Conversations with Vanguard Defence

TKMS's take on developing a sovereign Canadian sub program

TKMS campaign manager Holger Isbrecht discusses what comes after TKMS was named preferred supplier for Canada’s Patrol Submarine Project. He explains how the Type 212 CD program could build Canadian industrial capacity, strengthen operational sovereignty, and deepen cooperation with Germany and Norway, while stressing that delivery and readiness remain essential. Key Topics TKMS’s preferred-supplier selection is a milestone, but Isbrecht says the next priorities are contractual agreement, implementation preparation, trust, commitment and execution. The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is framed as an industrial program as well as a submarine purchase, with opportunities for Canadian companies, shipyards, universities and research institutions. The program is based on up to 12 submarines, offering potential for long-term industrial development and clearly defined responsibilities for Canadian partners. Isbrecht emphasizes developing Canadian engineers, technicians and specialists in submarine technology, system integration and advanced manufacturing, with knowledge transfer rather than equipment delivery alone. Building domestic maintenance, repair and support capabilities and reliable supply chains is presented as key to Canadian operational sovereignty, readiness and national security. Canada’s potential participation in the Type 212 CD community could connect Canadian companies to European supply chains and strengthen industrial cooperation with Germany and Norway. A common submarine platform could support shared training, operational experience and procedures among Canada, Germany and Norway, especially in the Atlantic and Arctic. Isbrecht defines long-term success as capable submarines delivered on time, a strong Canadian submarine industry, and a partnership grounded in trust and mutual respect.

Why the Federation of Canadian Municipalities has a new defence task force

As Canada embarks on its largest defence spending increase in decades, the stakes are high for local communities, so the Canadian Federation of Municipalities has set up a defence task force to support national security. In this episode of Conversations with Vanguard Defence, Kingston's Conny Glenn, co-chair of the newly launched defence task force, reveals the urgent need for municipalities to take an active role in defence planning. With over 1,100 new military positions expected to impact Kingston, the local infrastructure is under pressure – but the opportunity for collaboration is now. Conny shares firsthand insights from her daily commute past a bustling military base and discusses the critical relationship between defence investments and community needs. You'll discover how municipalities can better prepare for the influx of military personnel and their families, from housing shortages to infrastructure demands. We break down the importance of dual-use infrastructure projects, where civilian and military needs intersect, and how these can be funded through innovative approaches that combine various government resources. Conny also highlights the risks of inaction and why timely planning is essential for both the military and local residents to thrive together. With national security on the line, understanding the local implications of defence spending is more important than ever. This episode is a must-listen for municipal leaders, defense policy enthusiasts, and anyone concerned about the future of their community amid rapid military expansion. Join us as we explore how Kingston and other municipalities can ensure they are not just stakeholders but active partners in shaping the future of defense in Canada. Perfect for those looking to understand the intersection of defense and community planning, this conversation will leave you informed and inspired to take action.

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Readiness is everything: Serco's Maryse Carmichael

In a world where military readiness is paramount, how do we prepare our forces for the rapidly evolving battlefield? Join host Steve Ladurantaye as he engages with Maryse Carmichael, a trailblazer in military aviation and leadership development, who shares insights from her remarkable journey as a former pilot and commanding officer of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. Maryse reveals the pivotal transition from military service to her current role as director of aerospace and mission support at Serco Canada, where she is at the forefront of modernizing operational training. Discover the unique partnership behind Team StriQ, a groundbreaking initiative that combines expertise from multiple organizations, including indigenous groups, to enhance military training for Canada. You'll learn about the Operational Training Infrastructure Enterprise Modernization (OTIEM) and how it promises to revolutionize the training of Canadian Armed Forces and allies. You'll discover: The critical importance of integrating indigenous perspectives in military training. How modern technologies and collaborative training environments can ensure operational readiness against complex threats. The economic and industrial benefits of modernizing military training and creating jobs across Canada. The significance of interoperability with NATO and other allies, and how shared training environments are vital for success. As Canada steps into a new era of defence, the stakes couldn't be higher. Without understanding and adapting to the complexities of modern warfare, our forces risk falling behind. This episode highlights the strategic importance of collaboration, innovation, and preparation in securing national and allied interests. Perfect for military professionals, defence enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the future of national security, this episode is a must-listen for those who want to understand the transformation of military training in Canada. Tune in and be part of the conversation that shapes the future of defence readiness.

