This Week in Defence (10/27/25): Lots of Sub talk, CHER updates, Zetros Delivery Timeline.

Want to support True North Strategic Review and my work? Consider a small donation to our Kofi or Substack Premium! Is your company interested in appearing in our newsletter? Consider one of our sponsorship plans. Limited spots available!

---

Happy Monday everyone!

A much more orderly week, albeit a bit small. Next week promises to be a very busy week, so hopefully next newsletter will be a bit more exciting!

---

News

• The True North Strategic Review is currently hosting our end of the year survey! Submissions are open until November 15th!

• Jang Yeong-sil, the first KSS-III Batch II has officially launched!

• The folks at CanadaxEurope were kind enough to send me love this week, so I'm returning the favor and telling you to check them out!

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

• Let's Talk about the Underwater Environmental Awareness Project

• Lets Talk about the Munitions of the KSS-III

• A new Invitation to Qualify for the Light Utility Vehicle project has been released

• New Look at the Spike LR2 in Latvia

• Volatus Aerospace to Launch Innovation Centre and Drone Manufacturing Hub at Mirabel to Strengthen Canada's Defence Readiness and Support NATO Allies

• Let's talk with Noah (10/21/25): Domestic Submarines again, Hyunmoo, missiles for the F-35

• Where was Stephen Fuhr today? (10/21/25)

• Seaspan awards contract to Ideal Welders for block construction on polar icebreaker

• Lets Talk a little bit more about TKMS proposal again

• Government of Canada making strategic investments to grow Alberta’s defence industry

• Boeing Invests $2.7 Million CAD in ConvergX to Accelerate Aerospace Innovation

• Arcfield Canada included in MDA Space Solution for RCN ISTAR Program

• BlastOne International Enters Strategic Partnership with Seaspan Shipyards for Major Blast and Paint Project

• A word on Sovereign Launch

• Geospectrum Technologies reportedly awarded contract for TRAPS Towed Array system

• Where was Mr. Fuhr today (10/26/25)

• How Canada Can Get the Most Out of Its Defense Spending Surge

• Mission Success – Advancing Canada’s Arctic defence, diplomacy and development: Alex Dalziel for Inside Policy

• Ontario’s Defence Industry Unites: A Conversation with Ted Kirkpatrick and Heather Pilot

• Walking a fine line: Economists caution Canada on commitment to defence sector

• McGuinty says Canada's first defence industrial strategy will land weeks after budget

• Ottawa is pledging more on defence — and Calgary wants a piece of the action

• Canada ‘definitely in a rush’ to make a decision on submarine procurement: German defence minister

• Defence-tech startup Dominion Dynamics senses big opportunity in Canada’s North

• Kepler awarded contract to support Canadian Arctic Defence

• Finland sees quantum tech, defence as priorities under strategic partnership with Canada

• Export Development Canada Commits $10 Million to Maritime Launch for Spaceport Nova Scotia

• Auditor General report finds Canadian military housing, recruitment lacking

• Walking a fine line: Economists caution Canada on commitment to defence sector

• Deterrence to Discovery: Rethinking Defence Spending in Canada

• Ship to Shore Industrial Tradeshow Returns

• HMCS Corner Brook Returns Home

• Nine Days in Nanisivik: DND Team Successfully Reactivates Remote Arctic Facility

• Naval Reserve divers build skills through summer OJE program

• Canadian Forces Provost Marshal presides over the NATO Military Police and Gendarmerie Type Forces Chiefs Conference

• Moving the skies of the UK: COBRA WARRIOR 2025

• Canadian Armed Forces Apology for Racial Discrimination and Racial Harassment

• Hackfest 2025: Canada-Latvia cyber partnerships in the spotlight

• Clearance Divers, Supporting the Fleet in Innovative Ways

• 2025 Remembrance Day Sentry Program participants announced

• Defence Team Word Puzzle | October 27

---

Project Updates

• The RFI for the Strategic Radio Capability - VLF project has been updated with new documentation

• The RFP for the Common Heavy Equipment Replacement (CHER) Project bundles 1 and 6 have been updated with new Q&A

• The RFP for the Mid-Shore Multi-Mission (MSMM) Vessel design contract has been updated with new Q&A

• The RFP for the Next Generation of SAR Satellite Systems, well, the concept study, has been updated with new Q&A. Only ten days left to respond!

• The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has awarded a new contract to Cambli Group valued at $19,143,300.65 for the provision of 18 Tactical Armoured Vehicles with the option to purchase 9 additional vehicles. While not listed this is likely the Blackwolf. It's also jot their first contract for the RCMP

---

Lobbying Updates

• Magellan Aerospace has filed a new record looking to engage the government on Aircraft components and Rockets and stuff. Unlike the CFN filing last week, Magellan is going at it themselves, and provides a far more detailed filing than before. (Should note that Magellan is part of the Munition Supply Program)

• Colt Canada has filed a new record with Summa Strategies Canada looking for support regarding the supply of Small Arms. This isnt much different from usual, however the Summa filings also include the expansion of eligibility under Vote 10. This is new.

• Nordspace has filed a new record with Summa Strategies Canada looking to engage the Federal government on multiple different issues.

• Honeywell has filed a new record with Earnscliffe Strategies looking to engage the government on multiple different topics.

• Naval Group has filed a new record with The Capital Hill Group being ominous on watching upcoming naval procurement opportunities. This one is weird to be mentioning in regard to CPSP.

---

Rumors & Speculation

• Expect significant space news tied to the budget.

• First Zetros is still scheduled for delivery in 2027, despite some rumors to the contrary.

• Expect an announcement soon on new LAVS. Probably closer to when the Ukraine order is fully fulfilled. These are the LAV we talked about earlier in the Fall.