Vanguard Magazine

34 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 www.vanguardcanada.com Expanding capabilitiEs in training and operational support a focus for a true Canadian leader A trusted ally of the Canadian Armed Forces, CAE specializes in supporting Canada's military preparedness through high-quality training services and comprehensive in-service support. PersPective Sponsored Content For decades, the Canadian Armed Forces – like many militaries around the world -- has relied on global simulation and train- ing leader CAE for flight simulation and aircrew training. With deep roots in the defence industry—starting with company founder Ken Patrick, who was a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) officer in the Second World War— CAE has been sup- porting Canada's military preparedness through high-quality training solutions for decades. Not as well-known, however, is CAE's experience and expertise related to opera- tional systems and in-service support that also contributes to Canada's wide-ranging mission requirements, and the fact that CAE delivers in-service support capabili- ties across the army, navy and air force. "CAE is one of the shining stars of the Canadian defence industry," said France Hébert, vice-president and general man- ager of CAE Canada. "We were founded in Canada, we remain based in Canada, and half our more than 10,000 employ- ees are Canadians. While our roots are in training and simulation, in Canada we are much more of a true defence company and we plan to continue expanding our role in support of the Canadian Armed Forces." Training Pedigree While growth through in-service support is an important objective, Hébert affirmed that CAE will always stay true to its com- mitment to support Canada's training and readiness requirements. For example, CAE plays a key role in the training programs of almost all the RCAF's current fleet, including at the world-renowned NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) pilot training program. "As the prime contractor for the NATO Flying Training in Canada program, we help train aircrews for the RCAF and al- lied forces, supporting the delivery of over 24,000 flying hours of training annually," said Hébert. "We are very proud that since CAE acquired this program back in 2015, we have helped the RCAF achieve its high- est levels of pilot production over the past several years." CAE is intent on maintaining its privi- leged position helping the RCAF create its next-generation pilots, which is why CAE formed a joint venture in 2018 with KF Aerospace, called SkyAlyne, to create an unmatched partnership with the capabili- ties to design, deliver, and support the Fu- ture Aircrew Training (FAcT) program for the RCAF. "SkyAlyne brings together two Canadian leaders for military pilot and aircrew train- ing," said Hébert. "Both companies have delivered all phases of pilot training for the RCAF and we truly believe our proven ex- perience makes SkyAlyne the right choice for the Future Aircrew Training program -- the right choice for the RCAF and Can- ada overall." SkyAlyne being the right choice for Can- ada overall was further reinforced recently

• Cover