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VOLUME 17:2 2020 NSS Progress DEFENCE • SECURITY • SAFETY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & Perspectives Chris MacLean [email protected] Although COVID-19 has had a significant impact across Canada, the National ADVISORS & CORRESPONDENTS Contributing Editor: Kenneth Pole Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) has made significant progress in 2020. Seaspan has U.S. Defense Analyst: Robbin Laird delivered their third Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel, and the first of the two Joint From the Tower: Hudson on the Hill Support Ships (JSS) are well into construction. Similarly, on the east coast, the first SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS), HMCS Harry DeWolf, is now under RCN Tim Addison command and the second and third AOPS are well underway at the Irving Susan M Boyce Shipyard. This time last year, the Government was about to announce that Arie Egozi Chantier Davie had pre-qualified for inclusion as the third shipyard in NSS and, as Eugene Gerden part of this competition, negotiations are in the final stages for Davie to build six VAdm (retd) Darren Hawco Program Ice Breakers for Canada. ADVERTISING SALES Bob Lawrie, Director The question now, is what will the relative cost of warships used for at-sea [email protected] headwinds be like, in 2021 and beyond, replenishment. The Report compared SUBSCRIPTION OFFICE after the Government has come to grips the acquisition cost of the two JSS to the [email protected] with COVID? There have been sugges- Motor Vessel (MV) Asterix, modified by tions that spending on defence (and by Chantier Davie and currently under extension the NSS) are prime targets for lease to the RCN, and a similarly to be This edition brought to you by: reduction. Over the past year there have converted sister container ship, Obelix. IAI ...... 2 also been challenges to NSS projects on While the ships are comparable in their Leonardo DRS ...... 11 other fronts. The AOPS Project has come ability to deliver fuel and supplies to MDA...... 13 under scrutiny in terms of its utility for other warships, and Asterix has done an Rheinmetall ...... 7 Canada and whether it’s providing value outstanding job of supporting the RCN Rolls-Royce...... 4 for money. While it is true that the AOPS since it was put into service in 2019, the Team Victoria Class ...... 9 are lightly armed and have moderate PBO comparison was seriously flawed speed compared to a frigate or destroyer, in that it did not factor in the differences The support of our advertisers allows FrontLine to advance discussion they have all the capabilities required to in the construction and capabilities through informed commentary. accomplish their various missions. More which contribute to the difference in the importantly, the introduction of the sail-away price of the two vessels. When AOPS into service will fill a valued capa- reading the PBO Reports, one must note HEAD OFFICE bility gap for the RCN and permit the critical areas that are outside of the 2150 Fillmore Cr Ottawa ON Canada K1J 6A4 enhanced flexibility and adaptability in scope of study. Tel: +1-613-747-1138 addressing unique tasks and missions. Canadian parliamentarians, decision- [email protected] Canada’s Parliamentary Budget makers, and interested stakeholders are CP Publication Agreement #40874503 Office (PBO) recently reported on the advised to exercise caution when con- sidering future PBO Reports on other (USPS 025-603) Periodicals postage paid at Ogdensburg, NY NSS programs, including the Canadian U.S. address changes should be sent to Have an opinion? Contact us. SurfaceS Combatant (CSC). The com- OLS, PO Box 1568, Ogdensburg, NY 13669 pplexity of the CSC requirement presents

FRONTLINE magazine is printed in Canada and published mmany uniquely Canadian challenges in by Beacon Publishing Inc. tterms of building a warship with multi- Change of address notices and new subscriptions should ppurpose capabilities, the latest in tech- be faxed to: +1-613-747-7319 or sent via the web site frontline.online nology and interoperability with allies, All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be re- aas well as meeting the requirements for produced or transmitted, in whole or in part, in any form, or by any means, without the prior written permission of iindustrial and technological benefits to the publisher. CanadaC . All opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the 22020 certainly had its challenges... publisher or any organization or association affiliated with on line this magazine. visit frontline. SStandby for 2021! FRONTLINE magazine occasionally receives unsolicited features and materials, including letters to the editor; FRONTLINE reserves the right to use, reproduce, publish, We want to hear from you. TimT Addison, a former Navy officer, republish, store and archive such submissions in whole or in part, in any form or medium whatsoever, without compen- [email protected] is Director of Naval Affairs at the sation of any sort. FRONTLINE magazine is not responsible Naval Association of Canada. for unsolicited manuscripts and photographic material. © Beacon Publishing Inc 2020,ISSN 2563-7029 All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. – Edmund Burke

FrontLineMilitary Defence / National Security Features / Public Protection Issue 2, 2020

Putting Politics & Procurement & Defence... in Context

6 Joint Support Ship v. Budget Office? 26 Manned-Unmanned Teaming by Hudson on the Hill by Robbin Laird The JSS project timeline is much longer than it The shift from land wars to conflicts in should be, but is well underway. So why, after all contested air and sea spaces, means new this time, did the House ask PBO to review costs? concepts of operations and systems are developing, and this requires collaboration 10 How Serious is NATO about Deterrence? 10 between the services. by VAdm (retd) Darren Hawco The Alliance must be ready to discern, deter, 30 Honour House, Honour Ranch and if necessary, defend. To do this, NATO by Susan M Boyce needs to consider deterrence from the lens of When military personnel, veterans, and first today and not the past. responders (or their family members) need medical treatment in Metro Vancouver, or 14 FrontLine Innovation Platform (FLIP) respite and new treatment strategies for FrontLine Report 26 PTSD, there are places to stay. This is an Accenture, Army Innovations, Beretta Defence amazing story of selflessness to make a real Technologies, Collins Aerospace, D.S. Raider, difference when our protectors need help. DRDC Valcartier Research Centre, IAI, Polar Knowledge Canada, Rheinmetall Canada. 33 Operation Laser Update by Ken Pole 22 Russia Shifts to Contracted Army? While still evaluating lessons learned from by Eugene Gerden its deployments during the first wave of the Russia’s next stage of massive military reforms 30 pandemic, the Canadian Armed Forces is may include a contracted military, particularly ready to be tapped for full-out vaccine land force, within the next decade. deployment when needed. 25 Nano Satellites 34 FrontLine Security News Retirements, promotions, and movement by Arie Egozi from one company to another, one role to With adversaries developing cruise missiles to another, both industry and CAF leaders. add existing arsenals of long-range ballistic Swiss Armed Forces, L3Harris WESCAM, missiles, Israel is looking to nanosatellites to and Israel’s F35 variant test aircraft. keep watch for missile launch preparations. 25

Send Address Changes to: OPERATION PROJECTION Asia-Pacific frontline.online November 2020 – Members of the Royal Canadian Air Force [email protected] conduct Deck Evolutions with HMCS Winnipeg during ©Beacon Publishing Inc. 2020 Operation Projection. Corporal Jeff Coffee acts as the Deck ISSN 2563-7029 (Print) Director during the landing of the CH-148 Cyclone on ISSN 2563-7037 (Online) deck. Op Projection Asia-Pacific shows Canada’s ongoing CPC Publication Agreement #40874503 commitment to global peace. During this operation, CAF BEACON PUBLISHING personnel have been conducting training, exercises, and 2150 Fillmore Cres Ottawa ON Canada K1J 6A4 engagements with foreign navies and other international No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in security partners. part without the written permission of the publisher. Beacon       Publishing Inc. retains all rights to published material.

Visit our web site daily frontline.online Issue 2, 2020 I FrontLine Magazine I 5 I FROM THE TOWER I by Hudson on the Hill Joint Support Ship v. Budget Office?

Back in June 2010, some six years after the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) had begun studying its options, the Conservative government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper unveiled a plan to replace the RCN’s two auxiliary oil replenishment (AOR) ships. After decades of service, these naval work horses had “been ridden hard and put away wet,” were long overdue for replacement and, being single-skin hulls, were no longer environmentally friendly (and probably never were) despite major refits. Coupled with serious safety issues, the RCN was eventually forced to pay them off early: HMCS Preserver in 2015 and HMCS Protecteur in 2016.

The first phase of the project to replace the point where, in June 2020, a $2.4-billion them with modern new Joint Support Ships contract for full-rate construction followed, (JSS) was underway. RCN planners initially setting the stage for delivery of the first JSS had hoped for three or even four new ships in 2023, and the second a year or so later. delivered under the National Shipbuilding After customary RCN sea trials, full opera- Strategy by 2012, but budget realities tional capability is possible in 2026. reduced the shopping list to just two. In the meantime, to fill the mission gap Although lumped into the non-combat between the legacy AORs being paid off category of shipbuilding contracts, the and their replacements’ arrivals, the RCN Protecteur Class JSS is designed to increase was forced to lease Chilean and Spanish the range and endurance of naval task supply ships until it was decided that a groups by delivering fuel, ammunition and domestic stopgap was preferable (cheaper). other supplies enroute and in-theatre. They According to a report in the Ottawa Citizen also will have medical and dental facilities at the time, RCN spokesman LCdr Desmond and be a floating base for maritime helicop- James confirmed that Canada was paying ter maintenance and repair at sea. Chile $6 million for access to their naval The capability is widely acknowledged supply ship for the 40 sea days. as a critical element of a modern RCN, yet The government then contracted Federal what should have been a fairly straight- Fleet Services to convert a 182-metre com- forward procurement fell victim to govern- mercial vessel, the Asterix, originally built in ment and industry politics. Germany in 2010, to provide the replenish- The original expectations of being oper- ment capability. Conversion at the Davie ational by 2012 were quickly dashed by Shipyard in Quebec resulted in delivery on Canada’s parliamentarians play an delay. It would be June 2013 before the schedule and on budget. important role in national security and government chose an “off-the-shelf” design The RCN was given extra funding to defence. Hudson reports regularly as from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems specifically cover the cost of leasing Asterix. he watches The Hill spinning ‘round. Canada. Based on the German Navy’s Funding was a approved, a contract was Hudson aims to provide non-partisan, Berlin Class combat support ship, it ostensi- signed, and a “spending authority” was unbiased and informative views of bly offered “the best value and overall com- given to the Navy to invoice costs associ- Parliament’s contribution to the bination of benefits in terms of capability, ated with operation of the vessel, and security and defence of Canada. House risk and affordability” at an original estimate things seem to have been going very well. of Commons and Senate proceedings of $2.6 billion each. Operational since 2018, Asterix is owned In August 2014, Seaspan’s Vancouver and respective committees will be by Federal Fleet. The vessel is part of Project Shipyards was contracted to review the Resolve and was successfully converted at reviewed, as will the efforts of ThyssenKrupp design, but it would be the Chantier Davie Shipyards. Designated a individual parliamentarians or what December 2016, before a preliminary civilian Motor Vessel, MV Asterix is under a various parliamentary committees design review (PDR) was completed and “provision of service” contract to the gov- may, or may not, be accomplishing. Of Vancouver Shipyards was awarded a design ernment for an initial five-year period, end- particular interest will be how effective and production engineering contract to get ing in January 2023. The government then Members of Parliament, Senators, or the design to a production-ready state. has the option of annual extensions for up committees are in representing the Then, in May 2018, the yard received to five more years, at the end of which is an best interests of Canadians. approval to start construction, and by option to buy her. If the government did December 2019, work had progressed to exercise that option, she could be redesig-

6 I FrontLine Defence I Issue 2, 2020 defence.frontline.online nated Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship between sailings in support of Op Projection From there, it was back home to help (HMCS) Asterix if commissioned into the Asia-Pacific from April to December. prepare HMCS Toronto HMCS Ville de RCN or, if not, she would become a The following year saw 53,581.7 nau- Québec for deployments to the annual Canadian Naval Auxiliary Vessel (CNAV). tical miles logged in 2019 over a total of Operation Nanook in the North in August. Asterix has a civilian crew of 36. The 171 days as Asterix supported RCN opera- A few weeks later, she was off to Scotland military complement can range from 45 to tions in the Asia-Pacific region, including with several RCN frigates for Exercise 114, depending on operational require- participation in Talisman Sabre a massive Joint Warrior, a major biannual multina- ments. As of late November, the RCN multinational exercise led by Australia and tional cooperative deployment led by the personnel were mainly from the Atlantic the U.S. and designed to enhance combat Royal Navy. and Pacific bases, rotated to fit training readiness and interoperability between While there’s no denying the utility opportunities. A few Army personnel were the two main participants. and capabilities of Asterix, there’s also no onboard in medical, dental and logistics Back home that September, she partic- avoiding that she will be eclipsed by the roles. The ship also can have Air Force per- ipated with NATO allies in Exercise JSS platforms. “The ship is not built to the sonnel aboard when Sikorsky CH-148 Cutlass Fury – the largest Canadian-led full suite of military requirements we Cyclones or Boeing CH-147 twin-rotor naval exercise to take place off Canada’s expect,” an RCN spokesman told FrontLine. Chinooks are involved in operations. east coast in decades, involving 20 ships “Although convenient and useful […] our Usually unarmed, Asterix can be quickly and 36 aircraft off Nova Scotia and requirements in terms of survivability and fitted with defensive weapons. Newfoundland. self-defence capability, armament, addi- On taking delivery from Davie in So far in 2020, Asterix has spent 89 tional equipment and performance go December 2017, the RCN wasted no time days at sea, the reduced time a reflection beyond what a commercial ship offers.” putting Asterix to work. FrontLine was told of the COVID-19 pandemic. In one key On the other hand, replenishment ves- that she spent 154 days at sea in 2018, deployment, she supported the U.S. Navy sels are rarely sent into harm’s way, so the including supporting Exercise Rim of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group in a Parliamentary Budget Office is probably Pacific (RIMPAC), the massive biennial major homeland defence exercise in the asking if a slightly lower level of protective multinational operation coordinated by Atlantic in May. In partnership with North systems actually restricts Naval operations the U.S. off the coasts of Hawaii. In addi- American Aerospace Defense Command very much. One retired naval officer notes tion to supporting RCN ships, she also and coordinated by U.S. Northern Com - that the only time Canada sent an AOR to replenished other countries’ warships mand, it also involved the Transportation, the front line in recent times, was during during RIMPAC, which was sandwiched Strategic and Space Commands. the Gulf War of 1990-91.

