This Week in Defence (04/20/26): Lots Of Hanwha, Lots Of New Agreements, A New Archive, New Lobbyist Record, Lots of Bridges, GBAD RFP Update, CU-172 Blackjack Replacement

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Happy Monday Everyone!

I apologize for a late one tonight, however it is for good reason. We officially broke oit record for Longest Newsletter Ever! (and by a good margin while we're at it)

Most of that is thanks to almost everyone lobbying, but it's been a heavy week of meetings and agreements, esepcially if you're Korean, who dominate this newsletter. We also got lots of bridges, more UxS, and some new Navy timelines…

We have lots to cover this week! So let's not hold up.

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• Read up on the latest edition of CanadaxEurope!

• Also CanadaxIndo-Pacific, which is a thing! How cool is that!

• The latest edition of Steffan Watkins RCN Media and Public Awareness Update is up!

• Let's Talk with Noah (04/14/26): Graving Docks, Names, Arctic Mobile Bases, Phoenix, Trains

• AtkinsRéalis and Hanwha Ocean sign Memorandum of Understanding to support Canada’s submarine capability

• Sophia Space Announces Strategic Collaboration with Kepler Communications to Advance Orbital Compute and Connectivity

• Government of Canada introduces Level 1 of Canadian Program for Cyber Security Certification

• Volatus Aerospace Secures Multi-Year Training Contract with NATO-Allied Government

• ARCANUS AERIAL SYSTEMS RECEIVES FORMAL CONFIRMATION OF TOP-DOWN MILITARY VALIDATION FROM UKRAINIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENSE ALONGSIDE EXPANDING GLOBAL PROCUREMENT DEMAND

• Military Police lay charges in relation to the death of a CAF member

• Statement from the Commander and Command Chief of the Royal Canadian Navy

• Prime Minister Carney speaks with President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

• INTURAI RELEASES PROPRIETARY DUO-1 QUANTUM SECURE DEVICES TO SEE THROUGH WALLS AND TRACK HUMAN ACTIVITY AND HEARTBEATS

• QNX and TKMS Collaborate to Bring Canadian Software Innovation to Global Naval Defence Programs

• The Government of Canada announces funding for the Nihtat Operations, Readiness & Training Hub

• Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation wins Canadian Space Agency's Aqualunar Challenge

• Spaceflux Selected by MDA Space to Deliver Optical Systems for Canadian Space Surveillance Programme

• ADM(MAT) Provides New Update on the Canadian Advanced Synthetic Environment (CASE) Phase 2 Project

• Where was Mr. Fuhr Today? (04/15/2026)

• SkyAlyne and Southport Aerospace Centre Inc. announce site services contract to support RCAF Future Aircrew Training program

• Cellula Robotics Welcomes Colleen Hahn as Vice President, Technology Transfer and Strategy

• Canada and European Space Agency sign General Security of Information Agreement

• Government of Ontario convenes Industry Day as Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy moves into submarine program execution

• Introducing The Archive

• Operation NANOOK-NUNALIVUT 2026 concludes with strengthened Arctic defence presence

• Canadian Coast Guard signs agreement with Norwegian Coast Guard at International Arctic Meeting

• Where Was Mr. Fuhr Today? (04/10/26)

• Government of Canada invests to structure defence industrial ecosystem

• Boeing commits $36 Million CAD to Aerospace Manufacturing R&D in Winnipeg

• King Charles III version of the Operational Service Medal unveiled

• KASA Signs Space Cooperation MOU with Canada

• Minister Joly to travel to Germany and Norway to promote Canadian industry and attract investments

• Royal Canadian Navy announces new partmership with the Institut maritime du Québec

• So, What The Hell Is An Arctic Mobile Base?

• ONTARIO DEFENCE ASSOCIATION ESTABLISHED TO STRENGTHEN PROVINCE’S ROLE IN CANADA’S DEFENCE AND SECURITY ECOSYSTEM

• DEFSEC Announces Board Changes, Strengthening Strategic Leadership

• BBE and Det'on Cho Logistics Launch Arctic Defence Logistics Platform to Strengthen Canada's Northern Readiness

• MDA SPACE CONTRACTED BY AIRBUS FOR REPEAT ORDER OF ANTENNAS FOR ONEWEB CONSTELLATION EXTENSION

• GA-ASI Completes MQ-9B 'Flight Into Known Icing' Flight Tests

• Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation to lead $3 million government-backed project to advance manufacturing for nuclear micro-reactors

• Landing Zones Canada Secures First Investment from BDC's New StrongNorth Defence Fund

• Australia, Canada and the United States transit through South China Sea

• Gastops Launches FluidSIGHT™ Real-Time Oil Condition Monitoring System

• McGuinty says ‘things have changed’ with U.S. but defence ties still strong

• Summary Report: Canada-Singapore Defence Industrial Co-operation: A Matter of Execution

• U.S. defence company looking to raise up to $100-million to build Ontario arms factory

• SWF 2026 Counterspace report highlights electronic warfare threat and Canadian defence implications

• We’re spending $35B on Arctic defence. Why are we doing that?