Babcock CEO Tony March

Canada’s submarine future hinges on one thing most people never see: the sprawling sustainment machine that keeps a fleet safe, available, and operational. Tony March, CEO of Babcock Canada, explains why the Victoria-class contract extension matters, what it takes to keep aging submarines mission-ready, and how Canada can avoid losing momentum as it transitions to a new generation of boats. March brings a rare perspective to the conversation. After 21 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, including submarine and engineering roles, he now leads the company that has spent more than 18 years supporting the Royal Canadian Navy’s submarine sustainment mission. That experience shapes a candid discussion about what’s working, what’s hard, and what must happen next. You'll discover: How Babcock Canadianized a UK-designed submarine supply chain into a sovereign network of 450+ suppliers Why complex repairs, fire damage, collision damage, and major refit work are part of the real submarine sustainment challenge What the 20-plus months of improved schedule adherence on HMCS Victoria really signals Why transition planning matters as Canada moves from Victoria class to the future Type 212CD fleet How engineering, training, logistics, digital tools, and project management all have to work together to create availability Steve Ladurantaye asks Tony about the bigger strategic questions too: what Canada’s decision to select TKMS means, how industry collaboration will shape the next sustainment model, and why the future of submarine readiness depends on much more than maintenance crews and dock time. March also breaks down how Babcock is working with Canadian small and medium businesses on AI-enabled maintenance optimization and digital twin technology, including partnerships with Ottawa-based Laris and Modest Tree. If you care about Canadian defense, submarine capability, industrial sovereignty, or the hidden complexity behind keeping some of the world’s most demanding platforms at sea, this conversation makes the stakes clear. Essential listening for anyone following Canada’s submarine recapitalization and the race to build long-term readiness without dropping the baton.

What it takes to maintain a submarine fleet

What does it take for Canada to effectively sustain its Victoria-class submarines? In this episode of the Vanguard Defense Podcast, Steve Ladurantaye sits down with Ken Cox, director of the submarine program at BMT, who brings over two decades of naval experience to the table. Ken shares groundbreaking insights into the Victoria in-service support contract (VISSC) that represent a pivotal change for the Royal Canadian Navy. Discover how VISSC is not just a contract but a transformative approach that has introduced a skilled workforce in Canada, capable of tackling complex submarine repairs and maintenance challenges that were previously managed solely by the Navy. Ken breaks down key successes, including advancements in capabilities and obsolescence management that have improved the operational readiness of the Victoria-class fleet. You'll hear about the unique challenges faced during extended docking work periods (EDWPs) and how each overhaul presented its own set of complexities. Ken candidly discusses the lessons learned from both successes and failures, including how a transactional relationship with the Navy has hindered deeper collaboration and trust-building. This episode matters because understanding the intricacies of submarine sustainment is crucial for the future of Canada's naval capabilities. As we look toward the arrival of new submarines by 2033, the urgency for a trained and prepared workforce has never been higher. Perfect for defence industry professionals, naval enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the future of maritime security, this episode provides essential insights into the operational and engineering challenges facing Canada's submarine fleet. Tune in to ensure you’re equipped with the knowledge to navigate the future of naval defense in Canada.