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Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online I 7 When Asterix had completed her first “When sending our sailors into dan- At a February 2019 International Naval full year of operations, Alex Vicefield, gerous situations, we insist on providing Support Ships conference in London UK, CEO of the Inocea Group, an international them with the best and safest equipment delegates were told that European supply conglomerate that owns both Davie and possible,” DND said. “That is always our ship projects were facing a minimum five- Federal Fleet, pointed out a potentially first priority. […] The Joint Support Ships year build schedule. It wasn’t surprising alarming reality. There are “no support were designed to be able to deploy into when Federal Fleet’s presentation, by then- ships to service the rest of the fleet, specif- harm’s way, a key element of the military CEO Spencer Fraser, on how the Asterix ically those operating within and defend- design.” For example, the JSS design conversion had been completed in two ing Canada’s three coastlines,” he said. includes a mine-avoidance degaussing sys- years, drew vigorous applause. In fact, Federal Fleet had offered to tem and others for detecting and protect- Supply ship operations and their place convert sister ship, the Obelix, originally ing against chemical, biological, radiologi- in a conflict zone was discussed exten- built in 2008, to provide support close to cal and nuclear threats. They also have sively at that conference. The general con- home, but the government declined. redundant propulsion systems, military- sensus was that such vessels need not be VAdm Darren Hawco, then acting standard damage control, cyber-resistant on the front lines of any combat mission, Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff, subse- command management, extensive self- they can be at the back or the side. As such, quently told the Standing Senate Com mit - defence capabilities, a helicopter hangar attendees saw potential for significant cost tee on National Finance, during hearings savings with civilian construction standards. on DND’s 2018-2019 budget, that “we and flight deck, and magazines for trans- Likewise, it was noted that US Navy never really looked at the need for or vali- porting munitions such as torpedoes. Military Sealift Command no longer sees a dated the need for a second AOR.” Hawco need for close-support weapons on supply retired last August and Obelix remains in “There is a clear and ships. Similarly, the German Navy’s Berlin commercial service. compelling case for Canada Class ships – essentially the same design as That might have been the end of the debate, but on 9 June 2020, the House of to exercise its purchase Canada’s JSS – is considered “not a warship.” Commons Government Operations and options for both.” The conference was also told that Estimates Committee asked the Office of more navies are using civilians to operate the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) to “These additional features provide a supply ships and Davie welcomed the prepare an independent estimate of the survivability that is critical to ensure the PBO’s November report on the AOR JSS costs as well as the Asterix project. safety of our sailors in high-risk areas, as options. Having already pushed back Released on 17 Nov, the PBO’s fiscal the Royal Canadian Navy […] must have against assertions that its vessels are less analysis report estimates JSS construction the capability to maintain a persistent capable than military platforms, Davie costs at $2.4 billion plus an additional $600 presence in high-threat areas if the security cited the stellar performance of Asterix in million for “budgetary contingency.” Non- of Canadians demands it. No modifications first year operations, suggesting this is construction costs from DND pushed the to […] Asterix could provide the survivabil- more evidence of the value of eventually total to $4.1 billion, including a 7% ity offered by a built-for-purpose ship.” buying Asterix as well as Obelix. provincial sales tax. It also put the poten- DND noted that the PBO’s numbers Canada must provide the best equip- tial net cost of the Asterix upgrades at did not include funds already spent on ment to accomplish any military task, but $733 million, and determined that the ini- Asterix, or money that will be needed we can also only get what we can afford. tial five-year service contract would cost going forward. Moreover, the proposed It might be time to revisit the traditional $801 million (both figures include sales tax). 40-year service life of the converted com- requirements of an AOR. The Navy needs “As the project costs of the JSS cannot mercial ship was “unlikely to be realized” four support ships, but Canada has be directly compared to the costs associ- without significant investments. approved only two (one on each coast). ated with the provision of service contract “The operational and maintenance This leaves no options during a crisis or of the Asterix or any potential similar con- costs that would be required […] would for periodic maintenance, major docking, tract for the Obelix, we opt for a compari- not represent value for money,” DND said. or deep maintenance. Would it make son of the JSS project to the cost of the “Our choice of the Joint Support Ships was sense to improve the support capacity by purchase options,” the PBO says. “Our ? made after years of industry consultation adding two commercially-leased vessels calculations suggest that the Asterix and Short of going into a war zone, a con- Obelix replenishment vessels could be and analysis of possible options.” Clearly, the RCN is eagerly anticipat- verted commercial ship readily handle obtained […] for a total of approximately such heavy lifting, as evidenced by Asterix. ing the eventual arrival of what it consid- $1.4 billion, as compared to our estimated “It has […] been widely acknowledged ers the more capable JSS to accompany $4.1 billion JSS project cost.” that Canada needs four supply ships to and support warships on potentially dan- That’s quite a difference, but DND meet its growing operational require- gerous missions. But there remains the defends its procurement process vigor- ments,” Davie’s vice-president of public ously. In a statement released within hours fundamental question what does Canada affairs, Frederik Boisvert, said in a recent of the PBO report, DND noted that “a want these ships to do? Are they consid- email. “There is, therefore, a clear and number of key factors” outside the scope ered a non-combat ship build because compelling case for Canada to exercise its of the report had not been taken into they are not intended to be weaponized or purchase options for both.” account, particularly the “very different” sent into harm’s way? How important is it natures of upgraded commercial vessels to Canada to have the capability to send Hudson on the Hill and the purpose-built JSS platforms. resupply ships into a war zone? The role of Hudson is being filled by contributing editor Ken Pole.

8 I FrontLine Magazine I Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online Introducing Team Victoria-Class

For over 12 years, Babcock Canada, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards and BMT in Defence & Security have been long-standing partners in the Canadian Submarine Sustainment Enterprise. We have worked together, combining our expertise, experience, and capabilities to help support, maintain, and re‚it Canada’s Victoria-Class submarines. We are very pleased to announce that going forward, this alliance will be called ‘Team Victoria-Class’. We look forward to continued collaboration in the years to come, building on our strong relationship and supporting the delivery of safe, reliable, and highly capable submarines to the Royal Canadian Navy. I NATO I by VAdm (retd) Darren Hawco

that its exercises and activities have no meaningful deterrent effect. To put that into perspective: if I were to telegraph a bully with details of how I NATO DIPLOMACY would respond to provocation, explain that I would be slow to respond because I would need to think about it for a bit, and advise that I would generally look to Time to get Serious about Deterrence deescalate in every situation when con- fronted, I should not be surprised that the bully’s behavior does not change over NATO has been one of, if not the most successful alliances because it has remained time (if not become worse...). focused on deterring and defending against the meaningful and real threats from Russia In this post-Cold War and grey zone and terrorism. Each of these actors have taken advantage of opportunities to aggressively era of strategic competition, the basics of advance their respective interests. The Russian Federation’s illegal annexation of Crimea deterrence theory – raise costs of success or and its exploitation of the security vacuum springing from the failing state of Syria are impose costs of action – continue to apply. but two recent examples. NATO’s significant exercise program provides excellent conventional training The global pandemic presents another Alliance members recognize this and for NATO allies, but it does more to geostrategic opportunity for potential need to get serious about deterrence. inform Russia on how we operate than adversaries for which the Alliance must be have a deterrent effect. Most NATO exer- ready to discern, deter, and if necessary, Watching the Dragon cises look like a ponderous and pre- defend. To do this, NATO needs to con- dictable sledgehammer. Choosing a more subtle path, the Chinese sider deterrence from the lens of today History informs that Russia will be dragon is focused on increased global and not the past, to evolve its role as an opportunistic in pursuing limited objec- influence, investments in European critical international actor, and to reassess the tives for which a large conventional force infrastructure, increasing military buildup capabilities required to deter potential (sledgehammer) would be an ill-suited in the South China Sea, and a pattern of adversary actions across the spectrum of response. When thinking about deterring industrial espionage that undermines conflict, which includes hostile measures Russia, NATO needs more carpentry and western global competitiveness. NATO short of war. fewer construction tools in its toolbox. must double down on its efforts to better To be more effective, future NATO Managing the Bear understand, productively engage, and deter activities would be designed to reshape such threats from China. Russia’s understanding of the operational The Russian Federation is both a rational environment – much as a fine set of chisels actor and a dangerous adversary at the Modern Deterrence over time can create a statue from a block same time. Russia will rationally assess of wood. The objective should not be to With the Bear and Dragon in mind, if a cost and benefits before making a decision scare Russia, because it takes a lot to renewal of the Alliance’s approach to – Putin is not crazy, but he is conniving scare a bear. NATO would see better deterrence is required, what should a and calculating. That said, Russian actions results by shaking Russian operational over the past 15 years have employed a powerful consensus-based political mili- assumptions and campaign models, as ? freeze /thaw strategy and a willingness to tary alliance do about it could be done by complementing the engage in hostile measures in support of I suggest three main areas to focus on, traditional Alliance exercise program with its national interests, which poses a signif- namely re-frame its military approach to more small rapid responses and tailored icant threat to European security. deterrence, learn how to act as a global activities in a snap exercises platform. The continued growth of the Alliance diplomatic persona similar to a state, and The idea is to cause them to pause membership – from the original 12 in 1949, meaningfully advance the integration of and wonder (not believe they know) how to today’s 30 (11 nations have joined in its force development activities to be as we will respond. just the last 17 years) – has all but elimi- robust and flexible as necessary to face NATO also needs to be able to com- nated Russia’s historical sphere of influ- these modern challenges. mand and control a wider range of force ence and is gravely concerning to them. structure capabilities than it is currently As Canada’s representative to the NATO Deterrence Theory used to, such as special force elements, military committee,Iobserved NATO Russia in Application and operations in the information and Council discussions first-hand, and believe cyber domain. there can be no reasonable expectation NATO has the capability, but it does not To position, leverage and employ that Alliance assurances of good intentions exercise and operate in a way that deters. more nuanced and discreet force packages will assuage Russia’s concerns or preclude The Alliance plans its exercises years in will be a challenge for an alliance practiced any opportunistic and reactive hostile advance, devotes itself somewhat slavishly in consensus-based crisis-response and measures to maintain its influence. to transparency, and frets (politically) about process-laden decision-making (that is a lot the potential for provocation – so much so of hyphens…).

10 I FrontLine Magazine I Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online Setting the Standard for Future Aircrew Training

