Russian Tu-142 Maritime Patrol Aircraft Intercepted Near Alaska and Canada ADIZ

 

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked two Tupolev Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft operating within the Alaskan and Canadian Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ) on Wednesday, according to information reported by Defense News.

In response, NORAD launched a sizeable interception package to monitor and identify the aircraft. The allied response included two F-35 Lightning II fighters, two F-22 Raptor air-superiority aircraft, four KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft, and one E-3 Sentry airborne early warning aircraft. Canada also contributed two CF-18 Hornet fighters and one CC-150 Polaris tanker to the operation.

According to NORAD, the Russian aircraft remained in international airspace at all times and did not enter the sovereign airspace of either the United States or Canada. The command emphasized that such flights occur regularly and are not currently assessed as a direct threat.

“This Russian activity in the Alaskan and Canadian ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat,” NORAD stated.

The Tupolev Tu-142 is a long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft developed during the Soviet era and still operated today by the Russian Navy. The aircraft is designed for extended overwater missions, including submarine detection, maritime surveillance, and strategic patrol operations. 

An Air Defense Identification Zone extends beyond a country's sovereign airspace into international airspace. Within this zone, approaching aircraft are required to identify themselves so that air defense authorities can monitor and assess potential threats. The system allows for early warning and reaction without implying sovereignty over the airspace.

The latest intercept follows a similar event on February 19, when NORAD tracked a formation of five Russian military aircraft operating near Alaska’s ADIZ. That group included two Tupolev Tu-95 bombers, two Sukhoi Su-35 fighters, and one Beriev A-50 airborne early warning aircraft.

NORAD responded to that earlier flight with two F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters and two F-35 Lightning II aircraft, supported by an E-3 Sentry and four KC-135 Stratotanker tankers. As with the most recent incident, the Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and were not considered a threat.

Headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base, NORAD operates a layered defense system that includes satellites, ground-based radar, airborne sensors, and fighter aircraft. This integrated network allows the command to detect, track, and respond to aircraft approaching North American airspace.

While such intercepts are routine, they illustrate the continuous monitoring conducted over the Arctic and North Pacific—regions that remain strategically important for both NATO and Russia.

🇨🇦 Canada’s First PC-21 Takes Flight

Canada’s next-generation military pilot training system has reached a visible milestone: the first production Pilatus PC-21 for the Royal Canadian Air Force has completed its maiden flight.

The aircraft, designated CT-157 Siskin II, flew from Pilatus’ facilities in Stans, Switzerland, marking the transition from contract award to tangible delivery under Canada’s ambitious Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.

In 2023, the Government of Canada selected the FAcT program consortium — led by SkyAlyne — to replace the long-running NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) program.

At the core of the new advanced training phase is the Pilatus PC-21, a high-performance turboprop already in service with multiple air forces worldwide.

Canada is acquiring 19 PC-21 aircraft, which will be designated CT-157 Siskin II in RCAF service. The fleet will form the backbone of advanced pilot training at CFB Moose Jaw.

The FAcT program is designed as a comprehensive, long-term training solution — not just aircraft procurement, but an integrated system including simulators, courseware, and contractor support.

Deliveries to Canada are expected to begin in the second half of 2026.

The PC-21’s selection is closely tied to Canada’s broader force modernization, including the acquisition of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.

The PC-21 offers:

• Advanced glass cockpit architecture
• Embedded simulation capability
• Performance envelope sufficient to replicate many fast-jet mission profiles
• Cost efficiency compared to legacy jet trainers

This allows more training hours to be conducted on a turboprop platform before transitioning to frontline fighters.

Canada's Defense Ministry Announces Deployment of Griffon Helicopters to Latvia in NATO Reinforcement Initiative

Canada's Defense Minister Bill Blair announced plans to dispatch four Bell CH-146 Griffon multi-role helicopters to Latvia as part of a NATO deterrence mission during his visit to the Baltic country. The decision comes in the wake of discussions between Blair, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Wayne Eyre, and Latvian leaders, accompanied by a visit to Canadian troops stationed at Camp ?dazi, located near Riga, where Canada heads a NATO battle group.

As a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, NATO has strategic intentions to expand brigades along its eastern flank. Within this initiative, Canada had previously disclosed its intent to augment its troops in Latvia to approximately 2,200 by 2026, including the contribution of a squadron comprising 15 Leopard 2 tanks alongside associated personnel.

