Vanguard Magazine

26 DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025 www.vanguardcanada.com G A M E C H A N G E R See the full interview online Q What is your role at your organization today? As President of Valcom Manufacturing Group, I oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring continued growth and success while fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork. Q What was your A-HA moment or epiphany that you think will resonate most with our readers? The fundamental principle remains the same: antennas convert electrical signals into radio waves and vice versa, enabling wireless communication. Despite this simplicity, antennas are indispensable. They serve as the physical link between devices and the electromagnetic spec- trum, enabling everything from secure military communications to global satel- lite networks. This realization reshaped how I see our work at Valcom. Even in today's era of artificial intelligence, satellite communi- cations, and digital encryption, none of these technologies would function with- out antennas. Q What is the one thing that has you most fired up today? What excites me most today is leading Valcom into a new era of growth, inno- vation, and expanded capabilities while staying true to the legacy that has de- fined our company for nearly seven de- cades. In 2025, Valcom will celebrate its 70th year in business—a milestone that speaks volumes about our long-stand- ing reputation, resilience, and the trust we've built with our customers, particu- larly in the defense and security industry where trust is paramount. Q How is your organization changing the game within your industry sector? Valcom has built a global reputation as a leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of military vehicular fibreglass whip antennas and free-standing fibre- glass AM broadcasting antenna towers. However, what truly sets us apart is our deep expertise in advanced naval anten- na systems and Over-the-Horizon Radar (OTHR) technology, which play a cru- cial role in modern defense communica- tion and surveillance systems. Our work in naval antennas has posi- tioned us as a critical supplier for some of the most advanced defense platforms in the world. We are proud to be speci- fied on the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) ships and the Polar Icebreakers— two flagship programs that highlight the trust placed in our products by Canada's defense sector. These vessels operate in some of the world's harshest environ- ments, from frigid Arctic waters to tur- bulent oceans, where communication reliability is not just important—it is mission-critical. Additionally, our expertise in Over- the-Horizon Radar (OTHR) technology exemplifies how we are redefining what's possible in long-range surveillance and early-warning systems. OTHR systems rely on highly specialized antennas capa- ble of detecting objects thousands of ki- lometres away by bouncing radar signals off the ionosphere. This allows for sur- veillance well beyond the line of sight, making OTHR an indispensable tool for national defense and maritime security. Q What are some of the biggest impediments to innovation in your industry sector? The defense and communications indus- try operates in a highly regulated envi- ronment where stringent government and military standards must be met. These regulatory requirements are es- sential for ensuring safety, security, and operational reliability but can also pres- ent significant challenges to innovation. Complying with detailed specifications, certification processes, and international defense standards often leads to longer development cycles and higher produc- tion costs. Additionally, the rapid pace of techno- logical change creates a constant need to stay ahead of emerging trends. As new technologies such as advanced radar sys- tems, 5G communications, and satellite- based networks evolve, companies must invest heavily in research and develop- ment (R&D) to remain competitive. This balancing act between meeting current regulatory demands and pursuing future- focused innovation requires both finan- cial resources and technical expertise. Another key impediment is the com- plexity of defense procurement pro- cesses. Securing contracts often involves navigating lengthy bidding cycles and demonstrating long-term reliability and performance. While this ensures that only the best technologies are deployed in mission-critical environments, it can slow down the adoption of cutting-edge innovations. Q What technologies, business models, and trends will drive the biggest changes in your industry over the next two years? The defense and communications indus- tries are undergoing rapid change driven by emerging technologies, evolving busi- ness models, and shifting global priori- ties. Advancements such as 5G, satellite communications (SATCOM), and Over- the-Horizon Radar (OTHR) systems are transforming how military, and defense operations are being conducted. At Val- com, we are looking at how to integrate these technologies into our antenna sys- tems to ensure superior performance in even the harshest environments. HOWARD TUFFNAIL PRESIDENT VALCOM MANUFACTURING GROUP

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