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Helicopters | Aeronautics | Electronics, Defence & Security Systems | Space Together, a wider range of military Information, Military, and Economic capability development and acquisition of capabilities, and a refined ability to com- (DIME) power in support of agreed C17s by a number of Allies is one example mand and control them, will enable the Alliance interests? How far can the that can be emulated in other areas such Alliance to exercise and conduct activities Alliance go as a diplomatic actor when as sea lift, EW capabilities, ammunition, that pose meaningful operational dilem- responding to measures short of war small tactical helicopters, small arms, radio, mas to Russia, who will then assess a where attribution, economic, and diplo- and so on. Beyond stretching the value of higher real cost of success and greater risk, matic tools are effective deterrent and limited defence dollars for smaller nations, serving to deter. response measures? What should the it will foster interoperability and enhance NATO defence industrial base strategy be? the Alliance Defence Industrial Base. The Politics of the Matter To be clear, there is room for both I do not wish away the challenges of NATO and the European Union in this EU versus American industrial complex Potential adversary tactics have continued equation. Protectionist efforts to preserve interests, nor the sovereign obligations to evolve. Terror groups, proxies, and EU gravitas by NATO Allies who are also related to indigenous defence capabilities other non-state actors – alongside power- EU members only serve their own domes- and the broader development of its national ful state actors like Russia and China – are tic image and potential adversaries. industrial complex. Rather, I recognize now impacting the Alliance via hybrid tac- Following the United Kingdom’s Brexit, that an NDPP-informed, NATO-wide, tics that are increasingly hard to attribute, approximately 70% of Alliance military order book of small-to-large capability let alone address, via traditional diplo- and economic force resides outside of dual requirements provides significant oppor- matic, economic, and conventional mili- EU/NATO members. If able to be fully tunities for Allies to partner in acquisitions tary means. leveraged, the diplomatic, information, of various complexities and sizes in a way To be able to respond, NATO needs to military, and economic clout of NATO that is not currently possible. act more like an international state actor would be a significant complement to than an alliance of 30 member states in a what the EU brings to table. Bringing it Home consensus-based decision model. That is In practical terms, dual EU/NATO not to say that decisions should not be members need to stop blocking NATO NATO has a fundamental understanding consensus based, but rather that the deci- from using its diplomatic voice and eco- of deterrence, but it has lost – if it ever sion-making processes must be reinvented nomic muscle in true collaboration with really had – the ability to act nimbly as a to enable coherent and responsive decisions the EU in the shared pursuit of deterring coherent political military actor, which is (such as meaningful consensus of agreed potential adversaries. necessary to effectively deter potential upon pre-authorized military, strategic adversaries such as the Russian Feder - communications, and diplomatic decisions Re-stocking the Toolbox ation, and to shape NATO’s relationship and authorities). with and the behaviour of global powers By thinking more like a state, the NATO doesn’t need more forces, just dif- such as China. Alliance can develop a longer-term strat- ferent force mixes that create political and NATO asserts that it is in a strategic egy to achieve its principle strategic objec- military options capable of giving poten- competition. If this is truly the case, then it tive of deterrence. tial adversaries reason to pause. is doubly important to adapt its approach In this strategic competition, potential This all said, understanding modern to deter hostile measures short of war, and adversaries take a longer-term view, even deterrence and having the political will to to create the type of relationship with if their actions on a given day appear tackle the challenge is not enough – not if these two global powers that are in the opportunistic – when do you think Russia NATO doesn’t have the right military Alliance’s interests. actually began the very detailed planning capability mix and readiness options. As Canada continues to inform ongo- cycle necessary to design, train, equip, and To ensure it does, the Alliance needs ing Alliance adaptation discussions, we execute the Feb 2014 operations in the to redirect the monolithic NATO Defense should reflect now on how to prepare for Ukraine? I would be very willing to bet the Planning Process (NDPP) from its current and engage the next United States operational planning was ready before focus on conventional capabilities (sledge- Administration on future pending deci- 2013 in anticipation of the right conditions. hammers) in support of legacy deterrence sions related to continental defence and objectives. Instead, it would be more NORAD modernization as identified in Time to Refresh effective for the NDPP to identify and the government’s defence policy, Strong, inform the development of a wider range Secure, Engaged. The year 2020 is going to be recognized of conventional and asymmetric capabili- as one that initiated a global refresh of our ties that the alliance requires. Darren Hawco is a retired Vice-Admiral most traditional sectors, and NATO is one Of course, Allied Command Transfor - from the Canadian Armed Forces. He is an Executive Advisor with Deloitte Canada, of those needing to examine old practices. mation (ACT) needs to be adequately and prior to his retirement was Canada’s ? resourced to deliver a renewed NDPP. So how to start NATO needs to have Military Representative to NATO, and before a serious dialogue regarding the extent to Finally, the NATO Support and that was the Chief of Force Development which it should emulate an international Procurement Agency (NSPA) and NATO and lead military official for the development actor or state. What type of foreign policy Communications and Information Agency of Canada’s Defence policy Strong, Secure, elements would that require? How best (NCIA) roles in capability design and Engaged (SSE). can it leverage all aspects of Diplomacy, delivery need to be reframed. Common

12 I FrontLine Magazine I Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online ©

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WWW.MDA.SPACE FrontLine Innovation Platform (FLIP) This year’s Top Innovators Accenture Public Safety, Defence Army Innovation Beretta Defence Technologies and National Security Collins Aerospace For this edition of Top Global Innovators, FrontLine has gathered a D.S. Raider Ltd. Defence Research and Development select group of organizations that take their innovative priorities seriously. IAI – Israel Aerospace Industries From advanced materials to cutting-edge technologies and imaginative Polar Canada research, you will no doubt hear more from these companies in the Rheinmetall Canada future. Contact us today for inclusion in our Fall 2021 edition. Please note, the FrontLine Innovators are displayed in alphabetical order.

Accenture Tactical Edge Network 1100 - 45 O’Connor St, Ottawa ON, K1P 1A4 Contact: Pierre Dupont, Defence & Public Safety Lead Email: [email protected] Tel: +1-613-750-5395 Web: www.accenture.com/ca-en/industries/public-service-index

Command, Control, Communications, Computers, TEN XR simplifies the administration of entire Being fully modular with true interoperability, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance end-to-end military or sensitive communications it can utilize any type of existing communications (C4ISR) – is a complex beast, an amorphous con- networks through the employment of a single, intu- system or provide new network capability any- cept without a precise doctrinal definition. The itive user interface that has been designed to where and with high data throughput. C4ISR industry landscape is vast and solutions vary evolve along with technology. The system utilizes the Digital Twin (DT) from vendor to vendor, often both in concept and methodology, which assures simulation capability approach. In Defence and Public Safety organiza- for better and faster operational decision making tions now, one of the most common challenges is and planning as well as real time Blue Force that information is kept in different silos and with Tracking, Soldier and Asset Status Monitoring, ERP different, often legacy systems. integration, and more. TEN XR offers full AI inte- Establishing, managing and maintaining gration to support various tasks, from image recog- complex and possibly multinational military com- nition via intelligent additive manufacturing to munications networks, is a highly challenging task advanced DT management. for network managers – as reliability and integrity Visualization of operations planning and must be maintained 24/7 – even in the most assets is provided in multiple fidelities and plat- challenging environments, all around the globe. forms, based on situation, available computing power and data bandwidth. Accenture has a groundbreaking new solution Pierre Dupont, Accenture’s Defence and Public for this market. The TEN XR system is designed to Safety Lead, says the TEN XR solution “integrates bridge those different access technologies in a with existing Battle Management Systems and meshed network fashion that is able to provide ERP Systems to always provide the highest possi- seamless interoperability with legacy tactical ble Situational Aware ness in the most complex of radio systems and voice communications. situations, anywhere and anytime.” n

14 I FrontLine Innovation Platform I Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online Army Innovation The future of army innovation in Europe Address: Rue d’Evere 1, B- 1140, Brussels Contact: Mario Blokken, Senior Subject Matter Expert in Cyber Defense Phone: +32 (0)2 441 79 38 Email: [email protected] Web: finabel.org

The still smoldering Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on as an advantage. Blokken also reflected on the Europe’s doorstep has shown the world’s armies that human element of innovation, and emphasized the they need to immediately integrate technological need to invest in training and education, saying we systems into their procurement, doctrine and tactics. need to “train the soldiers to be inquisitive.” Just last week, Finabel, the European Army Third up was Dr. Jack Walting, Research Interoperability Centre, launched a new EU Innova - Fellow in Land Warfare at the Royal United tion Platform armyinnovation.eu (on Twitter Services Institute in London, UK. Dr Walting spoke @ArmyInnovaEU) through a webinar entitled about investment in technology, and addressed “New Trends in Army Innovation.” The following issues concerning how we decide which specific are key takeaways from that virtual event. technology to pursue, and how to develop it at With innovation come the challenges of inte- scale. His key point was that to develop a technol- grating emerging technologies across the armies ogy you need repeated field experimentation, of Finabel’s 22 European member states, and the Expert in Cyber Defense, Mario Blokken. Finabel which requires sustained investment over time. It organization aims to put itself at the centre of that aims to be the innovation platform for Europe’s is a complex and expensive process that requires discussion. Finabel brought together a 90-minute armies, according to Blokken. Since its inception in strategic direction and disciplined choices. online panel representing military, academic and 1953, Finabel’s mandate has evolved from coordi- Watling also spoke of the need for the industry perspectives, with panelists Major Jeroen nating the armament programs of its six founding national armies of Europe to agree on common Franssen from the Belgian Army; Research Fellow nations, to promoting and facilitating interoper- interfaces, open architectures, standardized oper- in Land Warfare, Dr. Jack Watling of the Royal ability between 22 European Land Forces. ating processes, and modular systems that can all United Services Institute; Sarcos Robotics CEO Ben Interoperability has never been more important, ease the process of modernization. He sees a Wolff, as well as Finabel’s Director, Mario Blokken. and Finabel sees its mandate squarely at the cen- strong role here for Finabel to drive consensus on The webinar kicked off with Major Jeroen tre of European army innovation integration. universal adoption of emerging technologies. He Franssen, Information and Innovation Manager of It was Blokken's view that although innova- pointed to the myriad of pan-European military the Land Component Command of the Belgian tion has been incorporated into the vision state- projects as examples of past successes. Ministry of Defence. He identified three trends ments of almost every army across Europe, it will The final speaker was Ben Wolff, the that are impacting army innovation: the increase in only be implemented if senior leaders perceive it Chairman and CEO of Sarcos Robotics. As an expe- mobility; the shift from fossil to electric powered rienced businessman, Mr Wolff opened with the equipment; and adapting technology to the needs classic question, "What defence problems are we and constraints of soldiers on operations. trying to solve?" His own company, Sarcos Mobility of people, equipment and sensors Robotics is leading innovation with the develop- has never been more possible. With bomb disposal ment of exoskeletons. Sarcos' Guardian XO full robots as well-established tools, Unmanned body exoskeleton can lift up to 200 lbs, is fully Ground Vehicles won’t be long to reach the battle- powered with hot-swapable batteries, and takes field, with potential uses ranging from carrying only 30 seconds to don or doff. Alpha units were in equipment to direct fire support. Indeed, US Army trials earlier this year, with commercial units Futures Command recently outlined draft capabil- expected by the end of 2021. Such exoskeletons ity objectives for Robotic Combat Vehicles up to a can enhance soldiers' lethality, which is among the 30-ton unmanned tank. The affordability and U.S. Army's top six Modernization Priorities. Just miniaturization of drones means indoor throwbots as exoskeletons are designed to augment human are now being tested in the field, and swarming strength, Mr. Wolff concluded by stressing that micro drones are not far behind. Autonomous and Artificial Intelligence and automation support robotic systems have immense potential to humans rather than replace them. increase mobility of soldiers and sensors in ways How allied European armies integrate their not yet foreseen, suggested Major Franssen. emerging technologies on the modern battlefield is When it comes to the energy shift, Franssen today’s problem. Finabel’s webinar sought to out- points out that new technologies are becoming line some dimensions of the challenges of embrac- increasingly electricity-based. If electricity could ing innovative technology. The pace of technologi- be created directly in the field, it might minimize cal change, the breadth of new systems, and the diesel supply issues faced by the army. Franssen’s need for integration will require some strategic third point was that for the sake of the soldiers discipline. Finabel’s goal to promote and facilitate using them, systems need to be integrated to interoperability between the Land Forces of its 22 reduce weight and increase situational aware- European member states is more relevant today ness. He concluded by suggesting that the innova- than ever. n tion function itself could be outsourced to industry. – Brian Macdonald is a defence and policy advisor Second to speak was the Director of Finabel’s at Samuel Associates. Permanent Secretariat and Senior Subject Matter     

Issue 2, 2020 I FrontLine Innovation Platform I frontline.online I 15 Beretta Defense Technologies / Stoeger Canada Blue Force & Military Options 1010 Thornton Road South, Oshawa ON, L1J 7E2 Contact: David Macdonald, Mgr Defence & Law Enforcement Email: [email protected] Tel: +1-905-436-9077 Web: www.berettadefence.ca

By creating an alliance of four leading firearms manufacturers (Beretta, Benelli, Sako and Steiner), Beretta Defense Technologies (BDT) has become globally recognized as the single source contact for high-quality military & law enforcement hardware, attesting to its decades of leadership, innovation and investment. By providing government and law enforcement agencies with a unique combination of services, weaponry and equipment, from enhanced tactical clothing to firearms, ammunition, optics and elec- tro-optics, Beretta can match every operational need to cover a wide range of complex scenarios BDT products are sold through Stoeger Canada, which is also the exclusive Canadian distributor for Victrix Armaments, Centanex, Burris and all of Ase Utra Oy’s products. Finland’s Ase Utra Oy is one of the largest manufacturers of sound suppressors in the world, proven to be extremely durable, reliable and lightweight sound suppressors for the needs of Military and Law Enforcement worldwide. n

Collins Aerospace Connected Battlespace Solutions 104 - 30 Edgewater Street, Ottawa ON, K2L 1V8 Contact: Robert Dunn, Business Development, Canada Email: [email protected] Phone: +1-613-595-2200 Web: www.collins.com

Warfighters and commercial users alike depend Canadians, with key facilities in Ottawa (Mission Systems and Mobility; Advanced Manufacturing; upon: intelligent and secure communications; Systems), Oakville (Landing Gears), Winnipeg and to enhance Workplace Learning opportunities. robust data links and assured navigation; mission- (Interiors), and Montreal (Avionics). Collins will continue to support the MINDS pro- ized systems for specialized aircraft and space- The flexibility and customization of products are gram and seek other opportunities under the IDEaS craft; collaborative Intelligence, Surveillance and seen as key advantages, and a focus on innovation to further advance Connected Battlespace con- Reconnaissance (ISR); simulation and training drives Collins to enhance its capabilities, providing cepts and technologies demonstrations in support systems; mechanical systems; and advanced systems and operational solutions that exceed the of the Canadian Army's C4ISR Modernization (SSE interior solutions. requirements of a growing base of commercial and project #46) and NORAD Modernization. n To fill those needs, Collins Aerospace is focused on military customers in Canada. delivering connected solutions that ensure their From its Ottawa offices, the Collins team remains military, government and civilian customers can an industry leader in the development and deploy- successfully complete their most complex and ment of new Wideband HF communication critical missions. systems as well as the wireless, ad-hoc net- To say that 2020 has been interesting is an under- working technologies for use in Canada statement, however, Collins benefited from a merger and for global export. that created Raytheon Technologies Corp oration (RTX) The recent appointment of Collins’ in April. The Collins’ commitment includes on-going executive lead, Lee Obst, as Board Chair of the investment and collaboration with Canadian firms Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, the and research institutions across the country for the company has become an active leader in helping development, production and support of advanced AIAC promote and facilitate an economic recovery avionics, landing gears, and communication sys- plan that includes major investments in green tems. Collins Aerospace employs more than 1500 technologies for Sustainable Aviation, Auto no mous

