctic. We're on track for the first flight within 24 to 30 months, with more to say this fall about a partnership that will shape how Dominion Scout gets built.

Four months on, here's the progress on Dominion Scout.

• We have built a sovereign, non-ITAR supply chain for aerospace and autonomy and engaged regularly with Canada’s leading companies in these sectors.

• We have conducted detailed operational research to inform the operational use cases and design requirements for ACP.

• We are building a sovereign drone coalition with Canadian industry partners to offer the Government of Canada a range of fully integrated, sovereign UAS solutions across size classes, all enabled by Dominion’s proprietary mission autonomy stack.

• We have conducted dozens of briefings with key government stakeholders to align with emerging CAF requirements.

• We are building and continually improving an options-analysis tool that translates Arctic constraints into design decisions. It trades the factors that shape a High Arctic platform — intermittent satellite coverage, cold-soak and anti-icing needs, and the weight of ruggedized gear for unimproved runways — and shows how each drives range, powerplant sizing, and payload, so we size options against the environment from the start rather than inheriting the costs of a temperate design.

• We are optimizing AuraSim, Dominion’s sovereign, physics-based simulation environment, to test ACP autonomy and build operator trust. AuraSim exercises the autonomy stack across full mission sets in contested Arctic conditions before anything flies. Because a live pilot can fly alongside a virtual ACP and watch it sense and decide, operators gain confidence through repeated exposure while we build evidence that the autonomy behaves as intended.

Introducing our ACP advisory board

We’re honoured to have some of the country’s most experienced pilots and aerospace experts supporting our work on Dominion Scout and helping us deliver Canada’s first sovereign ACP capability.

• General (Ret’d) Tom Lawson served as Chief of the Defence Staff and has decades of leadership experience in NORAD. His perspective bridges national operational requirements with allied interoperability.

• Colonel (Ret’d) Chris Hadfield, a former astronaut, RCAF fighter pilot, engineer, and commander of the International Space Station, brings a unique perspective to high-risk operational environments, systems integration, and human-machine teaming.

• Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Billie Flynn, a former RCAF tactical fighter pilot and test pilot, is a globally respected expert in advanced air combat. He has flown over 70 types of aircraft and served as a lead experimental test pilot on the F-35 program.

• Cameron Robertson, director of engineering at Aqua Satellite, brings deep experience in aerospace, flight systems, and advanced hardware development. He’s previously held senior engineering leadership roles at Our Next Energy, Kitty Hawk, and AeroVelo.

• Wing Commander (Ret’d) Dave Lohse, a former Royal Australian Air Force fighter pilot, is the CEO of ITPS, where he trains aircrew against realistic adversary tactics. He adds a practical understanding of how to integrate emerging technologies into real-world operational contexts.

Our advisors are providing valuable insight throughout our CONOPS and war-gaming phase. We’ll soon begin virtual prototyping by flying competing Dominion Scout designs against each other.

Rheinmetall establishes advanced land autonomy Centre of excellence based in the UK, increasing cooperation with Canada.

This new Centre of excellence will accelerate the delivery of PATH technology across Europe.

The Centre will localize and deploy advanced autonomous systems, creating high value jobs for the region.

Rheinmetall is preparing for the next generation of warfare, while delivering world-class technology. To expedite the delivery and meet the demand for autonomous systems, Rheinmetall has opened a new Advanced Land Autonomy Centre of Excellence (ALACOE) in the United Kingdom, enhancing operational effectiveness across the region. The initiative is part of a wider network of centres localizing autonomy across Europe, USA, and Australia.

Rheinmetall PATH

At the heart of this effort lies the Rheinmetall PATH technology, Rheinmetall Canada’s AI‑enabled autonomy kit developed in Canada, which provides perception, navigation, and decision‑making across complex, GPS‑degraded, and contested environments. PATH is platform‑agnostic and has been demonstrated on more than 40 wheeled and tracked vehicles, enabling autonomous navigation, leader‑follower convoy operations, and dynamic obstacle avoidance in dense terrain, littoral zones, and harsh climates.

