This Week in Defence (11/02/26): New National Security Policy, Cyclone Troubles, SAAAAAB, Canada-EU Alliance, New Contract for Geospectrum, RADARSAT, HDFM, Land Anti-X, LUV COTS Numbers

Newsletter

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Hey Gang.

Welcome back to another newsletter, and a fairly long one. We have a great mix of things going on, of course, it's been a hell of a week. We have a new National Security Strategy, a new Canada-EU alliance, lots of new Cyclone Drama, and, for all you Gripen fans, we have our biggest breakdown of Saab's offer to Canada. All coming in one week! Yall we're spoiled last week.

This week thiugh we have budget, and with it I will be in Ottawa this week to celebrate and provide on-site opinions on it, like why all the things I like should be funded and anything I don't shouldn't be.

I'll be in town Wednesday to Friday for those curious, and I'll be around SAAS North on Thursday if any of you are going. My availability isn't great this trip, as my schedule is already fairly booked and it's a bit last minute, but I do have some availability to meet folls if you're downtown! Though I would like to avoid having to go all the way to Kanata if possible!

Anyway, I have given my notice of attendance. We got a whole bunch this week, so don't let me hold you up.

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!

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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!

• Canada and the European Union announce new Alliance for the Future to create greater affordability, opportunity, and sovereignty

• Joint Statement on the Establishment of the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB)

• Operation NANOOK‑TATIGIIT Strengthens Whole‑of‑Government Crisis Response in the Arctic

• Canada hosts 28th ASEAN Regional Forum Heads of Defence Universities, Colleges, Institutions Meeting

• Government of Canada invests $4.5 million to support the growth and evolution of NORCAT’s underground innovation centre

• National Defence to hold public engagement session in Iqaluit, Nunavut

• Minister McGuinty strengthens Canada-EU defence and industrial cooperation at Summit

• Operation BOXTOP Marks Successful Resupply Mission to Canadian Forces Station Alert

• Government releases defence growth framework

• Lockheed Martin Canada invests $10 Million in Canadian-developed AI to modernize CC-130J Hercules sustainment

• Saab Announces Key Partners for Gripen Canada

• 49North Signs MOU with UNWAVE for Joint Production and Support of Counter-UAS Systems

• BAE Systems and Bombardier Agree Framework for Cooperation on Next-Generation Combat Air

• 49North Qualifies Across All Five Streams of Canada’s Defence Drone Initiative Marketplace

• Canadian War Museum acquires Canadian-made contemporary armoured vehicle

• PV Labs to Receive Investment from Lockheed Martin to Advance a Next-Generation Apache Pilot Night Vision Sensor

• SIGA Secures Contract Valued at Up to $15 Million from Canadian Department of National Defence to Purchase TPOXX®

• Volatus Aerospace Completes Acquisition of AISPECO, Expanding Proprietary Technology for Defence and Aerial Intelligence

• EVIO introduces the deployable Battery Box, part of its Portable Power family, delivering Canadian-made aerospace battery technology for rugged, remote defence power needs

• Ribbit demonstrates collaborative teaming between autonomous helicopter, airplane, and drones

• Canada Releases New National Security Policy

• Bloomsco Raises C$1M to Deliver On-Demand Training to Armed Forces Using AI

• MMF and Babcock Canada establish a strategic partnership and position for future opportunities in aviation

• U.S. Army awards Marconi Technologies production order to modernize TRILOS

• Harry DeWolf-Class Reaches Full Operational Capability

• CIEL Defence and ASELSAN Sign MoU to Advance Canadian Defence Industrial Cooperation

• Gastops and Bell Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Explore Future Collaboration Opportunities

• De Havilland Canada Announces Agreement and De Havilland Canadair 515 Production Increase

• IRIS² CONSTELLATION: MDA SPACE TO PROVIDE THALES ALENIA SPACE WITH DIGITAL ANTENNA SUBSYSTEMS FOR 66 EARLY-DELIVERY SATELLITES

• An Update On Cyclone

• Hypersonica raises €100M Series B to build Europe’s sovereign deterrence

• L3Harris to Advance German and Norwegian Submarine Technology

• Marconi Technologies awarded contract to deliver critical communications for Patriot air and missile defense system

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

• Canada is buying military gear for a world where ‘pretty much everything’ changed

• Government watchdog raises questions about military collecting information about Canadians

• How a Canadian defence accelerator is bringing industry and military closer together

• It’s not just tanks, planes and ships: Canada’s rapidly expanding defence ecosystem

• Doing business in Canada for foreign defence contractors

• Accelerating Canada’s Defence Industrial Engagement in the Indo - Pacific

• Bill C-40: The Defence Investment Agency may become a Crown corporation – Why does it matter?