16 I FrontLine Innovation Platform I Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online D.S. Raider Ltd Rough Terrain Transportation Atir Yeda 15, Kfar Saba, Israel Contact: Michal Taitelman, Marketing Tel: +972-72-255 9880 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ezraider.com

The Israeli-developed EZ Raider personal trans- portation system for security personnel and soldiers will soon have an autonomous version, and that is generating “big interest,” says retired Brigadier- General Miki Bar, CEO of DS Raider the company that developed the systems. DS Raider is cooperat- ing with other companies to offer a version that will move to the commands of a Lidar laser radar and is equipped with intuitive and accurate driving system controls. Transporting soldiers or security personnel and equipment through rough terrains requires tactical solutions that can navigate in terrain previously only reached by foot. The four wheels are connected to special suspension systems that gives every wheel an independent horizontal and vertical movement and “allows the vehicle to cope with rough terrain” FoldableFoldable ruggedrugged BGen Bar tells FrontLine. transportationtransportation systemsystem forfor roughrough t terrainerrain

The EZ Raider HD 4 is an off-road electric- advantages in a variety of operational scenarios and an additional 250 kg (550 lbs) when equipped powered manned vehicle that without a doubt with a high level of safety for the user. Tests with the Raider electric-powered cart. creates a new category in the field of personal have shown precise response to user commands. The board on which the soldier stands is 20 tactical vehicle. The military version is powered by four inches above ground, and adds to the vehicle's The Israeli police currently use the EZ Raider 1200 W electric motors, and can carry up to two capability to move in rough terrain. “The soldier HD in its border police units. After a successful set fighters with full combat gear. It can tow a special uses body movements like the ones skiers of water of tests, the U.S armed forces has purchased a electric-powered cart to transport additional gliders use to control the movements,” says Bar. number of these vehicles to continue their opera- equipment. The electric motors with high torque Its IR signature is also very low, a fact that tional evaluations. provide an operational range of up to 80 km. adds to its stealthiness. “The electric motor emits Its unique go-anywhere mobility capability According to product specs, the EZ Raider HD something like 122°F and that can be lowered with acts as an operational power-multiplier for the 4 is 68.5 cm (27”) wide and weighs 95 kg (209 lbs) simple heat shielding materials.” n user. The vehicle’s operational simplicity, and can be easily folded for transportation. The – Arie Egozi is a writer / editor based in Israel reliability and durability, is intended to enhance vehicle can carry a payload up to 168 kg (370 lbs),

Issue 2, 2020 I FrontLine Innovation Platform I frontline.online I 17 DRDC Valcartier Research Centre A Green New Research Centre 2459 de la Bravoure Road. Québec, QC G3J 1X5 Tel: +1-613-995-2534 Email: [email protected]

The science and technology organization of the systems, tactical surveillance and reconnaissance, abroad. The Valcartier Research Centre is the Department of National Defence, DRDC (Defence weapons systems and vehicle and personnel pro- largest of seven DRDC centres across the country. Research and Development Canada) operates tection systems, and more, all aimed at meeting Modernizing and greening defence infrastruc- seven research centres across Canada – Dartmouth the future science and technology needs of the ture has multiple benefits – it supports the needs in Nova Scotia; Valcartier in Quebec; Ottawa and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). of a modern military, reduces greenhouse gas Toronto in Ontario; and Medicine Hat in Alberta – The science and technology organization of emissions, and saves on energy costs.The new each with a unique combination of expertise and the Department of National Defence, DRDC pro- research facility will be built to Leadership in facilities to carry out world-class science and tech- vides the defence community, CAF, other govern- Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver nology research. ment departments, as well as the public safety and standards, and will use approximately 38% less The Government of Canada is currently invest- security communities, with the knowledge and energy than a similar sized building. ing in infrastructure to provide defence scientists technology advantage needed to defend and pro- Phase two of this project, which includes con- with modern (and green) facilities to continue cut- tect Canada’s security and interests at home and struction of a garage and the renovation of several ting-edge defence research well into the future. existing buildings, is estimated to begin in fall The first to benefit is the Valcartier Research Centre. 2024. Phase three, which includes demolition of 45 Jean-Yves Duclos, President of the Treasury Construction of Phase One additional buildings, is targeted to start in 2027. began in October. Board, recently announced the construction of a “Forward-thinking infrastructure is key to new research facility to modernize the Valcartier supporting the unique needs of DND’s science Research Centre in Quebec. The $144-million con- and technology community,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, struction contract, awarded to Québec City-based Minister of Defence. Our personnel require access EBC for Phase One, is expected to create more than to modern and functional workspaces equipped 750 jobs and economic benefits for the region. with the latest innovations to help them develop “This major investment in scientific and solutions to meet the CAF’s science and technol- military research is excellent news for the econ- ogy challenges. These new facilities will keep the omy of our region,” said Duclos. “In 2020, we know Defence Team on the leading edge of defence that we must rely on knowledge to ensure our research and development into the future.” n future prosperity and this project fits perfectly into this logic.” In addition to approximately 80 multi-disciplinary laboratories, The entire $272-million project to upgrade the the 31,000-m2 research complex will also include office DRDC Valcartier Research Centre has been divided and storage spaces. into three phases. Phase One, which just began, includes construction of a 31,000-m2 research complex, which will feature approximately 80 new multi-disciplinary laboratories, as well as office and storage spaces. Due to be completed in 2024, this new research facility will consolidate nearly 500 defence scientists from different locations on- site into one centrally-located building with mod- ern, collaborative research spaces. These upgraded research facilities will enable DRDC personnel to continue innovating in the fast- paced research and development environment they operate in. Their research spans information

Artistic renderings of the new facility to be completed in 2024.

18 I FrontLine Innovation Platform I Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online IAI – Israel Aerospace Industries Headquarters: Ben Gurion International Airport, 70100, Israel Contact: Adam Susman, Director, Corporate Marketing Email: [email protected] Tel: +972-3-935-3111 Web: www.iai.co.il/news-media/global/canada

capabilities as technology progresses. Furthermore, the Heron TP provides ease of operations and maintenance that enables in-country sustainment through its life-cycle support. This modern architecture and enhanced sensor pay- loads are now used throughout the Heron family. Integration of other assets with the Heron TP is also part of its design, utilizing open architec- Governments must rise to the domain awareness flexible and adapted to a wide variety of missions, ture, communications protocols and information challenges of watching over vast territories to this platform was a revolutionary step forward. sharing to allow operation with the BirdEye 650D manage complex and varied missions, and In 1998, the Heron Mk 1 introduced the world’s Small Tactical UAS and the Vertical Takeoff and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have become first multi-mission UAS. This version supported a Landing Panther family. the go-to solution for many reasons. Today, UAS payload which included an electro-optical/infrared Interoperability with NATO and FVEY standards taskings can range from sovereignty missions, to (EO/IR) sighting device, surveillance radar, signals combine with these design features to make the observing the effects of climate change, to intelligence (SIGINT) and communications intelli- Heron TP among the most adaptable platforms patrolling borders and coastlines, and protecting gence (COMINT) electronics surveillance and a available. Furthermore, as nations such as troops in close combat – and must accomplish all broadband datalink to transmit sensor data to the Germany have discovered, the ability to operate this while flying longer missions, carrying heavier ground control station. sovereign missions completely ITAR-free, and set payloads, and reaching higher altitudes. Optimized to support naval operations, the and maintain national priorities, is the real To accomplish all of this and more, the IAI Maritime Heron was equipped with maritime strength of the Heron TP platform. Heron family of multi-mission UAS has taken yet search radar, Automatic Identification System There is also the benefit of being part of the another technological leap forward. With the TP (AIS) receiver for ship identification and tracking, aircraft family. With SATCOM communications model, IAI has developed a larger, more capable, EO/IR and Electronic Support Measures (ESM). integrated, IAI Herons can now employ Long powerful and flexible platform that redefines what Using satellite communications to extend missions Runner to operate remotely in the air and on the unmanned aerial systems are now capable of. beyond the horizon, Maritime Herons often deploy ground, requiring minimal ground support at “These capabilities demand high reliability on long-range patrols or in support of naval task remote operating bases. The Long Runner is part of and solid designs that address different opera- forces utilizing shipborne forward mission con- IAI’s centralized Mission Operation & Intelligence tional needs and doctrines,” says Avi Bleser, Vice trol elements. The Heron has demonstrated its Centre (MOIC), supporting the operation of multiple President Marketing and Sales at IAI’s Military extensive adaptability and payload variety to suit Heron drones of different types, carrying various Aircraft Group. “The experience we have gained a variety of mission needs. payloads, and operating at different distances and in four decades of operations with more than The Heron family continues to evolve to meet directions. MOIC provides an efficient integration of 50 customers worldwide has shaped the ongoing ever changing and more specific customer needs. intelligence and situational perception, by flexibly evolution of the Heron family.” The Heron TP is faster, larger, and higher-flying and allocating assets to support evolving situations Optimum availability means deploying from can be tailored to meet any country’s unique and operational needs. The intelligence processing high altitude runways, operating in temperature requirements. Powered by a 1,200 hp Pratt & systems associated with the Heron family are also extremes from +45°C to –40°C, and through Whitney Canada PT6 turboprop engine, manufac- designed with powerful, semi-automatic target extreme weather, strong winds and heavy rain tured in Longueuil, Quebec, the Heron TP flies at location, classification and designation workflow, or snow, and across expansive territory. These 220 KTAS, more than twice the speed of the Mk 1. optimizing the operator’s efficiency and capacity. capabilities make the Heron TP ideal for Canada, Despite being almost five times heavier, the In use throughout the world, the Heron family particularly in its vast Arctic region. Heron TP climbs faster – up to a ceiling of 45,000 UAS have accumulated over 1,800,000 operational Most recently, on 16 September 2020, the feet, and can carry over one ton of payload, provid- flight hours and have become the partner of choice Heron made history by demonstrating its ability to ing the highest power-to-weight ratio in its class. for governments that need capability, reliability, land and takeoff at a major international airport This powerful platform has been described as both and adaptability in a UAS platform. “The utilization alongside commercial flights using only satellite a “beast in the sky” and an engineering beauty. has increased threefold over past generations,” technology and its “Long Runner” operating system. The TP’s modular building-block architecture notes Bleser. “Besides the robust and scalable sys- This puts the Heron TP in a class by itself. makes it readily adaptable to different missions tem it provides, the exceptional operational expe- IAI began developing its Heron family 25 years and varying national requirements, and provides rience and numerous technical variations have ago, launching the first variant in 1994. It was a security separation between the platform and the evolved to meet changing needs and have defined platform weighing 1.18 tons on takeoff, with a payload – enabling use by NATO and Five Eyes the Heron family as the undisputed leader in the remarkable ceiling of 30,000 feet, propelled by an (FVEY) nations. To achieve this, it can be built, UAS marketplace.” With Canada’s vast territory, engine that enabled it to fly clandestine intelli- integrated, qualified and maintained in a host three coastlines, and high Arctic region, the Heron gence gathering missions without the distinctive country, thus allowing continuous technological TP is an inspired choice to meet any Remotely ‘sawmill’ noise that other drones made. Highly improvements by incorporating advanced C4ISR Piloted Aircraft System needs. n

Issue 2, 2020 I FrontLine Innovation Platform I frontline.online I 19 Polar Knowledge Canada Canadian High Arctic Research Station 1 Uvajuq Road, PO Box 2150, Cambridge Bay NU, X0B 0C0 Contact: Jennifer C. Hubbard, President & CEO Email: [email protected] Tel: +1-867-983-7425

