MDA and Telesat team-up, Thordon Bearings contract, and NORAD modernization

MDA and Telesat team up, making way for the Low Earth Orbit satellite constellation, Telesat Lightspeed

MDA Ltd., renowned for its advanced technology and services in the rapidly expanding global space sector, has announced its selection as the primary contractor for Telesat’s ground breaking Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation called Telesat Lightspeed. This revolutionary global network, set to provide improved digital connectivity to both Canadians and customers worldwide, marks a significant milestone. The contract, valued at around $2.1 billion, stands as the largest in MDA’s history. It encompasses the entire process from design and manufacturing to assembly and testing of 198 satellites. Moreover, Telesat retains the option to acquire an additional 100 satellites.

Canada’s Commitment to Local Purchases Persists: Thordon Secures New AOPV Bearing Agreement

Thordon Bearings has secured a contract to provide seawater-lubricated bearings for the initial vessel in a pair of modified editions of the Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPV). These newly commissioned ships, earmarked for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), are presently in the order pipeline and are set to be constructed at Irving Shipbuilding’s Halifax Shipyard.

Revisiting NORAD Modernization

In June 1921, the governments of Canada and the United States (US) announced a bi-national decision to press forward with the modernization of North American Air Defence Command (NORAD) infrastructure and facilities. A public declaration of governmental intent that had been outlined in 2017’s Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy, the announcement was an overt recognition that investment was required in NORAD to allow it to meet a new generation of emerging threats, both kinetic and non-kinetic. The Soviet invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the massive use of drone, ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as hypersonic weapons, spurred the government, with appropriate fanfare, to announce in June that Canada would invest $38.6 billion in NORAD over a twenty-year period. In defence circles, the news was received as a long-overdue recognition that the world was a far more dangerous place and that institutions, such as NORAD, require significant investment to ensure their relevance.

Perspective

Pioneering Networked Combat Solutions for Multi-domain Operations

Elbit Systems is a pioneer in evolving digital Networked Combat Solutions for Multi-domain Operations. Providing state-of-the-art networked warfare solutions for NATO Five-Eyes and other nations, they have responded to the growing demand for data centric systems to increase tempo and accurate lethality in the modern battlespace. This inevitable evolution of networked warfare is not easy, takes time to refine but includes innovations in spectrum dominance, advanced communications, shared situational understanding, and efficient workflows supporting intra-domain and cross domain operations. The result is combat credible ‘sensor to decider to effector’ systems that incorporate multiple data sources to optimize the system and efficiently co-ordinate vulnerable human and logistic resources.

Latest Podcast

How a Security-Aware Organizational Culture Minimizes the Human Risk Factor

Welcome back to another episode of Vanguard Radio with host J. Richard Jones. In this episode, we speak with Theo Zafirakos, CISO Coach and Professional Services, Security Awareness Speaker for Fortra’s Terranova Security. Theo is an experienced security leader and trusted advisor known for his expertise in security awareness strategy, governance, privacy, and cyber security. He collaborates with CISOs and security leaders globally, assisting them in identifying, evaluating, and managing security awareness risks. Prior to joining Terranova Security, Theo spent two decades at Canadian National Railway (CN) as the CISO, where he was responsible for the information security and governance strategy. He currently leads the Fortra’s Terranova Security Professional Services team, which focuses on implementing and executing security awareness programs to achieve measurable results.

Terranova Security is a valuable addition to Fortra’s comprehensive cybersecurity portfolio, which aims to simplify the complex landscape with innovative solutions. Their risk-based campaigns and high-quality training content empower employees to understand critical practices like phishing and compliance. Customized options align with customer goals, strengthening long-term information security. Terranova fosters an inclusive workplace with equal gender representation and encourages diverse voices to drive innovative security awareness training.

Today’s conversation zeros in on the fact that a successful security awareness program should generate a security-aware organizational culture.

In this episode:

• Why should your organization build a Security-Aware Culture?
• How to Spot a Security-Aware Cultural Shift in a Business?
• Why leaders need to understand employee cyber security awareness levels
• Why your organization should be concerned about Third-Party Risk Management
• And much more!

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From the Web

Korean photographer travels the world to honour the service of last few remaining Korean War vets

It's been 70 years since the armistice that ended the Korean War, and the number of Canadian soldiers still with us who fought in "The Forgotten War" is fewer and fewer each year.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/korean-war-armistice-fort-erie-forgotten-war-1.6929373?inf_contact_key=1a1194724685ba91a30137756b1edfc84dfbc39d7283b2cb89d5189540b69330

Canadian astronaut gets 'shivers' during first look at Artemis II capsule that will take him to the moon

“I already knew going to the moon was hard,” Jeremy Hansen quipped Tuesday at the Kennedy Space Center during an update on Artemis II, the first crewed voyage to lunar space in more than half a century.

Latest Issue

June/July issue of Vanguard – Continental Defence

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