The tanks have already been delivered to Latvia, and an estimated 130 troops are anticipated to arrive next spring. Additionally, the arrival of the four Griffon helicopters is scheduled for next summer, signifying Canada's renewed tactical aviation presence in Europe since its involvement in missions in Kosovo and Bosnia during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Canada's Royal Canadian Air Force operates a fleet of 85 Griffons, in service since the 1990s. In a move to prolong their operational life until the 2030s, an $800-million upgrade contract was announced in 2022. The initial upgraded helicopter is slated for readiness next year, with all upgrades projected to conclude by 2028. Besides, Canada plans periodic deployments of Chinook helicopters to Latvia starting in the fall of 2025.

Furthermore, Canada has earmarked $15 million for infrastructural enhancements at Camp ?dazi, which currently accommodates around 1,700 troops, including 800 Canadians. The facilities at Camp ?dazi are visibly strained, necessitating improvements.

Canada's commitment involves deploying anti-armor weaponry and a short-range air defense system alongside its NATO contingent in Latvia in 2024, laying the groundwork for augmenting its presence to a complete brigade by 2026. Blair also announced plans for air defense radar and anti-drone systems to safeguard NATO troops in Latvia from the following year onward.

Canada leads NATO's Forward Enhanced Battle Group in Latvia, with 1,000 soldiers and an intended increase to 2,200 troops by 2026. Spain, contributing over 620 troops with armored fighting vehicles and tanks, partners with Canada in the NATO Battle Group. Notably, this represents the most extensive deployment of soldiers outside their respective home countries for both Canada and Spain.

Canada Acquires 16 P-8A Poseidon Aircraft for Royal Canadian Air Force

Canada has finalized a government-to-government agreement with the United States government for the acquisition of up to 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Fourteen multi-mission aircraft will be procured, with options for up to an additional two.

The P-8A will replace Canada’s current maritime patrol aircraft, the CP-140 Aurora, which has been in service for more than 40 years. As it ages, the CP-140 aircraft is becoming increasingly difficult to support, expensive to sustain, and less operationally relevant.

The P-8A is already operated by the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Germany has eight units on order.

The estimated investment for this project is $10.4 billion CAD; it includes up to $5.9 billion USD for the P-8A, associated equipment, training devices and sustainment set-up. The balance will cover additional investments in simulators, infrastructure and weapons.

With this acquisition of this platform Canada hopes to defend Canadian interests in maritime approaches and the Arctic.

The first P-8A should be delivered in 2026, and with an average of one aircraft delivered per month, all of the aircraft could be delivered as early as fall 2027. We anticipate full operational capability by 2033.

Boeing plans to integrate Canadian companies into the manufacturing, development, and maintenance processes, with an expected creation of 3,000 jobs, resulting in an annual impact of $358 on the Canadian GDP.

NEWS 2022 March, 29

First Mission for Spain's Ejercito del Aire A330

The flight will transport 85 Ukrainian orphans to Spain. The children, who will travel under the tutelage of their caregivers from the orphanage.

The aircraft used is the first of three A330 units acquired by Spain which are being converted to multi-role transport and supply aircraft at the Airbus facilities in Getafe. 

This is one more of the humanitarian flights organized by the Ministry of Defense since the war in Ukraine began.

defensa.gob

Canada to Buy 88 F-35 Fighter Jets From Lockheed Martin After Years of Delays

Canada announced plans Monday to buy 88 US-made F-35 stealth fighter jets to replace its aging flee of F-18s.

The new aircraft’s central role will be to patrol North American air space with the US Air Force under NORAD and it could also be tasked with helping to bolster NATO defenses in Europe, or other overseas missions.

Lockheed Martin beat out Saab’s Gripen, after Boeing’s Superhornet was excluded from the running, and an Airbus-led consortium and France’s Dassault Aviation withdrew their Typhoon and Rafale fighters from the competition.

Ottawa had earmarked 19 billion Canadian dollars ($15 billion) for the purchase six years ago. Negotiations with Lockheed Martin would now proceed to finalize the contract within the next seven months with delivery of the aircraft as early as 2025.