A federal agency within the recently renamed “We can easily adapt these labs to a wide Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs variety of science projects: geology, archeology, Canada (CIRNAC), Polar Knowledge Canada biology or even marine research,” says Adrian (POLAR) has a corporate office in Ottawa while its Schimnowski, Chief Executive Officer and main operations are at the Canadian High Arctic Operations Director of the ARF, a private non-profit Research Station (CHARS) in Cambridge Bay, a headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario.    hamlet on Victoria Island, Nunavut. It’s a key stop Mobile laboratories Cambridge Bay. “We are guests on Inuit land,” Schimnowski for marine traffic through the Northwest Passage – says, “Inuit know how to live off the land better an increasingly accessible region that presents than anyone else. We receive support from the environmental, political and strategic opportunities. community in many different ways, and so out of POLAR, dedicated to the advancement of respect we provide support to the community. It’s Arctic knowledge, has found an intriguing new a way of saying ‘thank you’.” purpose for used shipping containers. Critical to POLAR’s strategic plan sets out broad goals in expanding global trade, there are tens of millions keeping with its vision for a sustainable future of them, but while they’re an efficient way to ship guided by knowledge and collaboration. Its goods and supplies to the North, returning them research framework development drew on empty simply isn’t economical, so they’re routinely engagement with key northern and indigenous abandoned and can be a blight on the landscape as groups bodies years before construction began.    they eventually rust away over many years. Scientist sets up camera, Cambridge Bay. There was extensive consideration of the effects it From a technical viewpoint, deploying often- might have on permafrost and vice versa. fragile research equipment can be problematic. Respect for the land and its history are integral. With necessity as much the mother of innovation An archaeologist helped the field crew, which as invention, CHARS is repurposing those aban- included an Inuit elder, to avoid archaeological sites doned sea cans. dating back millennia. “When they explain the Funded by the Canadian Northern Economic changes they’ve observed in the area, how they Development Agency, POLAR, and other groups have dealt with similar problems in the past, and such as the Arctic Research Foundation (ARF), the communicate their holistic view of the land, we containers are insulated and heaters and compost- get a better understanding of the landscape,” says ing toilets are installed. The easily-transportable POLAR permafrost scientist Stéphanie Coulombe. containerlabs can accommodate up to seven She is part of a team researching damage wrought researchers and can function as local communica- by thawing permafrost on a popular trail from the

tions hubs or havens when the weather closes in.     community of Kugluktuk to a traditional hunting, Powered by solar panels and wind turbines, Kitikmeot marine research, Nunavut. fishing and berry-picking area. Sections had they can even supply auxiliary equipment such as become increasingly impassable as the frozen weather stations. University of Calgary geographer ground settled into pools of water and mud. Brent Else has packed one with equipment to “We’re working to find out exactly what is measure ocean absorption of greenhouse gases, happening […] and determine the best way to contributing to understanding how the Arctic make it stable and safe,” Coulombe says. “This responds to and influences climate change. project is a good example of the benefits that result when scientists and indigenous communi- ties come together to solve a problem, collaborat- Opened in 2018, the CHARS campus shown ing and sharing knowledge, in a spirit of mutual below is a multidisciplinary research station respect.” n with a mandate to strengthen Canada’s lead- ership in polar science and technology. The

main research building includes laboratories,     technology development centres, offices, and Collecting core ice samples. teaching and community engagement spaces featuring Inuit art and artifacts. A knowledge- sharing centre provides scientists and locals

   
 space to meet and exchange ideas.

20 I FrontLine Innovation Platform I Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online Rheinmetall Canada Bringing jobs to Canada 225, boulevard du Séminaire Sud, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu QC, J3B 8E9 Contact: Alain Tremblay, V-P of Business Development & Innovation Email: [email protected] Tel: +1-450-358-2000 Web: www.rheinmetall.ca/

Rheinmetall Canada is an established player in the security and defence industries and longstanding Canadian engineering shines on the partner of armed forces. In Canada, its 375 world stage as Rheinmetall Canada expands employees operate out of locations in Ottawa, and takes over mobile air start unit production. Ontario and St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. Its parent company, Rheinmetall Group, is one of the largest European suppliers to the military and automotive sectors. Mobile Start Units (MSUs) With continuous improvement in mind, Rheinmetall Canada recently expanded to take over production of Rheinmetall Group’s Mobile Start Units (MSUs). The transfer of technology and manufacturing capabilities from Germany to Canada aligns with the company’s goals of increased international presence and product diversification. Highly versatile, MSUs have both military and commercial applications and a broad international appeal, thus bolstering Canada’s presence as an engineering leader. On the military side, Rheinmetall MSUs are used by the German Air Force to start their Eurofighters, and the US Navy employs them on all of their aircraft carriers. Vehicle Crew Training System (LVCTS) project. The and supporting leading-edge systems for precision Also trusted by civilian companies including team will offer a mature, modular, and cost effec- gunnery and crew task training. We look forward Lufthansa, British Airways, American Airlines, Air tive solution for the LVCTS project, while ensuring to bringing this expertise to the Canadian Army.” New Zealand, and FedEx, the commercial MSUs high-value economic benefits to Canada. can start even the most demanding aircraft, includ- The LVCTS solution will enable the Canadian Robotic systems ing the B777-300ER and A380. These units are Army to conduct progressive training at the individ- Also developed in Canada, Rheinmetall’s Mission found in airports around the globe: more than 1200 ual, crew, platoon, and higher echelon levels using Master is a unique concept of Autonomous- have been sold in more than 40 countries. high- to medium-fidelity reconfigurable trainers, as Unmanned Ground Vehicles (A-UGV) that can be Dependable and customizable, these turbine- well as trainee workstations and a virtual environ- readily adapted for a wide variety of different powered air start units are known to deploy reliably ment. The software will be common to all levels of missions thanks to modular build-ons. in extreme conditions, run on any choice of fuel, training and designed to generate increasingly In November 2020, Rheinmetall Canada and maximize space with their lightweight, com- challenging situations, including the ability to real- unveiled the Mission Master – Armed Recon - pact builds. Manufactured with a lifespan of 15 to istically simulate various terrain types, weather naissance, its latest armed battlefield robot 20 years, the comparative ownership costs of conditions, capabilities, and tactics. designed for tactical intelligence gathering and Rheinmetall MSUs are exceptionally low. The instructional system will score crews to a combat support. As with other modules of the The MSU integrates Rheinmetall Canada’s doctrinal standard at all levels of complexity. A-UGV family, the Armed Reconnaissance keeps expansive portfolio of platform-independent solu- Individual Crew Training Systems will be linked a human in the loop for all kinetic operations and tions, including soldier, robotic, surveillance, and through the Distributed Interactive Simulation life-affecting decisions. weapon systems. Working closely with its customers, protocol and High-Level Architecture gateways to Rheinmetall Canada is considered a reliable team provide section, platoon, or higher echelon training. HX – High mobility truck system player that knows how to respond to evolving mil- The system will also include a learning man- In operations both at home and abroad, Armed itary and commercial needs. agement system that allows customization of forces depend on a high level of mobility and on training scenarios, monitoring of trainee progress, Land Vehicle Crew Training reliable logistics. and after-action reviews. Robustness, versatility, and functionality are System (LVCTS) project As Pietro Mazzei, Vice-president, Rheinmetall the most important performance criteria – no mat- In June 2020, Rheinmetall Canada announced it Canada, notes, “This partnership combines two of ter how bad the roads, or how difficult the terrain. assumed the lead in a teaming arrangement that the world’s leading providers of military training The latest generation of HX vehicles from includes: Lockheed Martin Canada; Rheinmetall solutions in order to supply the Canadian Army Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles meets the cri- Electronics of Bremen, Germany; and Lockheed with the most advanced modular system. teria and is well suited to meet the requirements Martin Training and Logistics Solutions in Orlando, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin have strong of the Canadian Enhanced Recovery Capability and Florida – to purse the Canadian Army’s Land global track records when it comes to supplying Logistic Vehicle Modernization projects. n

Issue 2, 2020 I FrontLine Innovation Platform I frontline.online I 21 I INTERNATIONAL I by Eugene Gerden

units, an increase of modern weapons in Russia’s military arsenal of up to 68.2%. Among the most important deliveries in 2019 was the Avangard missile system Russia shifting to a with hypersonic units, the Peresvet laser systems, and the Prince Vladimir nuclear submarine cruiser. Contracted Army? While the Russian Ministry of Defence plans to continue the renewal of its military arsenal over the next 10 years, In a move intended to bring Russia to the level of most modern armies of the West, its the main concept of a second stage of military is ready to begin the next stage of massive reforms of its national armed forces to reform is expected to provide solutions to ensure their active development within the next decade, according to recent statements some the most pressing internal problems made by Russian military commanders and local defence analysts. of the Russian army. In addition, attention will go towards raising its efficiency and The five-day war with Georgia, in August General mobility and improving the interactions 2008, revealed some serious deficiencies Ruslan between the different military branches. of the Russian army, such as poor readi- Tsalikov, In regard to mobility, according to an Deputy- ness for local military conflicts and insuffi- Minister of official spokesman of the Russian General cient armaments, and led to a plan for Defence Staff, improvements in Armed Forces massive overhaul of the national military. mobility is expected to be one of the most The first stage of this reform began shortly important tasks faced during the second after the 2008 conflict, and continued until stage of reform – despite the fact that its completion in early 2020. some success in this field has already been The ongoing first stage of reform has achieved in recent years. resulted in the massive re-armament of According to Alexander Golts, a well- the Russian armed forces, including new known Russian military expert and editor- weapons and combat equipment. in-chief of the Russian Daily Journal portal, In addition to large-scale re-armament, the rapid deployment of 40,000-50,000 the first stage of reform also stood up troops on the Russian-Ukrainian border several dozen new combat-ready forma- army toward territorial conflicts, and liqui- within two days, 26-27 February 2014, tions and improved militaristic sentiments dation of threats at Russia’s borders. was a clear example of such progress. in the country. It also had a strong influ- According to recent statements by Golts describes the deployment as “a ence on the domestic and foreign policies General Ruslan Tsalikov, Russia’s Deputy- fantastic success! When Chechen rebels of the Russian government in the last Minister of Defence, the massive re-arma- attacked the Russian Dagestan Republic in decade. In the early 2010s, Russian ment of its armed forces is largely com- 1999, it took three weeks to transfer the President Vladimir Putin decided to dis- plete, and last year was a record year in first battalions of paratroopers there.” card outdated Soviet concepts of military terms of new combat equipment for the Still, the Russian Ministry of Defence development, which were primarily based needs of all military branches. plans to achieve even higher rates of on a war with the whole world. He re- According to Tsalikov’s data, last year’s deployment, particularly land forces, until directing the major focus of the Russian volume of deliveries amounted to 6,500 2030, planning to use the experience of the U.S. deployments of its troops during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Prince Vladimir In the meantime, according to the nuclear submarine official spokesman for Russian Defence Minister, Sergey Shoigu, in addition to the increase in mobility, further optimization of manpower within the Russian army, continues to be key. For this purpose, the number of units and formations within the structure of the Russian army will be reduced. The biggest reductions are expected to be in skeleton units (particularly those where the number of officers exceeded the number of sol- diers by almost double). At present, the share of such units in the overall structure of Armed Forces in Russia is approxi- mately 20-25%, being significantly lower the 75-80% figures in 2008.

22 I FrontLine Magazine I Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online According to the Ministry of Defence, lysts told in an interview with Shephard declining in recent years – after several the second stage of reform includes plans to Media, Muslim soldiers or those drafted years of consecutive growth. According to reduce the dependence on recruitment, from the republics of the North Caucasus his data, the annual inflow of contract however the draft system will not be often take revenge on Slavs in the barracks soldiers to the Russian army at present completely abandoned. for the discrimination suffered by their co- does not exceed 50,000 people, which is The overall manpower of the Russian religionists or compatriots in civilian life. significantly lower than the figures of national army is expected to remain at the The Ministry of Defence hopes that a some previous years. current level of 900,000-1,1 million people solution to the problem of hazing and Accordingly, an improvement of the for the next decade. Still, despite the fact fraternities will help restore the prestige of interactions between the private corps that manpower has significantly declined military service among the young people and command staff of the Russian army in recent years, most independent Russian in Russia. The introduction of various will be another major concept of the analysts believe the army has too many social benefits and motivations for dis- planned reform. That is expected to be civilians and not enough soldiers. chargees and retired military men will also achieved by the restoration of the institute Pavel Luzin, an expert on Russian Foreign improve the perception of respect. of junior commanders, which has been and Defense Policy, commented that: So far, the Russian army has been destroyed in recent years. “Despite the previous reductions, the repeatedly criticized for the lack of eco- In fact, the lack of junior commanders Russian Armed Forces remains an exces- nomic, professional, intellectual and other for the first time occurred in the Soviet sively bureaucratized mechanism, where prospects for military personnel after their army in the middle of the 1960s after the the number of civil servants is more than retirement. However, within the next 1-2 retirement of so-called “extended-termer”, 900,000 people and only 10% of military years plans are underway by the Ministry mostly sergeants and foremen who had staff are ready to perform serious combat for the creation of additional post-military served in the Armed Forces since the missions.” career opportunities. beginning of World War II. Representatives from the Ministry of Alexander Golts believes the current The Ministry of Defence intends to be Defence disagree with such conclusions, low prestige of military service in Russia more active in the training of junior com- and plan to continue optimization of man- has become an acute need. The number of manders in years to come. For this pur- power until 2030. In contrast to the past, people who sign military contracts with pose, the quality of military education in this time the focus will be on the officer the Russian Ministry of Defence has been Russia will be significantly improved, and corps. Between 2008 and 2020 that will be achieved by the Russian command staff enlarging military schools, was reduced from 335,000 to Russian marine corps expanding their capabilities, 220,000 people, and the in Chechnya. and providing an opportuni- Ministry of Defence plans to ties to conduct year-round further reduce of these figures practical training for future in years to come. commanders of all ranks. Another problem that must As an official spokesman be dealt with is the culture of for Shoigu explained, the dedovshchina (hazing and former military schools will constant bullying of junior sol- be replaced bylarge training diers). A recent state ment from centers creating a powerful Sergey Shoigu says the Ministry training base that will ensure of Defence plans to solve the effective theory and practical problem by 2030. This topic training of future officers. tragically returned to the Such training will make agenda in October 2019, when officers more versatile and a young conscript shot ten create opportunities to work people on the base, killing two collaboratively with different officers and six fellow soldiers. branches. According to investigators, The second stage of the numerous incidents of hazing reform is also expected to had been perpetrated against bring serious results for the the shooter and other young solution of another perennial soldiers from his military unit. problem – corruption. In addition to hazing, the Despite some recent suc- so-called “fraternities” remains cesses in fighting corruption, another problem that nega- it still remains a very prob- tively affects Russian troops, lematic issue that is reflected as it usually leads to ethnic by recent arrests of some conflicts between soldiers. As high-level commanders on some Russian military ana- the suspicion of massive

Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online I 23 national GDP, compared to 4.5% in the early 2000s. In 2020, the Russian military budget will reach 3.1 trillion rubles (almost US$50 billion), which is almost RUB 110 billion lower that 2019. Almost half of this budget will be used for the purchase of new weapons and combat equipment. According to recent statements of Russian President Vladimir Putin, there is a need for gradual cutting of military spend- ing, as the “peak of modernization has Russian already passed.” This, according to him, military pilots has led to the successful replacement of a during tests in the training significant part of Russian weapons and center. combat equipment. Still, despite the pandemic, it is planned that the Russian military budget thefts. The 2020 arrest of Khalil Arslanov, allowing for a “limited nuclear war. In will be further increased in 2021. That will deputy head of the Russian General Staff general, NATO is enmeshing Russia into a take place despite the pandemic and asso- on the suspicion of theft amounting to the new arms race.” ciated with its negative consequences for total sum of RUB 7 billion (US$97 million), He noted that the Russian defence Russian economics. is one astounding example. budget has remained stable for several One of the reasons of the planned Finally, the government plans to solve years, unlike to military spending of the increase of military expenditures is the the problem of high mortality rate in the United States and other NATO states. ongoing imports of some weapons and Russian armed forces, which, according to According to Tsalikov, the Russian components for the needs of the Russian some analysts’ calculations, varies in the Ministry of Defence plans to continue the military forces from abroad. range of 2-3%. practice of sudden inspections and training Despite the import substitution in the According to recent statements made of large military groupings – with up to Russian military and industrial complex, a by Ruslan Tsalikov during an interview 40,000 people at a time. significant part of military products in the with the Russian military newspaper In regard to funding, starting from country are still produced using imported Krasnay Zvezda, implementation of the 1999, the annual growth of military components, primarily in the electronics second stage of the reform is an acute spending in Russia was in the range of sector. The recent devaluation of the need, taking into account that NATO con- 18-22%, which was one of the highest Russian rouble has put additional pressure tinues to build up forces in Europe, as well figures in the world at the beginning of on the country’s military and industrial as the decision by the U.S. to leave a num- 2000s, which meant that every fourth complex, which employs up to 4 million ber of international treaties, among which ruble of the federal budget was allocated people. are ABM Treaty, the INF Treaty and The for the needs of the armed forces. According to Pavel Luzin, maintaining Treaty on Open Skies. During the second stage of the reform, the annual defence budget at RUB 3 tril- Tsalikov says they have also updated the volume of spending on the Russian lion is an acute need for Russia, as its the military doctrine and nuclear strategy, army will vary between 2.5 and 3% of the reduction will lead to the decline of state defence order and may result in serious financial problems for the companies operating in this market. Avangard According to Luzin, at present, up to missile 50% of Russian military costs are used for system maintaining of the existing military forces (compared to 70% in the case of the U.S. army) and, it is expected this figure will continue to grow in years to come. But despite repeated calls for reduction, Russia isn’t tightening its belt too much; the reform plans include a significant salary increase to the officer corps. Eugene Gerden is an international writer specializing in global military and defence industries.

24 I FrontLine Magazine I Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online I NANO-SATELLITES I by Arie Egozi

the company, a constellation may include 4-100 satellites and the revisit time can be “minutes” depending on target latitude and the constellation size. Nano Satellites The Ofek series satellites now in orbit visit “areas of interest” in big intervals. With the help of nano satellites, Israel will be in a better position to keep watch for hostile Although there are a number of them, to missile launch preparations. Israeli Intelligence has reported “hard evidence” that Iran is reduce the revisit time, their optical or radar payloads still cannot maintain a per- galloping towards military nuclear capability and, in parallel, is developing cruise sistent watch over the areas of interest, missiles to add to its existing arsenal of long-range ballistic missiles. and when it comes to the ballistic mis- Cruise missiles were used in recent siles threat, this is a major problem. attacks by Houthi rebels (Iran’s proxy in Israeli sources say it takes 30 minutes the Gulf region) against Saudi targets. to prepare a missile sealed in a silo for Israeli intelligence points to the use of at launch. When the enemy is aware of the least seven cruise missiles, designated intermittent “visiting” time of a spy satel- Qudas 1, that were powered by jet lite over their territory, they can easily engines built in Iran based on a Czech time the launch preparations to avoid engine, and 8 loitering weapon systems satellite detection of the pre-launch. The that were developed in Iran based on tech- launch burn itself is easily detectable by nology acquired in other countries. space based infra-red sensors, but the Intelligence experts say the systems, will operate in parallel to the full-size spy secrecy of the pre-launch sequencing is launched either from Southeast Iran or by satellites of the Ofek series. critical to success. Iranian allies in Iraq, are very accurate. All Israeli spy satellites have been Needing to complement the capabili- Examination of the cruise missile manufactured by Israel aerospace indus- ties of the Ofek system, Israel is about to debris enabled analysts to identify the tries (IAI). This capability has been launch a relatively high number of nano missiles as the “Sumar” or “Hoveyze” ver- achieved by massive investment in the satellites that will be manufactured by sions of Russian-made missiles. In 2001, company's space division. Rafael. They will be small and cheap, and Iran purchased at least 12 Russian-made Critics say the defense ministry chose operating these swarms will close the gap KH-55 cruise missiles from Ukraine. to overlook Iran’s massive investments left by the full size spy satellites. According to updated intelligence, Iran and has asked for a proposal from Rafael, Whether the satellites will be launched has approved finances to upgrade its existing another state-owned company that so far from Israel is a question still in debate. The arsenal of cruise missiles and develop new has manufactured only small space sub- Israel Shavit satellite launcher is, according ones, understanding that while protection systems. Rafael was selected to develop to the foreign press, based on the Isabel against ballistic missiles has reached a high and build the Nano satellites dubbed Jericho long range ballistic missile. This level of maturity, the protection against LiteSat. The ministry declined any com- launcher is used to put the Ofek satellites cruise missiles is still lacking capabilities. ment on the issue. in orbit but carries a very high price tag. Israel has a number of spy satellites in According to Rafael, the LiteSat system Therefore, as Israeli sources tell FrontLine, space. The last one, Ofek 16 was launched consists of a high-revisit constellation of commercial launchers operated by foreign earlier this year, but the revisit time of high-resolution, low-cost microsatellites companies will probably be used. these satellites is not short enough to and a state-of-the-art modular ground The option to launch Nano satellites detect the preparations for a ballistic mis- facility that can be easily integrated with from a fighter aircraft is still on “some” sile from Iran. Further complicating the existing assets. tables, but critics say that such a program problem is the fact that Iran only recently A Rafael source tells FrontLine that was scrapped by the U.S. and is not viable. proved the capability to launch ballistic LiteSat’s unique small size and low weight An very senior Israeli source who missiles from underground shelters. (100 kgs) are enabled by the compact spoke with FrontLine on condition of The Israeli ministry of defense has design of its camera. This creates less anonymity said that the planned swarms ordered a large number of Nano and Micro drag, which in turn allows a lower orbit, of Nano satellites will be very efficient if satellites that will be launched into space and enables higher-resolution images. they are equipped with SAR radar systems to form “Swarms”. LiteSat is equipped with advanced image “such a swarm actually form a huge The combined capability of such a processing algorithms and Geospatial big antenna in space. A swarm is also very swarm will, according to insiders, enhance data analytics for intelligence extraction. effective if the satellites are equipped with Israel’s capability to get almost a real time The efficient electric propulsion allows a SIGINT sensors. In the optical case, a image intelligence of preparations for the long mission life at a low altitude, even swarm is less effective.” launch of a ballistic missile. The plan is to during sun-max, and its compact footprint Israel is in the process of launching a use the micro and nano satellites to allows for a cost-effective single launch of great number of nano satellites with differ- achieve continuous coverage of “special multiple satellites. ent payloads. interest” areas by a high rate of revisits. The LiteSat satellite will orbit earth in Arie Egozi is a defence writer based in Israel. These small and relatively cheap satellites altitudes of 400-800 km and, according to

Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online I 25 I CAPABILITIES I by Robbin Laird

But figuring out the best ways to leverage remotes in combat operations is clearly a work in progress, and lessons learned with initially deployed systems will provide a Manned-Unmanned path to shaping a way ahead. The chal- lenge is not just to build and use remotes, but how to communicate and use the data they gather for proper combat effect. Indeed, one way to look at the impact of TEAMING remotes is upon the challenges they pose to the networks through which such systems would be managed. In this article, I will draw upon two The Case of the U.S. Navy different systems that highlight both the potential and the challenges for shaping a way ahead for manned-unmanned team- With the shift from land wars to conflicts international order at sea. Both attempt to ing or collaboration. The first is with in contested air and sea spaces, new unfairly control access to rich sea-based regard to Triton and the second is related concepts of operations and systems are resources outside their home waters. Both to counter-mine operations at sea. developing. The terms anti-access and area intimidate their neighbors and enforce denial have been coined to describe how unlawful claims with the threat of force. The Case of Triton certain competitors (notably Russia and Both have constructed sophisticated net- China), are shaping their capabilities in an works of sensors and long-range missiles There is an expectation that unmanned or attempt to ensure combat dominance in to hold important waterways at risk. And remote systems are part of how the U.S. times of direct conflict, but also to under- China, in particular, is building a Navy to and the allies will shape effective forces write other forms of combat operations, rival our own.” going forward. At the heart of that effort such as “gray zone” operations or hybrid- A number of new platforms and capa- will be an expanded leveraging of these war concepts of operations. bilities have already been introduced by systems, and shaping ways for manned The core military challenge for liberal the United States and core allies and part- and unmanned systems to collaborate. democracies is to operate decisively in a ners to reshape approaches and training A key area in which the U.S. Navy is contested combat environment to protect for new concepts of operations to deal already doing this, is anti-submarine and their interests – and not allow the 21st with the new challenges. New maritime anti-surface warfare. Here, the key element century authoritarian powers to rewrite patrol capabilities, surface and sub-surface has been the introduction of the Triton the rules of the game. platforms, missile defense and strike mis- unmanned system working with the As Admiral Gilday, the Chief of Naval sile systems, and new combat aircraft are manned, fixed-wing P-8 maritime patrol Operations, recently put it in testimony all coming into the forces. Along with aircraft (MPA) and the Romeo helicopter. before the U.S. Senate: “Despite benefiting those new capabilities, new multi-domain This year, I have visited Norfolk, from decades of peace and stability, China training approaches are being introduced Jacksonville, Florida, San Diego, and Fallon and Russia are now using all elements of as well. Naval Air Station, the home of the Naval their national power to undermine the Aviation Warfighting Center or NAWDC. During those visits I had significant oppor- tunities to talk with senior Naval officers,

Northrop Grumman Triton UAS provides real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) over vast ocean and coastal regions.

26 I FrontLine Magazine I Issue 1, 2020 I frontline.online awareness that the Navy would attain no Boeing P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft conducts anti-submarine, other way. With 24/7 coverage of the area, anti-surface missions using acoustic sensors and radar. and in continuous orbit at 3000km, the Triton can provide domain awareness knowledge crucial to informing the threat and opportunity calculus for the area of operations. The Triton/P-8 dyad then, poses a sig- nificant challenge to reworking the C2/ISR enabled force. Without enhancing the data management network side of the chal- lenge, the ability to leverage the data gen- erated by Triton will not be maximized. The data backbone for Triton is not yet completely there. But by deploying operators of both P-8s and Tritons, as well The vast amounts of data provided by Triton, the Navy and the Air Force are as the other key assets in maritime war- Triton is requiring the Navy and the joint moving forward with new ways for data fare that are most central to shaping a way force to rework how to handle data flows management and to flow ISR more effec- ahead with the ISR/C2 enabled air combat from the unmanned asset to gain combat tively into decision making systems. But force. This effort included visiting the USS advantages. Put another way, traditional again, this is being driven by operational Gerard R. Ford in October and November methods of handling data are not ade- experience of the Triton and other new air 2020, where the new carrier will be incor- quate to properly manage such massive systems, and adaptation is based on real porating data from the maritime patrol amounts of information). In fact, learning world experience, not an abstract science community, including Triton, to shape its how to manage data from Triton has been project. way ahead in conducting 21st century ISR- a key driver for change in how to redesign There is clearly a cultural learning enabled combat. the ISR to C2 empowerment systems, process as well. The MPA community has The U.S. Navy’s approach to working which the U.S. Navy seeks to execute operated throughout its history based on a maritime patrol functions relies on the new distributed maritime operations. concept of operations driven by air plat- manned aircraft, the P-8 MPA; the Romeo The unmanned asset operates differ- form sortie operations. The Triton is based variant of the Sea Hawk helicopter; and ently from the P-8 or the Romeo in a way on a multi-aircraft orbit concept of opera- the unmanned Triton. With these three that is also leading to adjustments. For tions which yields a very different data systems, the Navy is working through instance, both the P-8 and Romeo sortie stream than one gets from an air sortied how to handle the data necessary to make into an operational area, operate for a aircraft – somewhere between what space timely decisions to execute the anti-sub- period of time and land (either on land in systems deliver and what the sortied air marine and anti-surface warfare missions. the case of the P-8 or on a ship in the case collection platforms can deliver. Earlier this year, Captain Matthew of the Romeo helicopter). The concept of And given that the Triton is engaged Pottenburgh, the Commodore in charge of operations for the Triton, however, is very in tasking, collecting, processing, exploita- Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven, different. Triton provides the U.S. Navy tion and dissemination of information in highlighted during an interview with me with a whole new level of situational real time, learning how to do this for the in Jacksonville how these manned assets are working with the Triton. July 2019 – Aviation Ordnance The USAF remote piloted operating technicians conduct loading community is isolated from the manned operations as part of pilots, whereas the P-8 and Triton opera- Conventional Weapons tional community is unique in the U.S. Refresher Training. military in that personnel rotate between the two platforms. This has led to the for- mation of a new generation of operators who cross-train for both manned and unmanned IRS platforms. What is being shaped are coordinated operations between the two, where the Triton can sweep the field of operations to identify targets and allow the P-8s to focus directly on those targets – where they need to go, and what they need to do. While the P-8 can operate with auton- omy and networkability, the Triton is a

network-generating, network-enabling asset.        

Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online I 27 MH60-R (Romeo) Sea Hawk helicopters assigned to the ‘Swamp Foxes’ of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74 are part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet areas of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.          fleet is a crucial challenge facing the future An Approach to Meeting this demand with COTS of a kill web enabled force. Counter-Mine Warfare hardware and software—and not wager- As Triton gains multi-INT or multi- ing on emerging technologies that will intelligence capabilities, it will become a An alternative approach to leveraging mar- take years to develop, mature and field— more effective platform to contribute to itime remotes is to work with them should be a priority for Navy and Marine the collaborative effort where multiple within the realm of the operational space Corps planners. Rear Admiral Casey sensors can be cross-referenced to provide of a ship, and then to deliver information Moton, Program Executive Officer, greater fidelity on targeting, and notably from the ship to the relevant members of Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO when it comes to smaller vessels of inter- the operational fleet. USC), has stated that one of the functions est as well. During a visit to San Diego earlier this of his office is to ensure that unmanned What the Triton experience has year, I had a chance to look at a demon- systems the Navy seeks to buy have the demonstrated, without a doubt, are the stration of how this might work with a right level of technical maturity, especially challenges that unmanned or remote sys- new counter-mine system featured at in the most basic hull, mechanical and tems pose to the C2 and ISR networks. By Trident Warrior 2020 which was held in electrical (HME) attributes. navigating effective ways ahead with San Diego from 13-16 July 2020. There is a This strongly suggests that the Navy regard to network and C2 innovations, the compelling need creatively to apply new, would be well-served to move forward by role of remotes will be reduced and their innovative technologies to address the focusing on COTS technologies that have contributions more limited than might operational and tactical challenges posed been wrung out in Navy and Marine otherwise be the case. by mines, as well as the need to expand Corps exercises, experiments and demon- Again, the Chief of Naval Operations the use of unmanned systems to tackle strations. This will ensure that these sys- has highlighted how to look at the chal- Mine Countermeasure Mission (MCM) tems have the requisite HME attributes lenge. Referring to maritime remotes, he challenges. and maturity to succeed. had this to say: “Those vessels are useless unless we can command and control them with a very high degree of precision and reliability. And so that’s where we start talking about the Navy’s Project Overmatch, that falls underneath, or nests underneath JADC-2. And so there are four big pieces to that. It’s the networks. It’s the infrastructure. It’s the data standards. “And then finally, it’s the capabilities, whether they’re battle management aids or whether they’re artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities that we apply to that data that allow us to decide and act faster than the bad guy, and then deliver ordnance faster out of these unmanned platforms.”

Oct 2020 – L.t. Eric Stewart, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 51, embarked aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh, pilots

an MH-60R “Romeo” Sea Hawk.         

28 I FrontLine Magazine I Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online What I saw in San Diego were all the desired. I was able to see what these sen- component parts of what several industry sors found during their several-week oper- representatives, led by Teledyne Brown ation from the Idrobotica Pilota Watch- Engineering Inc, brought together to Stander Station. demonstrate an autonomous MCM solu- I was struck by the fact that this watch tion that takes the Sailor out of the mine- station is manned by a single individual. field. It is important to emphasize that This system and its software architec- every component part of this solution has ture accommodate integration of variable been in the water and tested in the opera- depth sonar or hull mounted sonar, AUV tional environment. and ROV functions, auto-pilot control and I witnessed what each individual com- propelled variable depth sonar. I noted ponent could do, and received a briefing that the fidelity of the images displayed on on how Teledyne Brown has an integrated this watch station left little doubt as to the solution—dubbed “Clear-Sea”—to pull all identity of what was observed. these components together and achieve a While each component in this system single-sortie detect-to-engage MCM capa- Triton was impressive in its own right, that is not bility. The “mother ship” for all the com- enough—not by a long shot. These indi- ponents of this Clear-Sea MCM capability vidual components must be fully inte- demonstrated in San Diego was the T38E I learned that this system can survey grated in order to deliver the subsystems (38-foot extended) MANTAS high-speed up to three and a half kilometers per hour as a cohesive turn-key unmanned MCM catamaran. Earlier versions of the MAN- at a resolution sufficient for MLO classifi- solution that is easy to operate and easy to TAS have been proven in numerous Navy cation, and is programmable for bottom maintain. Teledyne Brown Engineering and Marine Corps exercises, experiments following, terrain referencing, obstacle has a deliberate plan to do just this and is and demonstrations. avoidance, and “flies” at a pre-pro- prepared to demonstrate incrementally I rode on the MANTAS and noted grammed depth. Automatic Target more integrated versions of what I how the catamaran hull allows the boat to Recognition identifies likely MLO anom- observed in San Diego. slice through choppy waters and provide a alies, which are then presented in near- Importantly, from my point of view, smooth ride that mono-hulls cannot. I also real-time to the man–in-the-loop for veri- among all the MCM solutions I have noted how the size of the vessel can easily fication as an MLO. Verified MLOs are examined in my years following (and writ- accommodate the mine-hunting and mine added as a waypoint for validation, while ing about) this mission area, this one neutralizing systems that complete the invalid MLOs are discarded or passed to stands out as a very capable single-sortie system. the navigation database as a hazard to detect-to-engage MCM capability solu- The planned production T38 is similar navigation. Verified MLOs are continu- tion. in size to an eleven-meter RHIB carried by ously updated to a recommended route With regard to manned-unmanned many U.S. Navy ships and thus can be eas- for the Mine Neutralization System collaboration, this kind of solution allows ily integrated aboard most U.S. Navy war- (MNS) Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). for the data that is collected onboard the ships. In comparison to an eleven-meter The next component I saw was the vessel, gets interpreted for the anomalies RHIB, the T38 is two feet longer, five Idrobotica Pluto Plus MNS ROV which back to the professionals onboard the inches wider, drafts 17 inches shallower at executes the “dull, dirty and dangerous” fleet. This means that one does not need a max displacement, and includes a cross- work previously conducted by classes of wide area network to deliver the desired section height over eight feet lower, mak- U.S. Navy ships by providing real-time mission effect, but one tied back to the ing it extraordinarily hard to detect. The HD video validation of mine-like objects. operating ship, which can then use a vari- T38 can operate in up to sea state five, has It too will be carried by the T38. I was ety of communication tools to provide a cruise speed equal to, and a maximum briefed on how this MNS ROV data with regard to the mine threat and speed twice that of an eleven-meter RHIB. autonomously executes the MLO route the results from the counter-mine opera- The first component that I saw – and for final classification and man-on-the- tions. that will be carried by the T38 – is the loop validation of each MLO while the In other words, Triton highlights the ThayerMahan Sea Scout subsea imaging T38 shadows and supports it as an over- broader opportunities which remotes can system. The Sea Scout is specifically the-horizon communications link and deliver to the wide area network; and designed for missions such as mine hunt- countermine charge supply link. Once the counter-mine case highlights how net- ing. The Sea Scout system is founded on operator identifies a validated MLO as a works can be focused on a core mission the in-production COTS system Kraken likely mine that must be destroyed, an without the need to rely on a broader net- Robotics Katfish-180 tow-body mounted explosive charge is placed on the mine. work. Progress on both sides will be key Synthetic Aperture Sonar. The system is The MNS ROV then clears the area. to sorting through the opportunities designed to search for mine-like objects The classification, validation and engage- which unmanned or remote systems can (MLOs), and is integrated by ment processes are then repeated until the provide the operating forces. ThayerMahan’s remote operations and field is cleared. The countermine charge communications system. detonation sequencing may be altered to Robbin Laird is an international defense detonate in any order and at any time analyst and journalist based in the USA.

Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online I 29 I MENTAL HEALTH I by Susan M Boyce

popcorn and a movie night in the lower- level rec room that fits the bill. And some- times, holding hands while listening to the music of the gentle bubbler fountain in Honour House’s Peace Garden provides a Honour House respite like no other. And the most amazing aspect of Honour House? Thanks to the generosity Celebrates its First Decade of donors from all walks of life (the sole source of funding), this home away from Ten years and more than 10,000 nights of accommodation to support home is completely free of charge for the heroes who stay there. the men and women in uniform who defend our values and way of life. One reason – sometimes even heroes need a helping hand. Transforming Horror Honour House’s 10-year history is an epic tale of unwavering commitment, tenacity, and sheer grit that began with a shocking tragedy. In March 2006, the story of a savage attack on Captain Trevor Greene, a Canadian infantry officer serving in Afghanistan, horrified the nation. In the remote village of Shinkay, the 41-year-old captain and his platoon were preparing to meeting with village elders to discuss how Canada could help rebuild critical infra- structure in their war-torn province. Observing the custom of respect, The social heart of Honour House is a weapons and head gear were laid aside. sunny, country-style kitchen that invisibly The Pashtunwali code holds these meet- meets the needs of people with a level-3 ings as sacred and safe for all – be they friend or foe. Until it wasn’t. HonourHonour HouseHouse disability. This a place where families can cook together – just like they did before When a 16-year-old Taliban insurgent disaster interrupted their lives. swung his home-made axe into Captain In the adjacent open dining room, har- Greene’s unprotected skull, no one ocatedt d on a quiet,i t t tree-linedli d streett t i in vest tables encourage conversation and believed the officer could survive. Against New Westminster, BC, Honour House LL many lifetime friendships have already all odds, he did – although it would be a is a visionary concept that’s unique in been born here as guests share intimate year before the first faint glimmer of light Canada. When military personnel, veter- tales of tragedy and triumph. shone through the darkness that had ans, and first responders (or their family Sometimes guests just need a private descended on his world. member) need medical treatment in Metro space to curl up with a book and a latté Two years later, Al De Genova, a former Vancouver, this lovingly-restored, heritage as they forget the world. Sometimes it’s Vancouver Park Board Commissioner, and manor becomes their home away from home as they battle often life-threatening illness or injury. In the midst of personal trauma, Honour House is a safe haven, a tranquil oasis for the people who risk their lives daily, yet seldom acknowledge their own pain or ask for assistance when the stress becomes unbearable. Firmly rooted in the philosophy that human beings are more able to heal and flourish when they’re part of a supportive group, every decision at Honour House is driven by the goal of creating an environ- ment where people can connect, share, and feel like they’ve become part of a new, extended family.

