Vanguard Magazine

tive and strong supply chain is central to its operational success. They collaborate with over 600 suppliers across Canada includ- ing Indigenous defence suppliers to deliver products and services to the Canadian mili- tary. This reflects a diverse network that enhances agility and resilience for Canada's defence. This extensive supplier base en- sures that GDLS-Canada can access the made-in-Canada materials and compo- nents necessary for the design and produc- tion of state-of-the-art military vehicles. Christa Hammond, Director of Sup- ply Chain Management at GDLS-Canada, stresses the importance of a strong supply chain. "We see the suppliers in our network as true partners – playing a key role in driv- ing innovation, supporting local industries, and strengthening Canada's national se- curity. Sourcing from Canadian suppliers means GDLS-Canada is reinvesting in local communities and helping them thrive. It also builds resilience. With the world fac- ing ongoing disruptions, having a strong and reliable domestic defence industrial base has never been more important." Made-in-Canada Advanced Manufacturing Manufacturing is a pillar of Canada's economy, and GDLS-Canada plays a vital role in this sector, particularly in advanced manufacturing. The company's head- quarters in London, Ontario, showcases cutting-edge engineering and production techniques that focus the evolving needs of customers. Heather Damaren is GDLS-Canada's Director of Manufacturing. She oversees manufacturing operations including weld and fabrication, assembly, quality assur- ance, manufacturing engineering, material control and facilities management. "The integration of advanced technolo- gies such as robotics, automation and data analytics within the manufacturing process not only improves productivity but also assures the quality of the vehicles being manufactured by our highly skilled team members," Damaren said. The Need for Sustaining Defence Industrial Capacity Sustaining Canada's defense industrial capacity and building an innovative in- dustrial base is paramount in today's rap- idly evolving global landscape. Andrew Service is GDLS-Canada's Business De- velopment Manager for Canada. "As threats become more sophisticated and diverse, there is an increasing need for Canada to ensure that its defence capa- bilities are robust and responsive," Service says. "We are working closely with our Ca- nadian Army counterparts to ideate solu- tions that align with the Army Command- er's four key priorities - artillery, rocket artillery, air defence and arctic mobility - to www.vanguardcanada.com APRIL/MAY 2025 17 Sponsored Content help position the Army for future conflicts and deployments." GDLS-Canada's LAV 6.0, ACSV and LVM platforms can rapidly meet the Cana- dian Army's current and emerging priority needs. "By adding these priority needs to com- mon platforms, we can accomplish many objectives," Service says. "We can reduce Canada's procurement risk, cost and time- line. We can support the military's strategy that emphasizes interoperability and inter- changeability with allied nations. We can leverage an existing logistics and spare parts network, utilize established, performance- based support contracting, and ensure that new capabilities share exceptional mobility and proven survivability solutions." Monahan concludes by saying, "At GDLS-Canada, we are steadfast in our commitment to supporting the Canadian Army by deeply understanding their mod- ernization priorities. By leveraging lessons learned from recent and ongoing conflicts and insights gained from the Canadian-led multinational brigade training in Latvia, we are dedicated to supporting the Army's vision of a modern, interoperable and rel- evant force. Not only will this drive Cana- da's security and sustain Canada's sovereign defence industrial capability, it will enable the Army to provide Canada with agile and reliable options to respond as needed, at home or abroad." A LAV 6.0 supporting members of the Multinational Battlegroup Latvia during a level 5 live fire training exercise (Photo by MCpl S. Arcand). LAV 6.0 participating in cold weather operator training during Exercise RAFALE BLANCHE (Photo by Cpl J. Leclerc).

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