Canada spent two decades helping to develop the stealth fighter with the United States and its allies.

But when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau‘s Liberals swept to power in 2015 he scrapped three previous administrations’ plans to purchase the state-of-the-art F-35 to replace its aging F-18 fleet, calling it too expensive.

Prior to Monday, Canada was the only nation in the partnership not yet committed to buying the F-35s.

It follows Germany’s announcement mid-March to buy 35 F-35s as part of a multi-billion-euro push to modernize its armed forces in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Finland’s order of 64 stealth fighters in December after seeing a spike in incursions into its airspace by Russian jets in recent years.

Airbus said when it withdrew from the Canadian competition in 2019 that NORAD security requirements were too expensive, while sources told AFP that Dassault Aviation was unable to meet technical requirements tied to Canada’s membership in the Five Eyes intelligence sharing group of nations.

The Five Eyes group is comprised of Canada, the United States, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand.

Ottawa had planned to buy 18 new Boeing Super Hornets as a stopgap while it relaunched the procurement competition, but that deal fell apart over a trade dispute.

Canada bought 18 used Australian F-18 jets to fill an air force interim capability gap. These were similar to its own F-18s, which were first deployed in 1983.

thedefensepost

USAF wants to retire and scrap up to 33 F-22 Raptors

The Air Force plans to retire nearly three dozen of Tyndall Air Force Base’s F-22 fighter jets in fiscal 2023, ending tentative plans to move them to Virginia that have been on hold for more than three years.

The Raptors have been flying out of nearby Eglin AFB in Florida since a hurricane destroyed Tyndall in October 2018.

Officials want to divest 33 of the service’s oldest F-22s and use that money to instead research cutting-edge combat jet designs under the “Next-Generation Air Dominance” program. If Congress approves the idea, it would send all but three Block 20 Raptors to the “boneyard” at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, Arizona, and shrink the overall fleet from 186 to 153 fighters.

The Air Force’s remaining F-22s would be redistributed across the Raptor squadrons, which include units at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia; Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and Eglin.

Eglin has hosted flying operations for the 325th Fighter Wing since Hurricane Michael destroyed their previous home at Tyndall Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle. That includes the Air Force’s only F-22 training unit, the 43rd Fighter Squadron.

defensenews

USAF wants to retire 150 Aircraft but add up to 24 F-15E

The Air Force is looking to get rid of 150 aircraft, including 21 Warthogs, and add 24 F-15 fighter jets with an eye toward the Pacific region, according to its proposed $169.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2023 released Monday.

The Air Force request rolled out Monday as part of the Pentagon’s proposed $773 billion fiscal year 2023 budget.

The Air Force budget adds $2.7 billion over the previous year in procurement, with about $1.4 billion earmarked for 24 F-15 EX fighter jets. In 2022, the service added 12.

The Air Force also projects divesting 21 A-10 Thunderbolt II attack jets, known as Warthogs, in this proposed budget, which will be backfilled by F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets.

stripes

Canada receives its first new search and rescue CC-295 aircraft

The new fleet will be called Kingfisher. Within the First Nations of the Northwest, the kingfisher has long been recognized for its speed and agility, as well as its keen searching and hunting skills. 

Found all across Canada, the kingfisher well represents the abilities of our own search and rescue crews to accomplish their lifesaving role. Specifically designed to perform search and rescue missions across Canada, the aircraft is equipped with integrated sensors that will allow crews to locate persons or objects from more than 40 kilometers away, even in low-light conditions. 

Its communications systems will increase interoperability with other search and rescue assets, such as the CH-149 Cormorant. The fleet of 16 aircraft will be replacing the CC-115 Buffalo and CC-130H Hercules fleets in their search and rescue role at four locations across Canada, and represents a value of $2.4 billion. The aircraft received earlier this month will remain at 19 Wing Comox while the RCAF completes aircrew training, followed by operational testing. 

During the transition period and while the CC-295 Kingfisher is being operationalized, fixed-wing search and rescue services will continue through existing fleets, along with the CH-149 Cormorant and CH-146 Griffon helicopters. The delivery of this aircraft marks an exciting new chapter in Canada’s long and proud search and rescue history, and this project has created hundreds of new jobs for Canadians. 