Telesat's race to solve one of the hardest military problems in Canada

Canada is racing to fix one of its hardest military problems: reliable communications in the Arctic. Bgen (retd) Michael Adamson explains how Telesat’s Lightspeed network is being built to deliver secure, low-latency connectivity for the Canadian Armed Forces, allies, and government missions that cannot afford to lose the signal. Steve Ladurantaye sits down with Michael Adamson, Telesat’s Director of Defence Strategy and Business Development, to unpack why the new satellite communications contract is such a big deal for Canada’s defence posture. From the geography problem of geosynchronous satellites to the promise of low Earth orbit coverage north of 65 degrees, Michael breaks down why the old model falls short and how a hybrid LEO and MEO architecture changes the game. You’ll discover: Why northern communications are so difficult and why legacy satellite systems struggle in the Arctic How Telesat Lightspeed and MDA Space are adapting the Lightspeed constellation for Canadian military requirements What “sovereign communications” actually means for Canada and allied nations How commercial satellite infrastructure is reshaping military procurement Why low-latency, high-bandwidth networks are becoming essential for modern, data-driven operations Michael also explains how Telesat Lightspeed is designed to support everything from command and control to uncrewed systems, and why the concept of getting “inside the OODA loop” matters more than ever in modern defense. He shares the launch timeline, the rapid cadence of satellites going up starting in 2027, and why this program could become a bridge for allies looking for a trusted sovereign solution before their own systems come online. This episode is especially relevant if you care about defence technology, Arctic security, satellite communications, or how governments are adapting to a more connected battlefield. If you want to understand where military communications are headed next, this is essential listening.

The New Vanguard Defence

The relaunched Conversations with Vanguard Defense opens with a look at what happens when a veteran journalist steps into one of Canada’s most connected and jargon-heavy industries. Henry Louis sits down with new editor-in-chief Steve Ladurantaye to unpack the newsroom reset, the rapid-fire website overhaul, and the bigger editorial ambition behind Vanguard’s next chapter. Steve Ladurantaye brings a rare mix of local, national, digital, and broadcast experience from the Ottawa Business Journal, Globe and Mail, Twitter, CBC, STV in Scotland, and Zonda. In this conversation, he explains what he’s already learned in his first few weeks inside defense and why the industry’s mix of acronyms, dual-use technology, and tightly woven relationships makes access and context more important than ever. You'll hear how Vanguard plans to move beyond the press release with deeper reporting, smarter context, and more original storytelling across web, magazine, podcast, and social. Henry and Steve also talk about building a two-way relationship with the defense community, why the podcast can give developing companies and influential voices a more direct platform, and how listener feedback will shape what comes next. We break down the opportunity in a fast-changing sector where startups, established firms, and public institutions all need better ways to connect. If you care about Canadian defense, industry storytelling, or how a legacy publication reinvents itself for a more engaged audience, this episode sets the tone for everything that follows.Perfect for defense professionals, industry watchers, founders, and anyone who wants a smarter, more accessible take on the stories shaping the sector.

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Training the Future Force : AI Advantage & Scalable Simulation For Readiness

As Canada's defence ecosystem looks for faster, smarter, and more scalable ways to prepare personnel for increasingly complex operational environments, immersive training technologies are moving from the margins to the centre of readiness planning. In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones speaks with Raja Khanna, CEO of Lumeto, and Kavi Maharajh, the company's Chief Product Officer, about how Canadian-built AI-enabled simulation is reshaping training across healthcare and defence. The conversation explores how Lumeto's immersive platform, InvolveXR, is being applied beyond clinical environments into defence medicine, emergency response, medevac preparation, and broader readiness applications. Raja and Kavi discuss the challenge of scaling high-quality training as organizations grow their workforce, the evolving role of AI in simulation environments, and how adaptive learning systems can improve both competency and operational effectiveness. The discussion also dives into the realities of building dual-use Canadian technology, the importance of scalable and measurable training systems, and how companies like Lumeto fit into Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) ecosystem. From AI-powered virtual instructors to immersive scenario-based readiness training, this episode examines how emerging technologies are helping prepare the future force. Whether you are a defence leader, policy-maker, industry executive, or innovation stakeholder, this episode offers an inside look at the intersection of AI, immersive simulation, healthcare training, and national readiness.

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Beyond the Battlefield: Why Business Readiness Is the Real Backbone of Defence

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Peter Dawe, Vice President of Defence Strategy at Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), to explore why business readiness—not just technology or equipment—is becoming one of the most critical components of Canada's defence and economic security landscape. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in the Canadian Armed Forces and his current work supporting Canadian SMEs at BDC, Dawe offers a practical and execution-focused perspective on what it really takes for companies to succeed in defence and national-security supply chains. The conversation examines how operational discipline, governance, financial resilience and long-term sustainability often determine whether businesses can compete credibly in complex defence environments. Jones and Dawe discuss the growing intersection between defence and economic security, the realities facing SMEs entering defence markets, and why supply chains can quickly expose weaknesses in productivity, compliance and execution. They also unpack the role Canadian small- and medium-sized businesses play in strengthening national sovereignty and defence capacity beyond major procurement programs and prime contractors. The episode provides valuable insight for business leaders, defence suppliers and entrepreneurs considering opportunities in defence-adjacent industries, offering a grounded look at the fundamentals companies need before pursuing contracts in one of the world's most demanding sectors. Get in touch with BDC now!

