This Week in Defence (10/19/26): Wainwright Live Thread, Blackhawks, Greece GSOIA, CCG, 90th Anniversary For The ASD, Lots of UAS, Lots Of Lobbying, nTACS

Newsletter

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Hey Gang.

It's another week, and another newsletter. I wish it wasn't on such terms, but so be it. Usually, I would use this space to hype a bit. We do have a lot going on this week. I think this newsletter has broken our previous records for longest! Certainly the longest lobbying section.

At this time though, I wanna take a moment to speak a bit on the weekend. As we come off a very hard weekend, I want to remind everyone of the resources available both to help in these times and to show sone support to our armed forces.

I know some of you are struggling hard with what happened, and I wanted to remind you that you are not alone.

CFMWS is here to support our military community. The Family Information Line (FIL) offers free, confidential support, information and referrals to CAF members, Veterans and their families, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1-800-866-4546

https://cfmws.ca/support-services/family-information-line

At the same time, we have wonderful organizations dedicated to supporting Canada’s Military families and service members. Onganizations like Support Our Troops and Together We Stand are always in need of your love and support, especially at critical times like now as we approach the holidays.

I know they would be overjoyed to see some extra donations this holiday season. So please, as you think about what charities to support these holidays, keep them in mind!

My heart goes out again to everyone affected by and feeling hurt from the events of the weekend. You are all in my prayers, and as always, I am here if any of you need me.

Remember that you can always submit your media and press releases to us at info@truenorthstrategicreview.ca!

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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!

• LIVE THREAD: Ongoing Incident At CFB Wainwright (Updated: 6:28PM EST, 10/18/26)

• Let’s Talk with Noah (10/19/26): nTACS, K9MH, MCAV, Submarines, XLUUV, GBAD

• Canadian Coast Guard ships Des Groseilliers and Louis S. St-Laurent complete first security patrols in Canada’s Arctic waters

• The Canadian Coast Guard celebrates milestone in Canadian shipbuilding with dedication of CCGS Baie de Gaspé

• Over $135 million invested through NRC IRAP Defence Industry Assist to help Canadian businesses develop defence and dual-use technologies

• Canada and Greece sign General Security of Information Agreement

• MetOcean Telematics expands Dartmouth facility to bring teams under one roof

• Chorus Aviation announces agreement to acquire SkyCare Air Ambulance

• Irving Shipbuilding Provides Update on HMCS Fraser

• 49NORTH AWARDS CONTRACT TO TERRASENSE ANALYTICS-LED AIRBORNE SENSING LAB IN SUPPORT OF CANADA’S CQ-9B GUARDIAN REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM PROJECT

• MARITIME LAUNCH SERVICES RECEIVES CONDITIONAL APPROVAL TO LIST ON THE TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE

• MDA SPACE TO HOLD ITS THIRD QUARTER 2026 EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2026

• Marshall Land Systems is now a Certified Indigenous Business (CIB) with the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB)

• Seaspan Shipyards hosts ceremonial keel laying for the future flagship icebreaker of the Canadian Coast Guard

• Black Hawks, Money, and The Defence Ecosystem

• ITPS Canada Founder Giorgio Clementi Named to Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame Class of 2027

• Larus Advances AI-Powered Military Scenario Generation with ScenarioGPT through Research and Development Investment

• Volatus Aerospace to Acquire AISPECO, Expanding Proprietary Technology for Defence and Aerial Intelligence

• ‘Normal’ for Armed Forces to conduct training near fires: top military commander

• What does it mean to be a “Canadian company” in Canada’s defence procurement landscape?

• Mark Norman: Canada’s defence-spending quagmire

• Canada making progress on defence strategy, but key aspects remain a challenge, industry members say

• John Ivison: Russia’s deadly crosshairs could be aiming at the heads of Canada’s defence contractors

• In Canada’s drone-killing ‘Sandbox,’ companies compete for a $1M prize

• Canada Doesn’t Need to Shout Louder

• Poland’s Military Ascent: What can Canada learn

• Below the surface: How autonomous systems could protect Canada

• NDWCC Raffle: Win RAdm Belhumeur’s Parking Spot!