The CC-295 contractor, Airbus Defence and Space, continues to make investments into the Canadian aerospace and defence industry through the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy. Strategic work packages directly related to the aircraft are providing Canadian companies the opportunity to participate in global supply chains and creating high-value jobs. canada

 

Canada's fighter jet tender competition takes off next month again

The politically charged competition to replace Canada's aging fleet of fighter jets will rocket forward at the end of May as the federal government releases a long-anticipated, full-fledged tender call.
There are four companies in the running: Saab of Sweden, Airbus Defence and Space out of Britain, and the American firms Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
Once the request for proposals is released, the manufacturers will have until the end of the year to submit bids.
It was the former Conservative government that kicked off the effort to replace the three-decade-old CF-18s in 2010, an attempt that was shot down in a dispute over the way the F-35 fighter was selected.
The program became mired in politics when the Liberals promised during the 2015 election campaign not to buy the stealth jet. A final decision will now have to wait until after this fall's election.
cbc.ca

Canada issues fighter draft RFP

The Canadian Government has released a draft request for proposals (RFP) for the competition to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Boeing F/A-18 (CF-18/CF-188) Hornet fighter jets. Draft RFPs were issued by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) to all five eligible suppliers on 26 October.
According to an official announcement from PSPC, the five suppliers will provide feedback on the draft in around eight weeks’ time, enabling PSPC to draft the final RFP. The Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) to replace the RCAF’s Hornet fleet was originally outlined in Ottawa’s 2017 defence policy document ‘Strong, Secure, Engaged’, where the government outlined a plan to procure 88 aircraft through a competition.
janes

Canada cleared to buy 3 King Air 350ER ISR aircraft

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Canada of three (3) King Air 350ER (extended range) aircraft with customer unique post-modifications for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations for an estimated cost of $300 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on October 3, 2018.
The Government of Canada has requested to buy three (3) King Air 350ER (extended range) aircraft with customer unique post-modifications for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations; three (3) WESCAM MX-15D Electro-Optical & Infrared Imaging Sensors; three (3) AN/AAR-47B(V)2 Missile and Laser Warning System (MWS); three (3) AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Systems (CMDS); three (3) VORTEX® Dual RF Ku LOS Transceivers; three (3) COMSEC Modules (KGV-135A); two (2) APM-424(V)5 Transponder Test Sets; five (5) KIV-77 Mode 4/5 crypto applique computers for IFF; three (3) AN/APX-119 IFF Digital Civil and Military Transponders; six (6) ARC-210 Multi-mode Voice and Data Transceivers; three (3) KG-250X NSA-Certified Type 1 Inline Network Encryptors (INE); technical data; mission equipment, communication and navigation equipment, special tools and test equipment, ground support equipment, airframe and engine spare parts, publications, MWO/ECPs, technical assistance, repair and return, training; and transportation of aircraft, and other related elements of logistics and program support. Total estimated program cost is $300 million.
dsca

Canada Armed Forces Retiring Sea King on December 1st

The Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Canada will say farewell to the workhorse of the air force, the CH-124 Sea King helicopter in late November/early December 2018.
This ship-borne maritime helicopter has been in operation serving Canada since 1963.
In honour of this historic finale, the Royal Canadian Air Force is inviting current and former military members, their families, and government dignitaries to join them in Victoria, BC, for a two-day retirement event.
The celebration starts with a Friday 30th November ‘Meet and Greet’ at CFB Esquimalt’s Wardroom; followed the next day by a Sea King Retirement Parade at 443 MH Squadron and Sea King Ceremonial Fly Past on the 443 MH Squadron Flightline in Pat Bay, and; ending on a high note with a ‘Formal Retirement Dinner’ on the Saturday evening in the 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron’s new hangar Arundel Castle.
skr18