Its maturity has been validated through demanding multinational trials and competitions, including NATO‑linked experimentation and the European Land Robot Trials (ELROB), where PATH‑enabled Rheinmetall systems achieved top performance in automated convoy operations, demonstrating readiness for real‑world deployment.

Strengthening NATO’s readiness through Canadian innovation

As countries strengthen and modernize their defence capabilities, the creation of this network of centres will also amplify Canada’s leading role in autonomous ground autonomous systems across Europe. ALACOE UK will serve the local market, bringing world leading ground autonomy directly to the UK market and surrounding regions while reinforcing the collective security across NATO members.

Significant industrial and economic benefits for future missions

Through this ALACOE, Rheinmetall is actively integrating UK-based companies into the supply chain to localize advanced technologies. By serving as a hub for integration, testing, and deployment of autonomous land systems, it will strengthen British sovereignty while creating high-value engineering and technology jobs in the UK and sustaining advanced manufacturing production in Canada. The Centre will hence deliver significant economic benefits on both sides of the Atlantic.

Rebecca Richards, Managing Director Rheinmetall UK, said, “The establishment of the Centre of excellence in the UK reflects the growing importance of autonomy in delivering more agile and resilient land capabilities. As forces adapt to increasingly complex and dynamic threats, the ability to integrate and scale these technologies will be critical.”

President and CEO of Rheinmetall Canada Pietro Mazzei said, “Deploying the Canadian expertise and localizing the capability accelerates the delivery of advanced solutions, enhances long-term industrial resilience, and maximizes economic returns by expanding domestic participation in high growth defence technologies”.

August 14, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have launched Operation NANOOK‑TUUGAALIK, a serial of Operation NANOOK running from August through October that focuses on maintaining a maritime presence in the Arctic, enhancing regional awareness, and strengthening the CAF’s ability to operate effectively in remote northern environments.

During the operation, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Robert Hampton Gray will be joined by the Canadian Coast Guard and other Canadian government departments as well as naval forces from the United States, France, and Denmark, as they transit through waters of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago conducting activities including patrols, surveillance, community engagement, and refuelling. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allied participation will strengthen interoperability and shared maritime awareness in the region.

Conducting Operation NANOOK-TUUGAALIK in collaboration with allies and partners will reinforce Canada’s sovereignty and demonstrate our commitment to strengthening NATO’s Arctic posture. Throughout the year, Operation NANOOK serials are conducted in coordination with NATO activities, including the enhanced Vigilance Activity ARCTIC SENTRY which contributes to NATO deterrence and defence efforts, further reinforcing collective security and resilience across the Alliance and the Arctic.

Quotes

Quick facts

• Operation NANOOK is Canada’s signature Arctic operation, and Operation NANOOK‑TUUGAALIK is one of several serials that will be conducted in 2026.

• Operation NANOOK also includes serials NUNALIVUT, QIMAAVIVUT, TAKUNIQ, TATIGIIT, and NUNAKPUT.

• Operation NANOOK serials are conducted year‑round, supporting near‑persistent CAF operations that are enabled by Canada’s permanent military presence in the Arctic and North.

• Operation NANOOK‑TUUGAALIK focuses on maritime presence and surveillance across Canada’s Arctic and northern waters.

• Royal Canadian Navy Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels such as HMCS Robert Hampton Gray are designed to operate effectively in northern waters and remote environments.

• Environmental stewardship and respectful engagement with northern communities remain central to Operation NANOOK‑TUUGAALIK. Operations are planned and conducted to minimize environmental impact, respect local conditions, and avoid placing additional strain on northern infrastructure and resources.

• NATO’s enhanced Vigilance Activity ARCTIC SENTRY brings NATO activities in the Arctic together under a single, overarching operational approach. By integrating Allied capabilities, the activity enhances visibility of military movements and enables coordinated planning and execution across the region.