Vanguard Magazine

14 APRIL/MAY 2019 www.vanguardcanada.com communications radios and crypto- graphic equipment, cockpit voice and flight recorders, navigation systems, automatic flight control systems, and control display units), upgrading the cockpit display, upgrading engines, and integrating sensor systems. The project also includes upgrading the flight sim- ulation devices and training as a result of the modifications, and the provision of equipment and spare parts. This will ensure the Griffon fleet remains opera- tional until at least 2035. Q What are some of the significant projects in the pipeline for the RCAF that will be procured in the next two to three years? I anticipate that the next few years will be an exciting time for the RCAF. In the short term, we should see delivery of the CC295, the RCAF's next generation of Fixed Wing Search and Rescue aircraft, which will replace the CC115 Buf- falo and the CC130H Hercules across Canada. We should also continue to see enhanced capabilities on the CP140M interview Aurora as the Aircraft Incremental Mod- ernization Program delivers its last of four block improvements, making it one of the most capable anti-submarine warfare and long-range patrol aircraft in the world. Q The replacement of the CF-18 fleet is a top priority for National Defence. As we know, this project hit many snags and delays over the years. What are the next steps in this project and how soon can we expect to see the award of the contract to acquire Canada's new advanced fighter aircra? The project team continues to engage with the eligible suppliers with the intent to fi- nalize and release the RFP in late spring 2019. A contract award is anticipated in the 2021-2022 timeframe and the first re- placement aircraft delivery in 2025. Q What are some of the capabilities Canada is looking for in the new fighter aircra? In order to counter today's evolving threat environment and remain highly interoper- able with its allies and key operational part- ners, Canada will procure a fighter capability of 88 jets to replace the aging CF-18 fleet. Military threats across a range of systems such as advanced fighters and anti-access area denial surface-to-surface missile systems, in addition to evolving cyber threats, are mak- ing the environment within which the Cana- dian Armed Forces (CAF) operates more le- thal and complex. As such, the CAF requires a fighter fleet that is capable, upgradeable, resilient and interoperable with our allies and partners to ensure Canada continues to meet its NORAD and NATO commitments in the future. The fighter aircraft fleet is a critical CAF capability necessary to enforce Canada's sovereignty, enable continental se- curity, and contribute to international peace and stability. Q The Remotely Piloted Aircra System (RPAS) project is another major project in SSE. This project has gone through many delays as well. What is the current status of this project, and what sort of role do you see RPAS playing domestically and internationally? As outlined in the Strong, Secure, Engaged, remotely piloted systems have become inte- gral to modern military operations and will significantly change the set of capabilities the RCAF generates. Remotely Piloted Air- craft Systems (RPAS) have been deployed to great effect in numerous military operations, including by Canada. Remotely Piloted Air- craft (RPA) offer several advantages that manned aircraft cannot provide. The aim of the RPAS project is to pro- vide integrated persistent long-range, long- endurance, intelligence, surveillance, recon- naissance capability. It will operate as part of a system-of-systems network and will be capable of providing near-real time infor- mation to tactical, operational and strategic commanders to support both domestic and deployed operations and when required, provide a persistent precision strike capabil- ity to support Canadian Armed Forces op- erations. The RPAS project will complement existing capabilities within the CAF, such as the CP-140M and CF188, and is not a plat- form replacement. RPAS will be equipped with a variety of payloads and sensors to detect items of inter- est, in all-weather operations. Once the project reaches the definition phase, a request for proposals (RFP) will be issued, which solicits potential suppliers of products or services to bid on available contracts. Based on SSE defence policy di- The CMLU project will provide necessary upgrades that will extend the life of the CH-149 fleet to at least 2042. A Royal Canadian Air Force CH-149 Cormorant search and rescue helicopter flies for the first time over the city of Lima, Peru, during a flight to test the helicopter's functions. Photo: Capt Trevor Reid, 19 Wing Public Affairs

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