• Mark Carney’s National Security Strategy: Pointing Canada in the Right Direction

• Canada, United Arab Emirates sign defence, energy deals during crown prince’s visit

• Ottawa’s sluggish bureaucracy leaves critical gaps in Canadian military ammo supply: AG

• Building Canada’s defence capacity

• HMCS St. John’s completes final major readiness training ahead of 2027 deployment

• Grappling offers lessons beyond the mats, instructors say

• Seeing double on the seas

• Five Eyes partners meet in Halifax for maritime warfare working group

• HMCS Regina participates in Exercises KAEDEX and PACIFIC VANGUARD alongside Allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific

• Canada and Indonesia: Defence diplomacy in action

• Exercise SUPER GARUDA SHIELD: A demonstration of Canada’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific

• Mission Ready: Prioritizing Your Health and Well-Being

• Behind the scenes of a rescue at sea

• Exercise CATARAQUI CONVERGENCE showcases the strength of partnerships in emergency response

• Showing up, listening, and building trust: Canada’s maritime role in the Indo-Pacific

• Ready for your next challenge? Join Joint Task Force 2

• Reflect and reconnect this winter with Earth Rhythm workshop

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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 seven new notices this week, including:

• An RFP for the LERP Remote Site UPS Replacement Project

• An RFP for DEFENCEX Stream 1 IT professional services for DND

• An RFP for the Early Definition Phase of the RADARSAT+ Pathfinders missions

• An RFP for the Bangalore Torpedo M1A2 demolition kit

• An RFP for a tracked carrier and trailer for CFB Cold Lake

• An RFP for the HAWCsat spacecraft bus and integration Phase A

• An MDB for Indirect Fires Modernization (IFM) at CFB Petawawa (not our first IFM Infra tender, but a very neat one to see. Not much in it though you weren't expecting)

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

• The ITQ for the Interim Canadian Deep Precision Strike Capability (iCDPSC) has been updated with new documentation. (technically, this is more Phase I of the wider CDPSC project. The second phase will look towards a Canadian capability)

• The RFI for Heavy Direct Fire Modernization (HDFM) and the Medium Cavalry Vehicle (MCAV) has been updated with new documentation (though honestly it more a ‘thank you for participating notice)

• The Innovative Solutions Canada challenge for a High-Altitude Platform System (HAPS) for Ultra-Long-Range (ULR) Wireless Backhaul has been updated with new documentation

• The RFP for the alongside refit of CCGS John P. Tully 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 Submarine Material Certification Policy and Course Management and Delivery has been updated with new documentation

• The RFI for WildFireSat Global has been updated with new documentation

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

• The MDB for the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability Passenger and Cargo Processing and Handling at 8 Wing Trenton 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

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

• A contract has been awarded to GeoSpectrum Technologies for $1,582,145.44 for the Unmanned Towed Active Sonar (UTAS) (this is the version of TRAPS specifically designed for USV. pretty cool stuff considering the state of DDI)

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• Dynatrace has filed a new record with Edelman looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including information technology and contract opportunities for its AI-powered observability platform

• J-Squared Technologies has filed a new record with Sandstone Group looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including contract opportunities to provide rugged electronic systems to the CAF and funding opportunities

• 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

• Algoma Steel has filed a new record with Sussex Strategy Group looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including steel trade policy, trade remedies, and funding opportunities

• 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

• Maritime Launch Services has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including domestic space launch capability, launch regulations, funding opportunities, and the role of space launch in Canadian defence

• Commissionaires has filed a new record with NorthStar Public Affairs looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including the Right of First Refusal for guard services contracts and security guarding services

• 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

• EVIO has filed a new record with Prospectus Associates in Corporate Development looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including aerospace funding opportunities and contract opportunities for hybrid-electric regional airliners

• General Motors of Canada has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including procurement opportunities for light utility and logistics vehicles for the CAF, vehicle regulations, and funding opportunities

• Groupe CLR has filed a new record with The Capital Hill Group looking to engage the Federal Government on contract opportunities for its radio communications systems

• Modular Building Institute has filed a new record with Proof Strategies looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including trade and tariffs, building codes, and the adoption of modular construction

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

• Nikaxu has filed a new record with CFN Consultants looking to engage the Federal Government on contract opportunities for AI systems for maritime, port, and manufacturing operators

• AirMatrix has filed a new record with Sandstone Group looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including procurement of counter-UAS systems, export permits, and research and development funding

• PwC Canada has filed a new record with Vantage Canada looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including procurement modernization, housing, AI, and defence capabilities and procurement

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

• Avalon Holographics has filed a new record with Gowling WLG looking to engage the Federal Government on funding and collaboration opportunities for its display technology

• ST Engineering Land Systems has filed a new record with Sandstone Group looking to engage the Federal Government on procurement opportunities related to the Domestic Arctic Mobility Enhancement (DAME) project

• 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

• Fednav has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including Arctic shipping and the Port of Churchill, Coast Guard services, marine regulations, and shipping tax rules

• Marble Aerospace has filed a new record with CFN Consultants looking to engage the Federal Government on contract opportunities to provide ISR uncrewed aerial vehicles to monitor and protect maritime environments

• Carahsoft Technology has filed a new record with PAA Advisors looking to engage the Federal Government on procurement opportunities and the companies capabilities and offerings

• Northstar Earth & Space has filed a new record looking to engage the Federal Government on procurement and funding opportunities for its space domain awareness services

