Vanguard Magazine

8 APRIL/MAY 2025 www.vanguardcanada.com E D I T O R' S N O T E May you live in interesting times. It's an old saying—more of a warning than a blessing—that reminds us how times of upheaval and conflict may be interesting, but they're rarely desirable. In fact, true fortune often lies in living through quieter, more stable eras. It certainly seems like interesting times are upon the Canadian Armed Forces. If this issue has a theme, it's that. Much of this edition of Vanguard is devoted to the many fascinating speakers and relevant conversations that took place at the recent ShipTech Forum 2025 and C4ISR and Beyond events in Ottawa, all focused on the question of how to move forward in a new, more turbulent geopolitical environ- ment. C4ISR and Beyond featured a panel discussion, during which senior Canadi- an Armed Forces leaders from across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Cyber Com- mand came together to discuss the urgent need for modernization and how their respective branches are evolving to meet emerging threats and technological de- mands. The session featured a candid ex- change on the challenges the leaders face, such as force structure, Arctic readiness, cyber warfare, integrated air and missile defense, and industry collaboration. The tone was pragmatic and forward-looking, highlighting a shared commitment to re- shaping the CAF into a modern, interop- erable force equipped for 21st-century operations. LGen Michael Wright emphasized the Army's structural overhaul and prioritized capital projects, while MGen Jeff Smyth spoke to the RCAF's modernization and the importance of integrated air and mis- sile defense, especially in the Arctic. MGen Dave Yarker discussed how Cyber Com- mand was deliberately built as a "mini- mum viable command" to allow for agile evolution, focusing on warfighting and decision-making advantage. Cmdre Jason Armstrong outlined naval modernization efforts and stressed the importance of equipping sailors to operate advanced sys- tems in denied environments. Across the board, the leaders called for deeper and more continuous collaboration with in- dustry, and improved talent development and retention efforts. During ShipTech Forum 2025, RAdm Steve McCarthy of the UK Royal Navy shared practical insights on moderniz- ing aging fleets amid rapid technological change—remarks I can confirm were wide- ly praised by attendees. He emphasized the shift from traditional fleet upgrades every few years to a model of Continuous Capability Sustainment (CCS), where new technologies are added incrementally dur- ing scheduled maintenance or even while ships remain operational. Finally, our Last Word column is a piece by Col (Ret'd) Pierre LeBlanc, who argues that we are fundamentally unprepared to defend our Arctic, despite rising global threats and increased access to the region due to melting sea ice. Drawing on de- cades of military and Arctic experience, he highlights gaps in infrastructure, obsolete equipment like the North Warning Sys- tem, slow procurement, and insufficient military presence. He warns that without urgent political will, modern infrastruc- ture, and a stronger military footprint, Canada risks failing both its allies and its own sovereignty in the North. I hope you enjoy these thoughtful dis- cussions as much as I do. And may 2025 help us focus on taking the necessary steps to meet the challenges of a more interest- ing world. Terri Pavelic, Editor-in-Chief EDITORIAL E D I TO R-I N-C H I E F | T E R R I PAV E L I C terri@promotivemedia.ca P U B L I S H E R A N D E X E C U T I V E E D I TO R | J. R I C H A R D J O N E S john@promotivemedia.ca CO N T R I B U T I N G E D I TO R | M I C H A E L MacM I L LA N CONTRIBUTORS Cmdre J A S O N A R M S T RO N G R I C H A R D G RAV E L N O R M A N J O L I N P I E R R E L E B LA N C RAdm S T E V E M CCA RT H Y Brig E DWA R D S A N D RY M Gen J E F F S M Y T H DAV I D S T. CY R LGen M I C H A E L W R I G H T M Gen DAV E YA R K E EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD LGen S T U A RT B E A R E (Ret'd) Col R I C H A R D F AWC E TT (Ret'd) Capt(N) N O R M A N J O L I N (Ret'd) Col P I E R R E L E B LA N C (Ret'd) CA R I N N A L I N S H A N N O N M CC L U R E SALES D I R E CTO R, CO N T E N T & B U S I N E S S D E V E LO P M E N T | DAV I D B LO N D E A U david@promotivemedia.ca ART & PRODUCTION A RT D I R E CTO R | E L E N A PA N KOVA elena@promotivemedia.ca S U B S C R I P T I O N S A N D A D D R E S S C H A N G E S C I RC U LAT I O N S E RV I C E S | circulation@promotivemedia.ca Publisher's Mail Agreement: 40052410 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to circulation dept. 21374, 2nd Concession Rd, East Gwillimbury, ON, L9N 0H7 Vanguard magazine is published 6 times per year by Promotive Communications Inc. All opinions expressed herein are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or any person or organization associated with the magazine. Letters, submissions, comments and suggested topics are welcome, and should be sent to terri@promotivemedia.ca REPRINT INFORMATION: Reproduction or photocopying is prohibited without the publisher's prior written consent. High quality reprints of articles and additional copies of the magazine are available through circulation@promotivemedia.ca PRIVACY POLICY: We do not sell our mailing list or share any confidential information on our subscribers. VANGUARD OFFICE 21374, 2nd Concession Rd, East Gwillimbury, ON, L9N 0H7 Phone: (905) 727-3875 THE FORUM FOR CANADA'S SECURITY AND DEFENCE COMMUNITY

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