• Women’s powerlifting seminars introduce CAF members to the sport

• Canadian Armed Forces members to begin wearing Remembrance Day poppy on October 24

• When workplace conflict happens, you have options

• Navigating perimenopause in uniform: Understanding antidepressant prescriptions

• 33 CBG prepares at the “training ground of the warriors”

• Aircraft Services marks 90 years of aviation service

• Turning a love of laboratory science into a military career through subsidized education

• Building operational effectiveness through intersectional perspectives

• Serving smiles: A CAF Dental Technician finds her calling

• CDS/CAF CWO/DM Message: Tragedy at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright

• Message from Michael Sabia: Tragedy at CFB Wainwright

• Defence strengthens ties with 2SLGBTQI+ communities

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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.

• We have two new notices this week. We have an RFP for the drydocking and refit of RCMP Patrol Vessel Higgitt, and an RFP for the drydocking refit of CCGS Leonard J. Cowley that have been released

• The RFP for Advanced Homemade Explosives Training has been updated with new documentation

• The RFP for the Alarm and Monitoring System for CCGS Gordon Reid has been updated with new documentation

• The RFSA for the Defence Drone Initiative Marketplace Round 2 has been updated with new documentation

• The RFP for the Domestic UAS Bulk Purchase has been updated with new documentation

• The MDB for the Camp Sustain Theatre Training Coordination Centre at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown has been updated with new documentation

• The RFP for the alongside refit of CCGS Gordon Reid has been updated with new documentation

• The RFP for the AFCCIS Capability Enhancement has been updated with new documentation

• The RFP for the alongside refit of CCGS M. Charles M.B. has been updated with new documentation

• The RFP for the drydocking and refit of CCGS Vector has been updated with new documentation

• The RFI for Landing Craft Motorized (LCM) has been updated with new documentation

• The RFP for the Medium Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) has been updated with new documentation

• The MINERVA Initiative project for Uncrewed Aircraft System Deconfliction has been updated with new documentation

• A contract has been awarded to ABB for $57,487.50 for the design and development of a handheld active thermal infrared spectroradiometer

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• M1 Composites Technology has filed a new record with PAA Advisory looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including funding opportunities for an aerospace sustainment hub and the companies capabilities and offerings

• GHGSat has filed a new record with Crestview Strategy looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including funding opportunities and contract opportunities for its satellite services

• Pomerleau has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including defence and critical infrastructure, housing, supply chains, and procurement practices

• Wuxly has filed a new record with Crestview Strategy looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including domestic supply chains and the companies capabilities and offerings

• Qikiqtaaluk Arctic Economic Development has filed new records with Barrack Hill Public Affairs and Fasken Martineau DuMoulin looking to engage the Federal Government on funding opportunities for the Qikiqtarjuaq Deep Sea Port in Nunavut

• Celestica has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including sovereign AI, funding opportunities for AI compute, aerospace and defence manufacturing, and trade

• CGI has filed a new record with Compass Rose Group looking to engage the Federal Government on procurement opportunities supporting digital government priorities

• Tanium has filed a new record with Compass Rose Group looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including procurement opportunities for endpoint security at Shared Services Canada and the companies capabilities and offerings

• Aecon has filed a new record with Bluesky Strategy Group looking to engage the Federal Government on infrastructure projects

• Jaunt Air Mobility Canada has filed a new record with Sandstone Group looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including defence and transportation policy, funding opportunities, and contract opportunities to provide drones to the CAF

• CCX Technologies has filed a new record with Syntax Strategic looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including procurement opportunities, funding opportunities, and the Defence Industrial Strategy

• Prinoth has filed a new record with Sandstone Group looking to engage the Federal Government on procurement opportunities in the defence, municipal equipment, and off-road transportation markets

• ONE Global has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including international assistance, global health, and international development policy

• IMP Aerospace and Defence has filed a new record with NorthStar Public Affairs looking to engage the Federal Government on contract opportunities to provide in-service support for military aviation

• Provincial Aerospace has filed a new record with Prospectus Associates in Corporate Development looking to engage the Federal Government on contract opportunities to provide aerial surveillance and logistics services for Canada’s North

• Avenir Minerals has filed a new record with Sussex Strategy Group looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including critical minerals development, mining policy, and Indigenous economic reconciliation

• Dominion Dynamics has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including procurement opportunities for its Arctic sensing systems and autonomous collaborative platform, Arctic infrastructure, and the Defence Industrial Strategy

• Czechoslovak Group has filed a new record with NorthStar Public Affairs looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including export permits, Industrial and Technological Benefits, contract opportunities, and potential investments in Canadian defence businesses

• Bombardier has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including defence procurement, export financing, funding opportunities for aerospace research, and trade

• Saab Canada has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including Industrial and Technological Benefits and procurement opportunities for defence and civil security programs