• Canada’s Anti-American Defense Industrial Strategy: Daniel Dorman and Jamie Tronnes in the National Review

• Audit warns military procurement faces ‘persistent’ hurdles

• ‘We’re selling to our allies, but we’re not selling to ourselves’: Canadian defence companies tell Senate National Security Committee

• Digital Defence Arsenal: How Emerging Technologies Are Redefining Modern Defence

• Carney government should reduce other areas of spending to pay for defence increase

• On a wartime footing: Carney’s new defence initiatives risk corruption and global conflict

• Canada skips U.S.-sponsored military exercise in Africa as it reviews resources

• Industry Minister Mélanie Joly wants to see Nokia invest more in Canada

• Learning the Ropes: Esquimalt USAR Team Builds Readiness with Rescue Training

• Celebrating 30 Years of FMF: A Look Back at Dockyard History

• RCN NWOs Serve Differently on B.C. Waters

• In Memoriam: Honouring the Legacy of Retired VAdm Nigel Brodeur

• Government announces expansion of Naval Large Tug contract as CFAV Canso welcomed to Halifax

• CAF International Women’s Basketball Team celebrates 10 years of competition

• 3rd Canadian Division medals, awards and commendations - April 2026

• Is your security clearance up to date?

• RMC cadets connect with industry leaders in Toronto

• Making waves: Major Stephanie Bigelow completes a 14‑hour swim from France to England

• Update to the public service employee annual leave cash-out process

• CAF Chaplaincy: Entry options for Defence Team members

• Volunteers make waves during National Volunteer Week 2026

• Self-ID is for everyone!

• Spotlight series: What’s new in HRMS – absence management improvements

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

• The RFP for the Uplift GBAD UOR has been updated.

• CHER Bundles 1 and 2 have been updated with new documentation

• The RFI to engage on In-Service Support for the River-class Destroyer has been updated with new Q&A

• The SoO for explosive ordnance Mini Uncrewed Ground Vehicle Systems (MUGVS) for thr DND has been uodsted with new documentation

• A new NPP for NORAD Northern Basing Infrastructure at Goose Bay has been updated with new documentation

• The RFI for Close Support Bridge Systems (CSBS) has been uodsted with new documentation

• We have a new Request for Information for Phase 2 of the Joint Fires Modernization project!

• The RFI for the build contract for the Mid-Shore Multi-Mission Vessels has been updated with new documentation

• The RFP for Line of Communication Bridge Systems has been updated with new documentation

• We have a new RFP looking for an Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle

• The RFP for the dry docking refit of CCGS Jean Goodwill has been updated with new documentation

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• Lacroix Defense has filed a new record with PAA Advisory looking to engage the Federal Government on the companies capabilities and offerings

• The Edmonton Region Defence Consortium has filed a new record with Global Public Affairs looking to engage the Federal Government on potential funding opportunities related to the Defence Industrial Strategy

• Peter Kiewit Sons has filed a new record with Summa Strategies looking to engage the Federal Government on potential opportunities related to major projects, transportation corridors, and defence infrastructure

• M1 Composites Technology has filed a new record with PAA Advisory looking to engage the Federal Government on the companies capabilities and offerings, as well as seek funding to create a specialized aerospace sustainment hub (expansion) of its current facilities.

• Dominion Defence Corp has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on the companies capabilities in information technology and communications for defence and national security.

• Leonardo Helicopters has filed a new record with Bluesky Strategy Group looking to engage the Federal Government on the companies capabilities and offerings as well as engage the Federal Government on potential procurement opportunities including Cormorant Mid-Life Upgrade (CMLU) and Next Tactical Aviation Capability Set (nTACS)

• Roshel has filed a new record with Sandstone Group looking to engage the Federal Government on the companies capabilities and offerings, primarily in the realm of armoured vehicles gor bith domestic and export purposes.

• Ontario Shipyards has filed a new record with Rubicon Strategy looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including leveraging existing shipyard capacity, supply chains, provincial investments to strengthen Canada’s defence-industrial base, contracts for ship repair, and Project Vigilance

• SKYTRAC Systems has filed a new record with CFN Consultants looking to engage the Federal Government on the companies capabilities and offerings

• Next Generation Manufacturing Canada has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including the Federals policy on Defence Procurement

• Fednav Limited has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics

• MDA Space has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including funding for, policies and programs related to space (civil, defence and commercial) and non-space initiatives, Canada’s space regulatory framework for Earth observation, telecommunications, in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing, and launch, amendments to space regulations, and future space and defence programs such as satellite connectivity, Earth observation, communications and space exploration missions. So like everything I guess.