Canada requests seven additional Australian Hornets

Canada has requested an additional seven surplus F/A-18 A/B Hornets from Australia.
In February, Ottawa requested seven examples for use in non-flying activities such as software testing, static training, and spares, says Australia’s Department of Defence.
The deal is subject to US export controls. If approved, it will bring to 25 the number of former RAAF Hornets sold to Ottawa. Should export approvals be received, negotiations would determine delivery timings.
In December 2017, Canberra confirmed that it will sell Ottawa 18 F/A-18 A/B Hornets for an undisclosed sum.
The first two “classic” Hornets will be delivered to Canada in 2019, at which point the Royal Australian Air Force’s transition to the Lockheed Martin F-35 will be well underway.
The Royal Canadian Air Force requires airframes to fill a capability gap during a pending process to obtain 88 new combat aircraft to replace its 85 Boeing CF-18 A/B fighters.
In February 2018, Ottawa announced that five bidders – Boeing, Dassault, Eurofighter, Lockheed Martin, and Saab – are eligible to replace the CF-18s.
Canada’s previous Harper government had selected the F-35 to replace the CF-18 fleet in 2009, but in 2015 the incoming Trudeau government cancelled this. Initially, the RCAF announced plans to buy 24 F/A-18E/Fs as an interim solution, then select a permanent CF-18 replacement in the early 2020s.
The Boeing deal fell through, however, amid Boeing’s (ultimately unsuccessful) trade complaint with the US Commerce Department against Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier over allegedly unfair pricing on a sale of CSeries aircraft to Delta Air Lines. The Canadian government reacted strongly against Boeing, cancelling the interim fighter deal.
The RAAF operates 55 single seat F/A-18As and 16 two-seat F/A-18Bs that were acquired in the 1980s. This fleet will be retired by 2022 in favour of the F-35A, of which Canberra has committed to 72 examples.
flightglobal

Canada Scraps Plan To Buy 18 New Brand Superhornets, Plans To Buy 2nd Hand Hornet from Australia

Canada is scrapping a plan to buy 18 Boeing Co (BA.N) Super Hornet fighter jets amid a deepening dispute with the U.S. aerospace company, three sources familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.
Instead, the Liberal government will announce next week it intends to acquire a used fleet of older Australia F-18 jets, the same kind of plane Canada currently operates, said the sources, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the situation.
The move underlines Ottawa’s anger at a decision by Boeing to launch a trade challenge against Canadian planemaker Bombardier Inc (BBDb.TO), which the U.S. giant accuses of dumping airliners on the American market.
It also casts into question the future of Boeing’s military sales in Canada. Boeing says its commercial and defense operations in Canada support more than 17,000 Canadian jobs.
Canada and Mexico are locked into increasingly acrimonious negotiations with the United States over the NAFTA trade pact, which President Donald Trump says has not done enough to protect U.S. jobs.
reuters

Canada expects fifth-generation fighter contract by 2021

The Royal Canadian Air Force expects to release a new request for proposals for its fifth-generation fighter competition by 2019 with a contract award by 2021, the RCAF’s commander says this week.
In June, Canada proposed 88 new fighters for the RCAF , an increase from the previous government’s plan to purchase 65 jets to replace the aging CF-18 fleet, but did not outline a timeline for the RFP.
Canada launched an open competition for the CF-18 replacement last summer following a campaign promise from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal party to step away from the controversial Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The government is considering all options, including the F-35, although a Boeing F/A-18 acquisition appears unlikely in the wake of the airframer's commercial dispute with Bombardier.
RCAF commander Lt Gen Michael Hood would not comment directly on whether Boeing’s Super Hornet is still under consideration in the competition. This autumn the government announced it had suspended direct engagement with Boeing.
“I would say my personal relationship is limited to the support of our ongoing Boeing products and those normal day-to-day discussions we would have with them,” Hood tells FlightGlobal at the annual Dubai International Air Chiefs Conference.
Meanwhile, Canada is considering options for an interim CF-18 replacement. The government had previously proposed buying 18 new Super Hornets, but the commercial dispute has pushed the government to change course and examine Canada’s used Boeing F/A-18A/B Hornets. Last month, Canada submitted a formal declaration known as an expression of interest to Australia. Canada operates a similar Hornet configuration and both the CF-18s and Australian F/A-18A/Bs began operating within a few years of each other. Canada also bought the intellectual property on the jet and already uses L-3 for F/A-18 sustainment, Hood adds.
flightglobal

Canada considered getting Hornets from Kuwait

Canada kicked the tires on the idea of buying used fighter jets from Kuwait to address a shortage of CF-18s, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan revealed Thursday, but found they wouldn't be ready in time.
The revelation comes amid a bitter and escalating dogfight between U.S. aerospace giant Boeing and Montreal-based Bombardier, which has the backing of Justin Trudeau's federal Liberal government.
The Liberals had planned to buy 18 Super Hornets from Boeing to fill what they claim is a critical shortage of fighter jets, but have since threatened to go elsewhere over the Bombardier dispute.
ctvnews