• Volatus Aerospace has filed a new record with Barrack Hill Public Affairs looking to engage the Federal Government on funding and procurement opportunities for its drone technologies

• Cohere has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including AI policy, AI procurement, and international competitiveness

• Des Nedhe Development has filed a new record with Alar Strategy Group looking to engage the Federal Government on cooperation between government and Indigenous business ventures

• AtkinsRéalis has filed a new record with Teneo looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including the Defence Industrial Strategy, defence infrastructure projects, critical minerals, and international project financing

• Honeywell Aerospace has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including defence funding, export controls, and RFP processes

• EllisDon has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Peter Hammerschmidt, Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment) at National Defence, and Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister at National Defence

• Airbus Defence and Space Canada has filed new communications detailing meetings with Doug Guzman, CEO of the Defence Investment Agency, Philip Jennings, Deputy Minister at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister at National Defence, Kendal Hembroff, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister (Industry Sector) at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Heather Sheehy, Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) at National Defence, and Wendy Hadwen, Assistant Deputy Minister at the Defence Investment Agency, and with Heather Sheehy, Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) at National Defence

• Airbus Canada has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Doug Guzman, CEO of the Defence Investment Agency, Philip Jennings, Deputy Minister at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister at National Defence, Kendal Hembroff, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister (Industry Sector) at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Heather Sheehy, Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) at National Defence, and Wendy Hadwen, Assistant Deputy Minister at the Defence Investment Agency

• Airbus Helicopters Canada has filed new communications detailing meetings with Doug Guzman, CEO of the Defence Investment Agency, Philip Jennings, Deputy Minister at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister at National Defence, Kendal Hembroff, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister (Industry Sector) at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Heather Sheehy, Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) at National Defence, and Wendy Hadwen, Assistant Deputy Minister at the Defence Investment Agency, and with Kendal Hembroff, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister (Industry Sector) at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and Wendy Hadwen, Assistant Deputy Minister at the Defence Investment Agency

• AltaML has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with James Barr, Officer at National Defence, and Sevgui Erman, Director General at the National Research Council

• Prairie Lithium has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Quinn Rinke, West and North Regional Advisor at National Defence

• Agnico Eagle Mines has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Gwendolyn Culver, Director of Parliamentary Affairs and Issues Management in the Minister’s Office at National Defence, and Conor Lewis, Policy Advisor in the Minister’s Office at National Defence

• SSi Canada has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), Derrick Cheung, President of Defence Construction Canada, and Peter Hammerschmidt, Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment) at National Defence

• Northcrest Developments has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Alexa Kalsatos, Senior Operations and Regional Advisor (Ontario) to the Minister of National Defence

• KPMG has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Wendy Hadwen, Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy) at the Defence Investment Agency, and Vincent Robitaille, Assistant Deputy Minister (Procurement) at the Defence Investment Agency

• IMT Group has filed new communications detailing meetings with Heather Sheehy, Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) at National Defence, and Mark McKiel, Director General Joint Equipment Program Management at National Defence, and with Heather Sheehy, Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) at National Defence, Martin Corriveau, Director General Land Equipment Program Management at National Defence, and Kerri-Lynn Nankivell, Director of Defence Industrial Strategy at National Defence

• Colt Canada has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Mark McKiel, Director General Joint Equipment Program Management at National Defence

• Ocean Group has filed new communications detailing meetings with Brian Botting, Director of Defence Industrial Strategy at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Christopher Taitt, Captain (Navy) and Director Naval Requirements at National Defence, Robb Wight, Deputy Commissioner (Shipbuilding and Materiel) at the Canadian Coast Guard, Caroline Millar, Regional Advisor for Quebec at Transport Canada, and Fahim Khan, Senior Policy Advisor at Finance Canada, and with Nassima Zobir Bougurba, Director General at Public Services and Procurement Canada, Nicolas Nabaa, Director General at Public Services and Procurement Canada, Caroline Millar, Regional Advisor for Quebec at Transport Canada, Brian Botting, Director of Defence Industrial Strategy at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Robb Wight, Deputy Commissioner at the Canadian Coast Guard, Chris Taitt, Commodore and Director at National Defence, and Fahim Khan, Senior Policy Advisor in the Minister of Finance’s Office at Finance Canada

