Let's Talk with Noah (12/22/25): Lasers, Huskys, Harbour Protection, Why is CPSP taking so long?

Happy Monday!

A happy holidays to you all! I hope that you all enjoy the week to come. I apologize for this being later than usual. I had a very busy day doing some last minute shopping amd preparing for hosting people on Wednesday. This week feels very short. I think I'm now used to 4000+ word Let's Talks!

However length isnt always the best indicator of how fun a week will be. This week felt very diverse in the questions, something I always enjoy. I managed to do 15, but I promise next week I'll do the ones I've missed!

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

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Q1. Thank you for your excellent work Noah and happy holidays

You guys have all sent me a lot of Holiday wishes, so consider this a big thank you for them! I truly appreciate it.

Q2. After one year in service, is the RCAF satisfied with the CC-295 Kingfisher?

I don't actually hear about Kingfisher much from folks. I actually know someone (hello said person!) Who worked on the project, so I have had lots of time to hear stories and about how thr project developed as it did. Its been fascinating.

I have not heard anything against the Kingfisher, however I have yetnto hear from anyone who has flown them, and their reputation as far as I know is that they're a well step up in terms of the equipment and capabilities they bring. They are very impressive sensor platforms, and extremely capable to that degree.

Besides that? I think they're still a bit to new to have people formulating deep opinions on them. Seats aint wven warm yet! Gonna need more time before we see how opinions form but I have yet to hear major complaints, besides the delays, the last few months if that's a positive.

Q3. Is the RCN looking at Dragonfire or similar laser system?

Its been discussed as a potential future capability. I have heard several people talk about their own personal interest in it, and when we sat with CRCN Topshee a few months ago it was a platform he mentioned interest in.

Its one of those “wait and see” platforms I feel. There is no project looking to it. There are no official plans to include them, however we still have yet to get to the point of asking what the Batch-II of the River-class will look like. Giving time for technologies to mature is a good thing, and we're lucky to be at a stage where direct-emergy weapons might be feasible for the Batch-II by the time we get to the stage of asking what we want on them.

Those questions will again come when we start to seriously ask what Batch-II and beyond will look like. We'll likely be watching Dragonfire specifically eith big interest, for obvious reasons. However there are potentially other systems out there. I know of one dude here who wanted to try and do similar here.

Q4. Been thinking a lot about quick assembled buildings (mostly in the north). Rather then prefab…. I am wondering if govt has considered 3d printed concrete?

No clue. I actually don't know much on the concept. I actually know someone doing very similar to this idea, Half Price Housing, who I am looking at something else with. Although I have had casual conversations about their potnetial defence utility.

I think the idea has merits. I think there is potential to be more experimental with things like additive manufacturing for things like things. Maybe something for me to write about in the future? Maybe when I sit down with them I can bring up the idea lol.

Q5. Will the RCAF replace the C-130H aircraft?

Once everything is in they're done. Thats all she wrote for the H fleet as far as I know.

Q6. Is there any discussion on replacing the CC130HT tactical tanker capability with a new KC130J option or SOF specific J model type?

No. Once the Husky are all here that'll be it. There have been, apparently, some internal disvussions of ordering more Husky in the future but rhat isnt tied to any replacement. We talked a bit before, but the eight Husky are already gonna be a massove net increase on the RCAFs refueling capacity.

Any future purchases will likely just be more Husky. They're a great multi-role platform, one that will always be in demand.

Q7. Is the RCN planning harbour protection against unscrewed submersible?

There is no specific project that I know of dedicated to harbour protection. You do hear about it though through several other projects. The Orca Replacement is an example of expanding the inshore patrol fleet to fulfill such roles. You might also hear about the potnetial of COBRA to be fitted onto vessels in such a role. I have from a few peoppe before.

Overall, harbour protection is likely to be fulfilled by several different projects working concurrently with each other… Orca replacement, an expanded Coast Guard, our own Autonomous systems, many of which don't have a direct project tied to them at this moment.

I imagine harbour protection to actually be the domain of something like a Orca+ working in tandem with a number of USV/UUV, perhaps in a form of Manned-Unmanned Teaming? That I can't say. Thats for the navy to figure out if the technology and capability is something they want to try to put into that future Orca.

Q8. With the RCAF looking into AAR for the Global 6500, do they have a preferred option...boom/receptacle or hose/drogue?

I mean… I can't say for certain but I imagine that boom would be the preference. The future fleet will be made up of boom-refueled aircraft, higher fuel transfer rate, greater reliability. It makes sense that there would be a desire for boom first if it's possible.

Q9. Concerning the TAPV, if heard they will be receiving new engines. Do you know of any other mods planned?

I have not! But now I wanna ask around and see if I can dig anything up. I haven't heard anything in the pipeline for TAPV, other than potential future roles in things like CUAS or GBAD being discussed. That's not a plan though.

