Vanguard Magazine

16 APRIL/MAY 2019 www.vanguardcanada.com interview rection, release of a request for proposals (RFP) for the RPAS project is planned for fiscal year 2021-2022. The system would be intended to be used for surveillance and reconnaissance of Canada's maritime approaches and the Arctic, and will represent a significant im- provement to CAF capabilities. Overseas, the RPAS will be capable of detecting, rec- ognizing, identifying, tracking and engag- ing targets as necessary in complex envi- ronments and integrate with the systems required to process and fuse the collected information into actionable intelligence. RPAS operations over Canadian terri- tory could also include support to search and rescue operations, natural disasters, and special events (such as multinational summits like the G8, G20, and larger in- ternational events like the Olympics or World Cup). The RPAS project is finalizing the op- tions analysis project phase, which means the RCAF is looking at various options that could fulfill the requirements of the project. It is anticipated that further for- mal engagements with industry as part of the acquisition process will start in 2019. No decision has been made concerning the exact number of aircraft. The num- ber of RPAS required will be sufficient to meet three simultaneous lines of task- ing/operations combined domestic and overseas. The exact numbers will be af- fected by the procurement strategy, infra- structure, and capabilities of the specific platform(s) chosen. The SSE defence policy has indicated that the RPAS will be a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) system with a precision strike capability. However, the RPAS will not be armed for all missions and only when necessary for the assigned task(s). At all times, employment of pre- cision strike capability will adhere to the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), as well as any other applicable domestic or inter- national laws. Use of force will be applied following rules of engagement (ROE) ap- plicable to the CAF. Performance of the RPAS will be de- pendent on the system chosen. It is the goal of the RCAF project team to provide the Government of Canada with all avail- able options that meet the High Level Mandatory Requirements to make an in- formed decision in an open competitive environment while providing a solution that meets the requirements of the CAF, provides benefit to Canadian industry and value to taxpayers. Q SSE is a defence policy for Canada spanning two decades. Given the long- term nature of this plan, what are some of the challenges in getting the different projects to start on time? SSE has thus far proven to be a catalyst that has enabled tremendous progress to be made on a number of projects. Given that it spans two decades, it has also pro- vided us the roadmap to follow in terms of progressing procurement projects and their associated timelines or milestones. While it may seem that there are chal- lenges in getting projects progress on-time in the short term, I believe that, as the department mobilizes the procurement workforce to accept more throughput and improve defence procurement processes, these concerns will abate over time and that predictable and achievable schedules will be the norm. Q Of all the many different projects you are responsible for, what are some of the ones that you are most excited about and why? This is a difficult question because I am passionate about all the projects under my responsibility. They are all instrumen- tal in enabling the RCAF to provide the CAF with relevant, responsive and ef- fective air and space power to meet the defence challenges of today and in the future. However, if I were pressed to choose one, I would select the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) as it rep- resents a completely new capability for the RCAF and is representative of the evolution of air power stretching the lim- its of what we thought possible with in- novation and technology. Q Can you share some of the lessons you've learned in your current role that can be beneficial to those that will one day sit in your chair? Force development is a team activity and DAR is but one player on a very large team. Success for my team and I is de- pendent on the expertise and collabora- tion from a wide variety of people and organizations from across and beyond the Department of National Defence. As a result, effective communication is essential in maintaining a common purpose to our activities. I cherish the relationships I've made since becoming DAR and constantly express my appreci- ation to all those I interact with at DND, and in other government departments and industry, and which I depend upon on a regular basis. A CF-188 Hornet from the Canadian Air Task Force Lithuania flies over Lithuania on November 20, 2014 for the NATO Baltic Air Policing Block 36 during Operation REASSURANCE. Photo: Air Task Force — OP Reassurance, DND

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