• Wuxly has filed a new record with Crestview Strategy looking to engage the Federal Government on the companies capabilities and offerings

• AtkinsRéalis has filed a new record with Teneo looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including the Defence Industrial Strategy, defence-related infrastructure projects and other government priorities related to defence and security, such as the development of a domestic defence industrial base, developing sovereign defence capabilities and defending the Arctic.

• Starkey Laboratories has filed a new record with Sandstone Group looking to engage the Federal Government on the companies capabilities and offerings as well as potential contract opportunities

• Calian has filed a new record with David Pratt and Associates looking to engage the Federal Government on potential procurement and funding opportunities

• Horizant has filed a new record with Compass Rose Group looking to engage the Federal Government on the companies capabilities and offerings

• Robotics Centre has filed a new record with McMillan Vantage looking to engage the Federal Government on the companies capabilities and offerings, primarily in the Uncrewed Aerial System field

• J.D. Irving has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including the Defence Industrial Strategy and National Shipbuilding Strategy

• Xona Space Systems has filed a new record with Gowling WLG looking to engage the Federal Government on the companies planned mission to launch, deploy and operate a constellation of 258 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (called Pulsar), and offer the navigation signals broadcast from these satellites as a commercial service.

• Kelowna Flightcraft has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple programs including Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C), Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS), the CP8A, and Future Fighter Lead-In Training (FFLIT)

• Cohere has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics

• Maritime Launch Services has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including the benefit of space launch to Canadian defence policy, international trade issues, the creation of a National Space Council, and the need for domestic launch capability in Canada

• Irving Shipbuilding has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including programs and contracts tied to the development and support of future combat vessels, funding to prepare their facilities for construction of the future River Class Destroyer fleet, the National Shipbuilding Strategy, and Halifax-class In-Service-Support

• Canada Rocket Company has filed a new record with Sandstone Group looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including Talent Retention and Acquisition, Sovereign Launch, and launch licences and export controls

• Qikiqtaaluk Arctic Economic Development has filed a new record with Fasken Martineau DuMoulin looking to engage the Federal Government on funding the development of the Qikiqtarjuaq Deep Sea Port in Nunavut

• Bak Motors has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Marie-Anne Lambert and Dana Pantea

• Global Relay Communications has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Quinn Rinke

• Magnum Integrated Technologies has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Mark Mckiel and Heather Sheehy

• Airbus Defence & Space Canada has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Christiane Fox and Heather Sheehy

• General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Heather Sheehy, Christiane Fox, Muntaha Ahmed, Alexa Kalsatos, Judith Bennett, and David McGuinty

• Airbus Helicopters has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Christiane Fox, Heather Sheehy, Sean Toomey, Kevin Fitzpatrick, and Andrew Wedgwood

• Irving Shipbuilding has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Christiane Fox, Heather Sheehy, Vincent Robitaille, Marco Presutti, Paula Folkes, VAdm. Angus Topshee, Arianne Reza, Brigitte Diogo, Tasha Hanes, and Doug Guzman

• 49North has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Quinn Rinke, Conor Lewis, and Gwendolyn Culver

• Strix Aero has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Martin Champoux

• The Edmonton Regional Airports Authority has filed a new communication detailing meetings with LGen Michael Wright

• CAE has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Christiane Fox, Peter Saunders, and Jamie Speiser-Blanchet

• Algoma Steel has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Judith Bennett and Chris Moyle

• Draganfly has filed a new communication detailing meetings with LGen Michael Wright

• Roshel has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Pavan Sapra

• De Havilland Aircraft of Canada has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Judith Bennett

• Saab Canada has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Christiane Fox, Heather Sheehy, and Doug Guzman

• Thales Canada has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Heather Sheehy and Wendy Hadwen

• Les dirigeables flying whales Québec has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Jean-François Juneau

• Horizant has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Major-General Cayle Oberwarth

• Rolls-Royce Canada Limited has filed a new communication detailing meetings with VAdm. Angus Topshee

• Hatch has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Steve Boivin

• Kelowna Flightcraft has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Doug Guzman

• Maritime Launch Services has filed a new communication detailing meetings with Alexa Kalsatos and Andrew Green

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• I just wanna mention this, because I find it adorable, but the ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho is bringing seawater from Jinhae and are planning to mix in with seawater from Canada as a sign of cooperation and brotherhood and like.

• Keep an eye on the XM30. If Lynx takes it, I think there is a very good chance it becomes a frontrunner for MCAV.

• ANY RUMOR ON A SPLIT DECISION FOR CPSP SHOULD BE TREATED AS FALSE. WE HAVE A NEW ONE EVERY WEEK. IT IS NOT ON THE CARDS RIGHT NOW.

• I have some new timelines I forgot to mention last week. CDC has preliminary timelines of IOC in 2039/40 and FOC in 2050/51. FASST-V is looking at IOC in 2029/30 and FOC in 2035/36

• There is a project on the books to replace the CU-172 Blackjack

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