Canada cleared to buy 18 F/A-18E/Fs

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Canada of ten (10) F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft, with F414-GE-400 engines; eight (8) F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft, with F414-GE-400 engines; eight (8) F414-GE-400 engine spares; twenty (20) AN/APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars; twenty (20) M61A2 20MM gun systems; twenty-eight (28) AN/ALR-67(V)3 Electronic Warfare Countermeasures Receiving Sets; fifteen (15) AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods; twenty (20) Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems–Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS); thirty (30) Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS); twenty-eight (28) AN/ALQ-214 Integrated Countermeasures Systems; one hundred thirty (130) LAU-127E/A and or F/A Guided Missile Launchers; twenty-two (22) AN/AYK-29 Distributed Targeting System (DTS); twenty-two (22) AN/AYK-29 Distributed Targeting Processor (DTP); one hundred (100) AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II Tactical Missiles; thirty (30) AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); eight (8) AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II Special Air Training Missiles (NATM); twenty (20) AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II Tactical Guidance Units; sixteen (16) AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II CATM Guidance Units. Also included in this sale are AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles (NVG); AN/ALE-47 Electronic Warfare Countermeasures Systems; AN/ARC-210 Communication System; AN/APX-111 Combined Interrogator Transponder; AN/ALE-55 Towed Decoys; Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS); AN/PYQ-10C Simple Key Loader (SKL); Data Transfer Unit (DTU); Accurate Navigation (ANAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Navigation; KIV-78 Duel Channel Encryptor, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF); CADS/PADS; Instrument Landing System (ILS); Aircraft Armament Equipment (AAE); High Speed Video Network (HSVN) Digital Video Recorder (HDVR); Launchers (LAU-115D/A, LAU-116B/A, LAU-118A); flight test services; site survey; aircraft ferry; auxiliary fuel tanks; aircraft spares; containers; storage and preservation; transportation; aircrew and maintenance training; training aids and equipment, devices and spares and repair parts; weapon system support and test equipment; technical data Engineering Change Proposals; technical publications and documentation; software; avionics software support; software development/integration; system integration and testing; U.S. Government and contractor engineering technical and logistics support; Repair of Repairable (RoR); repair and return warranties; other technical assistance and support equipment; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total case value is $5.23 billion.
dsca

Canada Plans to Buy 18 Super Hornets, Start Fighter Competition in 2017

Canada will explore an interim buy of 18 Super Hornet fighter jets from Boeing, a blow to Lockheed Martin that kicks a final decision on whether to procure the F-35 further down the road.
"Canada will immediately explore the acquisition of 18 new Super Hornet aircraft to supplement the CF-18s until the permanent replacement arrives," the Canadian government announced in a release. "Canada's current fleet is now more than 30 years old and is down from 138 aircraft to 77. As a result, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) faces a capability gap."
Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said Canada will launch a larger fighter competition next year, after it wraps up its defense policy review. But the competition will likely take about five years, which kicks the decision into the next administration. Liberal Party Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had vowed not to buy the F-35 joint strike fighter.
"We have a capability gap. We have selected the minimum number of aircraft to meet this capability gap here. At the same time, we are launching a full competition and making sure that we take the appropriate time, without cutting corners to get the right airplane," said Sajjan.
"Boeing is honored to provide the Royal Canadian Air Force with the only multi-role fighter aircraft that can fulfill its immediate needs for sovereign and North American defense," the company stated in a news release. "The Super Hornet's advanced operational capabilities, low acquisition and sustainment costs, and Boeing's continued investment in the Canadian aerospace industry — US$6 billion over the past five years alone — make the Super Hornet the perfect complement to Canada's current and future fighter fleet."
Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin was less pleased with the decision, restating its hope that the Canadian government would ultimately purchase the fighter.
“Lockheed Martin recognizes the recent announcement by the Government of Canada of its intent to procure the 4th generation F/A-18 Super Hornet as an interim fighter capability,” the company said in a statement. “Although disappointed with this decision, we remain confident the F-35 is the best solution to meet Canada's operational requirements at the most affordable price, and the F-35 has proven in all competitions to be lower in cost than 4th generation competitors. The F-35 is combat ready and available today to meet Canada's needs for the next 40 years.”
Further down the road, Lockheed could strip Canadian industrial participation — which totals 110 Canadian firms with $750 million in contracts, according to Lockheed —should the country ultimately opt not to by the F-35. The company has not signaled whether it would be willing to do so.
defensenews