30 I FrontLine Magazine I Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online his wife watched in disbelief as the Gemini near transit, shopping, and parks – there so by the knowledge it was the courage Award-winning documentary Peace Warrior was no question that this was “the one.” and determination of himself and his wife followed Capt Greene’s miraculous recovery. Renovations took many months, but an Debbie, facing what many believed were But it was the story of the Greene family’s unstoppable tsunami of help arrived daily. insurmountable odds, that were the inspi- ongoing struggle to find, and pay for, The Vancouver Regional Construction ration that transformed Honour House accommodations during his long recovery Association (VRCA) rallied its members from a dream into reality. that triggered a personal call to action. who donated materials and countless “If you live in a remote community and hours of skilled labour. Military personal Honour Ranch you’re not blessed to have family or friends in combat fatigues and uniformed first with a spare bedroom, your only option responders soon became a common sight Almost a decade later, in October 2019, a for accommodations is a hotel room,” installing toilets, applying drywall, or dig- new chapter in Honour House’s outreach De Genova explains. “When you’re talking ging irrigation trenches – whatever needed was officially unveiled 10 kilometres south weeks or months, the expense of even a doing, they gave it their all. More than a of Ashcroft, British Columbia. Honour modestly priced hotel rapidly becomes few times, a volunteer simply showed up Ranch, located on 120 acres of rolling hills staggering. After everything these brave unannounced, asked how they could help that overlook the South Thompson River, men and women have given, they should for a couple of hours, and got on with the is poised to become a place of education not have to worry about where they will task at hand. and personal growth. Here military per- stay or how to pay for it. They should be Finally, On November 10th, 2010, sonnel, veterans, and first responders will honoured, not face potential financial ruin.” Trevor Greene cut the ceremonial ribbon have opportunities to discover cutting- The Honour House vision had been born. and declared Honour House open. The edge strategies in the treatment of PTSD moment was a poignant one, made more and other silent, mental injuries. The goal: Finding Home empower these heroes so they are better equipped to navigate the often debilitating With the broad strokes of a daring emotional and physical stresses of selfless plan already in mind, De Genova commitment to service and personal sacrifice. contacted Joel Camley, long-time friend and a senior partner at the Like Honour House, Honour Ranch international law firm of Gowling welcomes not only the men and women WLG. “Joel, your country needs who protect our Canadian freedoms, but you.” It was the first time De their families as well. Its creation is also a Genova spoke the words that story of many people coming together to would become the signature achieve a common goal. Local Ashcroft introduction to his dream of cre- residents, soldiers, first responders, the ating a home away from home for Honour House board of directors, contrac- those who serve and sacrifice day tors, business people – hundreds of willing after day, year after year. hands were raised instantly when the call Camley didn’t hesitate, and “your country needs you”went out once again. within days had drawn up the The property, a former adventure park legal documents to incorporate that had fallen into disrepair, was donated Honour House as a non-profit by Ian Porter, Director of Real Estate with society. Together he and his friend Vancouver-based Seacliff Properties. “When recruited a board of directors with he heard what we wanted to do, Ian just the skills, connections, and com- handed me the keys and told me to make mitment to be there for the long it happen,” De Genova says. haul. And they began the search Months of intense physical labour fol- for a residence that would become lowed, as volunteers and trades people Honour House. poured hours of sweat equity into restoring Twice De Genova found what the 10 dilapidated cabins and chalet-style he thought would be an ideal lodge. Waterlines were installed six feet property, and twice municipal below ground (twice the distance required zoning regulations slammed the to ensure they’re impervious to even the door shut. And then Wayne harshest winter freezes). One newlywed Wright, the mayor of New couple spent their honeymoon putting up Westminster, invited De Genova fences instead of basking on a tropical beach. to meet him at 509 St George “It’s only now that operational stress Street. Initially, New Westminster injuries like anxiety, depression, and PTSD had not been on De Genova’s are being talked about openly,” says Bob radar, but the moment he saw the Parkinson, Health and Wellness Director home’s elegant architecture, the of BC Paramedics and the Honour House expansive grounds, and its location

Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online I 31 From left: Robert Parkinson, Health and Wellness Director, Ambulance Paramedics of BC & Director, Honour House Society; Diane Sandy, Bonaparte First Nation (First Nations Blessing); The Honourable Judy Darcy, British Columbia’s first and Canada’s only Minister of Mental Health; Steven Rice, Area Director, Thompson-Nicola Regional District; Captain Trevor Greene, Seaforth Highlanders of Canada; and Honorary Colonel Al DeGenova, President, Honour House Society took part in the official launch ceremony for Honour Ranch in October 2019. board member who spearheaded the will be diverse – equine therapy, music, just over a year before Honour Ranch’s Honour Ranch initiative. meditative practices and movements. But dedication ceremony, Master Corporal Joe “Until recently, the prevailing attitude all must meet one fundamental criteria: Allina of Vancouver’s Seaforth Highlanders was to just ‘suck it up’ and carry on. any organization that presents a workshop had taken his life after a lengthy battle Finally people are beginning to accept the or retreat at Honour Ranch must have with PTSD. validity of these mental injuries, and our an established infrastructure in place so “Honour Ranch is the realization of a members are beginning to get the treat- when participants return home, they have vision to create a safe place where we can ment they need. But we’re still missing a access to a support network of profes- support people who give unconditionally critical component – education. That’s where sional practitioners. day after day, month after month, year Honour Ranch comes in. It won’t be a “You won’t be able to simply put on a after year.” De Genova pauses. “If Honour health care treatment facility or an institu- three-day course and send people back home Ranch had been up and running, I believe tion, but rather a safe haven where people where they’re once again isolated and alone Joe would still be alive today. Every day, who are suffering can learn from mental with no answer to the question: Now his memory motivates me to make this the health specialists and experts.” what?” Parkinson stresses. “This is a need perfect setting for changing lives.” The Ranch itself will not provide the that’s been ignored for far too long.” program content. Instead, it will create a His words ring agonizingly true for Susan M Boyce is a Vancouver-based writer. Visit www.honourhouse.ca platform for program delivery. Offerings one local family. In a cruel twist of fate,       

32 I FrontLine Magazine I Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online I COVID-19 I by Ken Pole

“Other activities were not undertaken to the level or degree initially planned, resulting in an overall savings of $207 mil- lion which was used instead to support Operation Laser Op LASER,” DND said. That meant that when preparing supplementary estimates for the government, the net incremental funding for Op Laser amounted to $255M. Not included yet was the one-week COVID-19 Update deployment in November of a CAF team to the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in The When the federal government begins distributing COVID-19 vaccines to provinces Pas, Manitoba, in response to a request for and territories in the new year – the timeline is dependent (among other things) on assistance with a COVID-19 outbreak at a when Health Canada will give regulatory approval – the Canadian Armed Forces is long-term care facility. The multi-purpose locked and loaded to once again confront the invisible and deadly enemy. “The military CAF medical assistance team provided has been involved from the beginning to make sure we provide the appropriate support,” immediate medical care and support for Defence Minister Sajjan told reporters on 26 November. “We’ve been planning all the the residents as well as assisting with way to making sure that [the vaccine roll-out] is a whole of government effort.” overall patient management. All personnel involved in the COVID-19 While the CAF continues to build on the first wave (January through July 2020), the response are eligible for a daily $78 bonus lessons learned from Operation Laser (its main focus was getting CAF doctors retroactive to when they began their duty. deployments during the first wave of the nurses and other personnel into long-term This reflects not only the potential hazard pandemic), Sajjan said that as more vac- care facilities (LTCFs) in Quebec and being faced but also the physical hardship of cines are approved, there will be “greater Ontario where most deaths were occur- spending up to 12 hours a day in full PPE. involvement” for the military as it works ring. A total of 448 personnel were sent Sometimes all the protective measures with the Public Health Agency of Canada into seven facilities in Ontario while sup- didn’t work. Fifty-five CAF personnel and Public Services Procurement Canada. port at 47 struggling facilities in Quebec tested positive for the potentially deadly “When it comes to the work of the peaked at 1,494. In addition, while PHAC coronavirus but fortunately, none required vaccines, the military can provide all the handled distribution of Protective Equip - hospitalization. This was in part due to necessary support required but […] the ment, the Canadian Rangers were getting what was described by Canadian Joint military can’t do this alone. This is about that done in the northern communities. Operations Commons (CJOC) as “appro- working with all the government depart- The Department of National Defence priate and decisive measures to mitigate ments; it’s going to be about working with told FrontLine that the overall incremental any risk to the health, safety and overall the provinces. Look at the systems we costs of these deployments, which clearly wellness” of the military personnel and already have in place because of our could not have been budgeted for, are the victims they were supporting. healthcare system – we’re able to deliver. expected to reach approximately $463M. “As with any deployment, the CAF One thing I can assure you is how collab- While Regular CAF salaries were not will capture lessons learned to improve its oratively everybody has been working included in the total, there were $19.1M in protocols for future operations,” CJOC early on so that we’re getting ready for the “incremental” costs. The bill for calling said. “The CAF epidemiology section will actual vaccine rollout.” up 9,711 Reservists to active duty between be reviewing all COVID-19 cases among Intergovernmental Affairs Minister 30 March and 31 August was $207. 8 M. CAF members to determine how they Dominic LeBlanc had said that Ottawa Other costs included sanitizing work- may have acquired their infection. This hopes to begin working with other juris- places, medical equipment and testing kits analysis will help inform future training dictions in January on distributing “the as well as pre-deployment training on PPE and operational protocols.” first millions” of vaccine doses in 2021. and other equipment. Other expenditures Ken Pole is a FrontLine Although Operation Laser also was a included quarantining and sequestering Contributing Editor. “whole of government” response to the personnel, and travel and accommodation.     

May 2020 – CAF members stand outside Grace Manor, a Brampton, Ontario, facility they had been supporting under Operation Laser.

Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online I 33 FRONTLINE DEFENCE & INDUSTRY NEWS

Who’s Where? After 28 years as After serving as At a Change a Combat Systems Commander of Command Lee Obst, Engineer in the Canadian Fleet ceremony in President of Royal Canadian Atlantic from September 2020, Rockwell Navy, Jerry Jan 2012 - Aug 2013, Daniel Rivière Collins Canada, McLean joined Darren Hawko assumed the has been taking Thales Canada in 2009, and moved to Ottawa to tackle the Command of CFB Borden on additional he has been leading Thales position of DG Cyber Warfare and Military Personnel responsibilities of late. He is Defence & Security for for almost 2 years. He then spent Generation Training Group at the new Chair of the AIAC almost 6 years. Jerry decided over 3 years as Chief of Force Military Personnel Command. Board of Directors. Lee has “the time is right” to retire, Development before heading to The outgoing also been tapped for the new although he admits he’ll be Belgium for a 2-year position as Commander, role of Country Lead Canada, open to some consulting Canada’s Military Representative Andrew for Customer & Account possibilities going forward. to NATO, retiring at the rank Atherton, was Management at Collins of Vice-Admiral. This summer, promoted to Aerospace, which, in April Having left his he joined Deloitte Canada Brigadier-General 2020 merged with Raytheon president’s role at as Executive Advisor. and moved to to become Raytheon Tech - MDA in August, Ottawa where he is serving nologies. Lee is helping to Chris Pogue was In April 2020, as the new Director General coordinate across all of enticed to step in Gilles Couturier, Professional Military Conduct. Raytheon Technologies (RTX) for Jerry McLean who retired from in Canada, which includes as VP and Managing Director the Royal Canadian After 3 years as Collins, PWC, and Raytheon of Thales Defence & Navy in 2018 at Chief Executive at Canada (8600 employees). Security Canada. the rank of Rear- the Transport ation Admiral, was brought on Appeal Tribunal In August, Brian Naval Engineer board to lead Federal Fleet of Canada, MacDonald, Rob Gray is in Services as its new CEO. Charles “Duff” former Senior Ottawa taking on Providing Replenishment at Sullivan has been snapped Policy Adviser to the responsibilities Sea service, Asterix enables up by Boeing Canada as MND Peter MacKay, of Project Manager the RCN to deploy anywhere Country Leader, Managing joined Samuel for the Canadian for operations and HADR, Director. Duff had retired Associates in August as Surfface Combatants that allowing sailors to maintain from the CAF at the rank of senior political strategist. are being built in Halifax by a core perishable skill. Major-General. Irving Shipbuilding Inc.

Swiss Armed Forces choose WESCAM F-35 Arrives in Israel by ARIE EGOZI 9 Dec 2020 – L3Harris Technologies received a contract award from The F-35 test aircraft arrived at the Israeli Air Force (IAF) Flight Testing Center Armasuisse, the Swiss federal office for defense procurement, for at Tel-Nof AFB in November 2020. Since being officially delivered to the IAF electro-optical/infra-red (EO/IR) sighting systems in support of the a year ago, different systems have been installed (some of them Israeli-devel- Swiss Armed Forces’ TASYS tactical reconnaissance system. oped). Other systems will be installed after now that the aircraft is in Israel. L3Harris will provide approximately 100 WESCAM MX-RSTA sys- Some Israeli-made systems have been tested in different scenarios, but can tems to be installed on Switzerland’s fleet of EAGLE 6x6 vehicles pro- now be performed fully. The contract is for a total of 50 of the F-35A variant, duced by General Dynamics European Land Systems. Deliveries are and 24 have been delivered so far. due to be complete by the end of 2024. The TASYS Program is part of The very advanced ELINT system is going to be further upgraded by the the Swiss armaments programme 2019. IAF with the help of some local defence industries. The IAF has prepared a list “The WESCAM MX-RSTA is a key element in the intelligence of weapon systems and “functional” systems that it intends to test. The spe- gathering solution for the TASYS platform, providing long-range state- cial test aircraft was manufactured according to specifications that took two of-the-art reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition capabili- years to prepare. The aim of the special aircraft is to adapt Israeli-developed ties,” said Murali Krishnan, President, Electro Optical at L3Harris. systems to the aircraft. “Our platforms have been upgraded to enable stretch- L3Harris was selected as the EO/IR system of choice for the ing the flight envelope while using the unique weapon systems made by the TASYS program in March 2020. WESCAM MX-Series land systems Israeli industries” an IAF officer from its flight test center said. The details of have also been selected by several U.S. and international vehicle com- the dedicated Israeli systems are classified. panies in support of the DoD and U.S. domestic programs. Because the F-35 is a 5th generation aircraft, all the planned upgrades L3Harris operates over 5,000 WESCAM MX systems in more than are "directly connected" to the special maintenance program of this aircraft. 80 countries. Operating across land, air and maritime domains, these intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems have been the Although some F-35 operators have agreed to perform the heavy maintenance at U.S controlled centers, the IAF has made it clear that all levels of the F-35 eyes of more than 200 different platforms since the early 1990s. n maintenance will be performed in Israel. n

34 I FrontLine Magazine I Issue 2, 2020 I frontline.online