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Serco - Integrating People, Processes & Technology to Deliver LVC as an Enterprise

Vanguard Radio host J. Richard Jones welcomes Charlie Tucker, Solutions Engineer, Serco North America, for an in-depth conversation on how Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training must evolve from isolated systems into a fully integrated enterprise capability. Drawing on Charlie's 15 years supporting modeling, simulation, testing, and acquisition programs in the LVC domain, this episode explores how Serco combines people, processes, and technology to help governments modernize readiness at scale. Listeners will hear how Serco's service-first heritage shapes its approach to defense training, emphasizing trust, lifecycle partnership, and mission outcomes over standalone products. Charlie explains why successful LVC environments depend not just on software and hardware, but on federation, interoperability, sustainment, governance, and the skilled teams that keep complex training ecosystems operational. The discussion also dives into Distributed Mission Operations (DMO), secure high-end fight environments, and Serco's experience supporting advanced mission networks such as NMON and JITTC. Charlie shares how synthetic environments can improve operational security, reduce cost and scheduling constraints, and create training scenarios beyond the limits of open-air ranges. Finally, the episode examines coalition readiness, Common Data Standards (CDS), and the policy frameworks required to enable multinational training. From standards alignment to approvals and governance, Charlie outlines how Serco helps customers build enduring, scalable LVC enterprises prepared for modern multi-domain operations.

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The Next Generation of Warfighter Training

Interview with Jay Ballard, Vice President of Defence-Learning at Calian Defence Canada. As global threats evolve and operational environments grow more complex, the way militaries train must transform just as rapidly. In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Jay Ballard, Vice President of Defence-Learning at Calian Defence Canada, to explore what it takes to prepare the next generation of warfighters. Drawing on more than two decades of operational experience as a U.S. Navy Commander—including nearly 4,000 flight hours, multiple deployments, and elite credentials such as TOPGUN Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor—Ballard brings a practitioner's lens to one of defence's most urgent challenges: modernizing military training for a rapidly changing battlespace. The conversation dives into how the character of warfare is shifting toward multi-domain, data-driven operations—and what that means for training systems across land, sea, air, cyber, and space. From the integration of C5ISRT capabilities to the rise of synthetic training environments powered by AI, digital twins, and advanced modelling, Ballard outlines the technologies and approaches that will define the future of readiness. The episode also tackles the real-world barriers facing adoption within the Canadian Armed Forces, and how industry partners can help accelerate implementation at scale. Looking ahead, Ballard paints a picture of what military training could become over the next 10 to 15 years—if the right investments, partnerships, and strategies are put in place. For defence leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders alike, this episode offers a grounded and forward-looking perspective on how training must evolve to keep pace with modern warfare—and ensure operational advantage in an increasingly contested world.

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It's Time to Rethink Canada's Military Training

As Canada accelerates defence spending and advances a new era of military recapitalization, one critical question is coming into sharper focus: are training systems keeping pace with the platforms they are meant to support? In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Jeff Tasseron to explore why Canada must rethink its approach to military training. Representing CAE Defense & Security—a global leader in military training and simulation that supports defence forces across naval, land, and air domains—Tasseron brings insight into how advanced, increasingly AI-enabled training systems are reshaping readiness. The company's work in delivering integrated training and mission support solutions provides a real-world lens on how modern forces can better prepare for complex, multi-domain operations. Drawing on decades of operational and strategic experience—from commanding maritime helicopter operations to shaping defence transformation at the highest levels—Tasseron unpacks the risks of continuing to procure platforms with stand-alone, OEM-controlled training systems. He makes the case for a fully integrated, national training ecosystem—one that connects people, platforms, and data to deliver real operational readiness. The conversation also examines how Canada's evolving procurement landscape, including the growing role of the Defence Investment Agency, is shifting attention toward maximizing domestic economic value. Training and simulation, Tasseron argues, represent a powerful—and often underleveraged—opportunity to build sovereign capability, create high-value jobs, and strengthen Canada's defence industrial base. From the challenges of today's fragmented training models to the promise of integrated simulation environments, this episode explores what it will take for Canada to modernize training as a core pillar of defence capability—not an afterthought. Key Discussion Points The operational risks of relying on stand-alone, platform-specific training systems The limitations of current training models in a joint, networked battlespace Why training modernization must sit at the centre of defence recapitalization How major Canadian defence programs are driving new approaches to training What an integrated national training ecosystem could look like The role of strategic partnerships in delivering training integration at scale Where Canada should begin—and what success looks like

