This Week in Defence (10/26/26): Black Hawks Again, Elbit Acquires ISE, Canada Invests In Space, Lots Of DSRB Drama, EU Releases Arctic Strategy, New RCMP Helicopter ITQ, Uplift UOR, CPSP Contract
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Hey Gang.
It's another newsletter monday, and with it, a lot of news. From ISE being bought to Black Hawk rumors, a new EU Arctic Strategy to the launch of our roadmap for our own strategic plan. It is an absolutely packed newsweek for us this week!
As we head into the holiday season though, I am once again here to do my good deed of the holidays hy sharing our little donation drive. This year we're trying to promote some Holiday giving, and using the newsletter to try and show some love to a few of the wonderful organizations supporting the CAF this December.
Support Our Troops and Together We Stand are always in need of your love and support.
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!
To make note, we are not affiliated with either charity, nor are we working with them on this. This is just little old me trying to get some people motivated to show the love this Christmas.
Remember that you can always submit your media and press releases to us at info@truenorthstrategicreview.ca!
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.
Photos Of The Week
The RCAF received its first two CF35As yesterday at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. The future of air and space power is built on more than equipment alone.We are developing the skilled people, integrated capabilities, and modern tools we need to meet future challenges at home and abroad.
The 2nd Canadian Division held a Recognition ceremony as part of Army modernization at Montreal Garrison, Quebec, on September 26, 2026. Photo: Cpl Étienne Laflamme and Cpl Melissa Hookimawillillene, Canadian Armed Forces
Canadian snipers Dominate at Baltic Viper Strike 2026 🇨🇦 A Canadian Army sniper team from NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia achieved an outstanding victory at Baltic Viper Strike 2026 in Lithuania, finishing first overall against 18 teams from six nations. The event tested the full spectrum of sniper skills through a demanding three-day tactical exercise and 17 challenge events. Participants were evaluated on navigation, physical fitness, pistol and assault rifle marksmanship, long-range precision shooting, observation, fieldcraft, and sniper-specific tactical tasks. The Canadian pair excelled throughout the competition, placing first in seven of the 17 events and securing the overall title by an impressive 97-point margin over their closest competitors. Their performance not only highlights the high standards of the Canadian Armed Forces sniper community but also reinforces Canada's reputation for operational excellence among Allied and partner nations.
• Officials are apparently pushing really hard to get the CPSP deal done ASAP. While not garunteed, there is a 'pathway' to get a deal done before the end of the year, but so far folks believe negotiations push into spring/summer next year.
• A decision for the Uplift UOR has apparently been made, but an announcement could be pushed into the New Year over the Fall we've been expecting. Probably contract negotiations, if I had to guess.
• Expect more Hanwha news in the next few months, mainly on the supply and critical mineral side of things.
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