Canada To Deploy 4 CF-188 Hornets to Romania in March

Starting in March 2016, about 100 Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) personnel mainly from Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Bagotville, Quebec, and four CF-188 Hornet fighter aircraft will conduct bilateral training with the Romanian Air Force in Constanta, Romania, for about a month.
Exercise Resilient Resolve is being conducted to foster relations between the RCAF and the Romanian Air Force while exchanging best practices. While not part of Canadian Armed Forces Operation Reassurance, this exercise continues to build on the strong relationship between Canada and Romania.
The CF-188 aircraft will deploy from Kuwait, where they were based during their employment on Operation Impact. As part of the Operation Impact mission transition, the CF-188 Hornets, associated aircrew, and support personnel are departing Kuwait in a phased approach in the coming weeks.
rcaf-arc

Canada Finally Advances Search Plane Bid

After more than 10 years of delay, Canada is moving forward with its purchase of new search-and-rescue aircraft in a competition that could attract bids from European and US aerospace firms.
Lockheed Martin, Alenia and Airbus are expected to respond to the request for bids for the CAN 3.1 billion dollar (US $2.9 billion) program.
defensenews

Canada looks at Ex-US presidential helicopters for SAR Mission

Lost hikers or stranded fishermen could find themselves being rescued by helicopters once designed to transport U.S. presidents.
The Canada's Department of National Defence had been insistent that the presidential helicopters, purchased in 2011 for spare parts for Canada’s current search-and-rescue choppers, would never be used as actual aircraft.
But in an about-face, the military and DND now acknowledge they are looking at doing just that.
Defence sources say senior officers inside the Royal Canadian Air Force have successfully argued that since the $3-billion helicopters, known as the VH-71, were airworthy, it didn’t make sense to strip them down for parts. They are pushing for the aircraft to be added to the RCAF flight line.
When Barack Obama came to the presidency, he balked at the high cost of the VH-71 helicopter program, which had been started under former president George W. Bush. Around $3 billion had already been spent and the program was expected to more than double in price.
As a result, the U.S. government shut down the program.
The VH-71s are similar to the search-and-rescue Cormorant helicopters currently used by the RCAF.
The nine new helicopters, as well as more than 800,000 spare parts, were purchased by DND for about $164 million. Seven of the choppers are airworthy.
Defence sources say the RCAF is considering using the helicopters to bolster the search-and-rescue fleet in the coming years since it will have to remove some Cormorants from service as they go through what is known as a mid-life upgrade.
A fleet of 21 helicopters would allow for better coverage, particularly in the Arctic.
Canada embarked on the presidential helicopter deal with the aim of trying to cut down on the excessive amount of time the Cormorants spent on the ground because of a lack of parts.
calgaryherald

Canada Restarts Attempt to Buy Drones

Canada does not have a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAV. It uses its CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft to fulfill the ISR mission against Islamic State extremists in Iraq.
Since 2006, Canada's military has been trying to purchase a fleet of UAVs, but it has faced an uphill battle due to lack of funding.
Air Force officers announced in 2006 that JUSTAS would see the purchase of MALE UAVs, but little has happened on that project.
The Air Force made a pitch to the Canadian government in 2007 for the sole-source purchase of Predator UAVs, built by General Atomics, but that was rejected.
Instead, in 2009 the Canadian military signed a lease arrangement which provided the Heron, made by Israel Aerospace Industries, for operations in Afghanistan. That lease ran from 2009 to 2011.
When the JUSTAS project was active, both MDA and General Atomics indicated they intended to bid.
Northrop Grumman also made an unsolicited offer in 2012 to provide Canada with a fleet of Global Hawks, specifically for Arctic operations, but the Canadian government did not act on that proposal. The Air Force determined that the cost of the Global Hawks was too expensive for the Arctic capability.
defensenews