According to Defense News, both the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force are set to receive some major equipment upgrades to help maintain the nation’s resource-rich northern regions. Prime Minister Harper insists that the area’s stockpiles of oil, natural gas, and minerals are critical to the Canadian economy.
On the naval side, the military is spending $3.4 billion on new offshore patrol ships. Irving Shipbuilding of Canada will construct five brand-new vessels, while Lockheed Martin will develop the onboard combat systems.
In the air, the military will spend between $20 million and $49 million upgrading its CC-138 Twin Otter transport aircraft.
"The CC-138 Twin Otter will undergo a life extension program to ensure the fleet remains safe and operationally effective until the UTA [utility transport aircraft] enters service," Air Force spokesman Major James Simiana told Defense News.
The new UTA’s won’t be ready until 2025, but in the meantime the Air Force plans to update the Twin Otter’s wing boxes and flight data recorders......................http://sputniknews.com/world/20150313/1019472835.html
13/3/15
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Canadian Army Launches Arctic Drills...
ReplyDeleteThe Canadian Armed Forces have started the NOREX 2015 military exercise aimed at advancing the servicemen's capabilities for Arctic operations, a statement on the official website of the government of Canada says.
According to the Friday press release, the drill will involve about 200 Canadian Army Regular and Reserve Force soldiers who will take part in "live fire exercises in isolated areas" under "harsh winter conditions."
"The ability for Canadian soldiers to operate so effectively in the Arctic is a testament to the world class skills they possess. Our Government is committed to maintaining operational capabilities in Canada's north, as we continue to monitor and respond to any activity or aggression that threatens our sovereignty," Canada's Associate Minister of National Defence, Julian Fantino, said as quoted by the statement.
The Canadian Armed Forces NOREX 2015 military exercise will run until March 30. Meanwhile Russia is wrapping up its large-scale Northern Fleet drills, intended to test Russia's defense capability in the Arctic, on Saturday, March 21....................http://sputniknews.com/world/20150321/1019810660.html#ixzz3V0lMxqg6
21/3/15