Q10. Will we order more Zetros, given that the vehicle numbers for other programs mentioned in the This Week in Defence are being increased since 1500 is a joke

There actually are plans to add on to the fleet over the next few years! I don't have the nitty-gritty details though. The MSVS MILCOTS are now up there in age and will need further replacements, which in my mind should just be tacking on more Zetros to the existing order.

I would also not be against the SMP going sooner than later. Sorry to the SMP lovers out there, I know some of you really like them. The fact is that the truck fleet is getting a bit ridiculous. We have several vehicles of, essentially overlapping classes that just don't need to exist. As of now we're on track to have:

• MSVS MILCOTS

• MSVS SMP

• Zetros

• HX for ERC

• FMTV for Himars.

Knocking out the MSVS fleet at least brings these to a more reasonable level. I also have issue because, when the Zetros was selected, there was a point made that the platform would provide a modular, shared platform for LVM Light and Heavy. Thats great! Hell, get the 6×6 too! I don't care.

But how can you say that when you have FOUR OTHER SIMILAR TRUCKS IN BLOODY SERVICE. It makes no sense, and I know the mess that got us here, but it’s never to late to fix a mistake. We gotta get to 3.5% anyways! You can just let the MSVS fleets go, let them be free or something. I really don't care as long as Zetros is the emd result.

Knowing our luck we'll end up with a Hino, or a Tatra! Who knows! Maybe we'll just collect them all. Maybe we get an award for it. I don't know.

Q11. Has the Defence Investment Agency (DIA) had a meaningful impact yet?

Refer back to my post when ESCP-P was announced. I think it is still far to early to tell. It doesnt feel fair on anyone, nor is there enough data im my mind to accurately judge. However, I do think that Fuhr especially has been a superstar the last few months, and the DIA now has the Enhanced Satellite Communications Project - Polar and Airlift Capability Project - Multi-role Flight Service project under their belts.

Both of these, no matter how much we might debate they were done when handed off, are being contracted years ahead of schedule, with good, proven solutions in my books. If the idea is to present the DIA as an organization of practicalities, where projects with clear solutions can be quixkly pushed through? That that alone is a win in my books against the current system.

The DIA has only been operating for a month and a half though. They are fresh iut the door, and two very good but early success are not an accurate judge of overall impact. They are a display of confidence though, onw that makes me less worried and more open to theor efforts than before.

Q12. How would America's switch to 6.8mm work logistically when most NATO allies use or are switching to 5.56mm? Shouldn't all allies maintain the same caliber?

You woild think wouldn't you? There is nondesire to move away from 5.56 in NATO, which is why CMAR elected to stick with it. The Americans have elected that the supposed increase lethality at longer ranges and penetrative power were worth it.

What's funny is, while I don't have the numbers of hand, I'm told CMAR does pretty good at being near comparable despite using 5.56. Something for me to try and hunt down from Colt! I know recent tests puts the effective range off the Full- Spctrum variant out to 500m. That's the number I know accurately at this time.

Q13. Kss 3 vs 212 CD, why is the government dragging it on. Seems like they want something extra from Tkms. Possible 212 Cd over Kss 3?

I tell people a lot that you need to look at CPSP not as a procurement project but as an intial agreement to a wider exonomic partnership. While CPSP is moving fast, there is still a lot of worry related to the project and needing to make sure we get this right.

That means firmly understanding the capabilities of both companies to support Canadian-led and operated In-Service Support, understanding where Canada can fit into the supply chain, allow suppliers to formulate agreements with local industry to supportthe future Canadian Patrol Submarine, and ‘negotiating’ the wider scale of the future economic relationship.

Dragging out is the wrong term in my mind. So is believing there is buying time for TKMS. It might feel that way because Fuhr and crew are in Europe a lot this month. Next month it'll be the Koreans lol. People gotta stop reading into these trips as a sign of favour to either side. Its just a matter of focusing on one partner at a time for an extended period to better engage and understand what's going on.

Submissions are due in March, a decision is likely not coming to the summer. There is time for extended engagement, and we should take advantage of that to sevure the best possible concessions from everyone.

Q14. Will the new VIP Husky MRTT be eventually fitted with an anti-missile defense system and secure communications system, specifically for the prime minister

Yes, but I couldnt tell you exactly what systems are.going to be included and from who. EDIT: My bestie North, who has a random tendency to remember the systems installed on every RCAF aircraft without fail has identified the system as Elbit System's Music DIRCM Suite. Thank her for her knowledge, as I couldnt remmeber today what it was lol.

Q15. Is the RCAF exploring adding air-to-air refuelling probes for any platforms in the rotary fleet? And is that capability desired for NTACs?

I have not heard of any plans to do so at this time. If there is, it isnt ehat im tracking. NTACS is a bit different. I have heard it discussed as a nice to have but never as a requirement. That might change, in fact it could easily. NTACS is still trying to figure out wxactly what tbe future fleet looks like, and a lot of things are still on the table.

So anything can change at this stage. Thats the fun of these early stages! Sometimes things can change quite rapidly in a short frame of time. If it does change I'll let you know, since I now know theres a curiosity about it!

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