• Dominion Dynamics has filed new communications detailing meetings with Mark McKiel, Director General (Materiel) at National Defence, with Sherry Romanado, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, with Kevin Brosseau, Associate Deputy Minister at National Defence, and with Riley Hennessey, Chief of Staff to the Assistant Deputy Minister at Defence Research and Development Canada, Kate Kaminska, Chief Scientist at Defence Research and Development Canada, Michel Couillard, Director General at Defence Research and Development Canada, and Paula Cipriano, Director at Defence Research and Development Canada

• Irving Shipbuilding has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Alexa Kalsatos, Senior Operations and Regional Advisor (Ontario) to the Minister of National Defence

• Lockheed Martin has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Heather Sheehy, Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) at National Defence, and Vincent Robitaille, Assistant Deputy Minister (Procurement) at Public Services and Procurement Canada

• Canada Rocket Company has filed new communications detailing meetings with Pablo Gelso, Senior Policy Officer at National Defence, Catharine Liu, Deputy Director at National Defence, Muzammil Mehdi, Senior Policy Advisor at National Defence, and Jean-Francois Riel, Director General at National Defence, and with Wendy Hadwen, Assistant Deputy Minister at National Defence

• Bombardier has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Natasha Kim, Associate Deputy Minister at National Defence, Rebecca Hall, Counsellor at the Defence Mission of Canada to the European Union, Hanna Wajda, Counsellor (Political and Trade) at the Embassy of Canada to the Czech Republic, and Major Thys Hoedeman, Deputy Canadian Defence Attaché to Poland, Czechia, and Slovakia

• Sprung Instant Structures has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister at National Defence, Joël Lightbound, Minister at Public Services and Procurement Canada, Arianne Reza, Deputy Minister at Public Services and Procurement Canada, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, Philip Jennings, Deputy Minister at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), Peter Hammerschmidt, Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment) at National Defence, Derrick Cheung, President of Defence Construction Canada, and Nicolas Pilon, Major-General and Chief of Staff (Infrastructure and Environment) at National Defence

• C3RiOS Systems has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Ezechiel Nana, Regional Advisor (Quebec) to the Minister of National Defence

• Kepler Communications has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Christopher Horner, Commander of 3 Canadian Space Division at National Defence

• J-Squared Technologies has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Philippe Hebert, Director General at National Defence

• GHGSat has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Gwendolyn Culver, Director Arctic Policy at National Defence

• Marmen has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Ravi Singh, Director General (Materiel) at National Defence

• Thales Canada has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Kendal Hembroff, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister (Industry Sector) at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Vincent Robitaille, Assistant Deputy Minister (Procurement) at Public Services and Procurement Canada, and Heather Sheehy, Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) at National Defence

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Join IPAC for this year's Industrial Participation Conference, taking place October 27-28 in Ottawa under the theme "Build-Partner-Buy: What It Means for ITBs and Industrial Participation."!

Join industry leaders, government stakeholders, academia, and Indigenous partners for discussions on the future of Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITBs), defence industrial participation, innovation, investment, and workforce development.

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Photos Of The Week

Bienvenue. Marine nationale French Navy ship Monge (A601), a unique missile range instrumentation vessel, arrived in Halifax today for a port visit. Welcome to the ship's company.

HMCS Robert Hampton Gray / NCSM Robert Hampton Gray is seen during the sunset in the vicinity of the Beafort Sea during Operation LATITUDE. Credit: Corporal Mitchell Paquette

UAS on Ex WOLFPACK GUARDIAN The Canadian Army is accelerating the development, testing and production of Canadian uncrewed and autonomous systems (UAS) to help provide the capabilities we need in an increasingly complex security environment. Recent conflicts have underscored how rapidly drone technologies are transforming modern warfare and are central to modern military operations. These technologies can provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, support logistics, protect personnel, counter hostile drones, and perform a range of operational tasks. Success increasingly depends on the ability to innovate, adapt and field new capabilities at speed. Canada must be prepared to do the same, and the Wolfpack is adapting to meet these challenges. Credit: MS/matc Patrice Harvey

Canadian Armed Forces infantry soldiers from the Land Task Force conduct a training exercise in Crystal City, near Resolute Bay, Nunavut, during Operation NANOOK-NUNAKPUT on September 13, 2026. Photo: Cpl Nicholas Zahari, Canadian Armed Forces

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• There is talks about folding other projects into nTACS, such as the ongoing CCG Helicopter projects. Still seems to not be a set call, but the rumor is picking up steam the last few weeks. It isn't new, mind you, but seems more credible now.

• There is discussions of an engine manufacturer, primarily for UAS, looking to expand into Canada. Still working on this one.

• While not garunteed. Expect Defence to get big nods in Turkey this week.

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