• Zighra has filed a new record with PAA Advisors looking to engage the Federal Government on multiple topics including explainable AI, multi-sensor fusion, and electronic threat detection

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

• Elevra Lithium has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Ezechiel Nana, Regional Advisor (Quebec) to the Minister of National Defence, Gurbux Saini, Member of Parliament, Cheryl Cardinal, Strategic Initiatives and Indigenous Equity in the Minister of Finance’s Office, Rachel Sutton, Policy Advisor at Finance Canada, Conor Lewis, Policy Advisor in the Minister’s Office at National Defence, Andrew Ghattas, Senior Director, Critical Minerals Centre of Excellence at Natural Resources Canada, Tim Watchorn, Member of Parliament for Les Pays-d’en-Haut, John-Paul Danko, Member of Parliament, Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, Yasmin Atassi, Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister of Industry, Jed Graham, Policy Advisor at Transport Canada, Claudine Pagé, Director General at Natural Resources Canada, and Emily Bates, Deputy Director at Natural Resources Canada

• SkyCan Systems has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Conor Lewis, Policy Advisor in the Minister’s Office at National Defence

• Canadian Foundry Association has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Linda Lapointe, Member of Parliament, Scott Anderson, Member of Parliament, Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament, Jacob Mantle, Member of Parliament, Wendy Hepburn, Director at National Defence, Galen Richardson, Director of Stakeholder Relations in the Office of the President of the King’s Privy Council, Shannon Ablett, Stakeholder Relations Manager in the Office of the President of the King’s Privy Council, Claudia Gallant, Stakeholder Relations Advisor to the Conservative House Officers, Michael Ma, Member of Parliament, and Stephanie Kusie, Member of Parliament

• Canadian Strategic Missions has filed a new communication detailing a meeting with Wendy Hepburn, Acting Director, Defence Industrial Agency at National Defence, Michael Floyd, Acting Deputy Director, Strategic Issues and Analytics at National Defence, and Lolita Shaila Safaee Chalkasra, Senior Defence Policy Officer at National Defence

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Photos Of The Week

CANSOFCOM welcomed members of the People’s Army of Vietnam's Special Operations Forces to conduct skills exchange training in August. The exchange highlighted a foundation of mutual professionalism, trust, and meaningful SOF cooperation.

Preparing for medical emergencies at sea requires training, teamwork and strong partnerships. Our Navy led Exercise VIPERFISH MERCY 2026 in Esquimalt, B.C., bringing together military personnel from Canada, Australia, Singapore and the Netherlands. Aboard HMCS Max Bernays/ NCSM Max Bernays participants took part in realistic medical training and submarine rescue scenarios designed to improve how teams respond to emergencies at sea. As our Navy's largest annual medical exercise, VIPERFISH MERCY provides an opportunity to share knowledge, strengthen skills and build cooperation with our international partners. By training together, we're helping to ensure our teams are prepared to respond when it matters most.

Ex Keen Sword 27 takes flight! While supporting the biennial, multi-domain exercise at sea under Op HORIZON, His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Regina welcomed allied and partner aircraft from the U.S. and Australia onto its flight deck for some cross deck and hoist training. The ship's ability to seamlessly integrate with allies and partners while demonstrating advanced interoperability across operational domains is a testament to the value of routine exercises like KEEN SWORD. This is how we stay strong and ready in the Indo-Pacific!

Partnership in action. At the request of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the CAF is supporting the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force as it welcomes leaders from across the Commonwealth for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Through training, command-and-control expertise, and maritime capabilities, CAF members are contributing to a multinational effort that reinforces regional security, strengthens partnerships, and demonstrates our shared commitment to stability and cooperation. Working alongside partners from across the Caribbean and the Commonwealth, the CAF remains committed to advancing defence cooperation and supporting a safe and secure summit. Credit:Corporal Brian Levesque, Canadian Armed Forces

Where the ships meet the giants Over the last few months, these ships have sailed through some of the world's most breathtaking waters in support of operations such as #OpREASSURANCE and #OPNANOOK-NUNAKPUT. Lucky for us, these giants are all shore support! Which backdrop would you choose for our next journey? Photo Credit: Corporal Gwyneth Lovell, Canadian Armed Forces Corporal Gregory Cole, Canadian Armed Forces Master Corporal Chris Duffney

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• A LUV decision is being pushed for the end of the month. We'll see when it's announced

• HDFM, as we reported before, is officially looking at a 2032 IOC (previously we were not as certain)

• On other news, there is talk that some existing UAS projects like CADUC might get effectively cancelled, but what they actually mean is effectively rolled into the DDI ecosystem. Currently CADUC and CALM are still separate the ecosystem, at least as I know it.

• For those whom have asked, the current plan is to deliver about 200 LUV COTS by the end of the 2026 period. So you should see some soon around. They are very Grey. They're hard to miss.

• To make note on some rumors and such, Land Anti-X still has a 2028 IOC date. There is also a push to include a requiremwnt for domestic munition production into it. We'll see if they get that far.

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