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Icebreakers, NSS 2.0 and Exporting Canadian Ship Design

Interview with Derek Buxton, VP Business Development & Ottawa, Vard Marine Inc. In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Derek Buxton, VP Business Development & Ottawa at Vard Marine Inc., for an in-depth discussion on the future of Canadian ship design, icebreaker innovation, and the evolution of Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). With more than three decades of combined service in the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard, Buxton brings a rare blend of operational experience and technical authority to the conversation. A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada, he has served at sea, worked on exchange with Australia's Collins Class submarine program, led acquisition and in-service support for Canada's Victoria Class submarines, and later played a key leadership role in the Coast Guard's fleet renewal and future concept development. Today, he is spearheading new global opportunities for VARD in the government shipbuilding sector. The discussion explores: · Icebreakers and ice-capable vessel design: What lessons has VARD Marine learned from past programs, and how are those insights shaping the next generation of Arctic and high-latitude vessels? · NSS 2.0 and innovation: How can Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy evolve to better enable innovation, industrial resilience, and export-ready Canadian designs? · Designed in Canada: What differentiates VARD Marine's approach to icebreaker design from traditional models, and how is Canadian engineering talent influencing global projects? · The Vigilance program: Where does the program stand today, how has it evolved from its early inception, and what does it signal for Canada's sovereign maritime capability? · Looking ahead: What strategic and market challenges lie on the horizon for Vard Marine, and how is the company positioning itself to overcome them? As a wholly owned subsidiary of VARD Group AS in Norway—a Fincantieri company—Vard Marine combines Canadian naval architecture expertise with access to a global design and construction database. With offices in Vancouver, Ottawa, Houston, Vũng Tàu, and Gdańsk, the company continues to position Canadian-designed vessels on the international stage. From Arctic sovereignty to exportable ship design, this episode delivers a timely conversation about where Canada's maritime industrial base is headed—and how innovation, vigilance, and global partnerships are shaping the next chapter.

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The Unified Sensor Advantage: Powering the Mission

Interview with Karl Schaub, Chief Solution Architect, Netscout In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Karl Schaub, Chief Solution Architect at NETSCOUT, to explore how next-generation sensor strategies are reshaping cyber defence, network performance, and mission assurance across federal and public-sector environments. With more than 25 years of hands-on experience spanning cybersecurity, network architecture, and product management, Schaub explains why the traditional separation between performance monitoring and security tools is no longer sustainable. The conversation dives into the concept of the unified, next-generation sensor—a single, high-fidelity capability that delivers both performance and security insights, drives operational efficiency, and enables a common data foundation across teams, missions, and analytics platforms. The discussion also examines what's driving the shift toward sensor grids, the operational and analytical advantages they unlock, and how NETSCOUT is approaching AIOps to turn deep-packet visibility into actionable intelligence. Schaub further unpacks the idea of multi-dimensional detection, explaining how richer, correlated data improves threat detection, resilience, and decision-making in complex, distributed networks—from data centres and cloud to 5G and the tactical edge. Topics include: · What defines a next-generation sensor · Why performance and security must converge · The benefits of modern sensor and sensor-grid strategies · NETSCOUT's role in enabling Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps) · Understanding multi-dimensional detection and its mission impact A must-listen conversation for cyber, network, and defence leaders navigating the future of observability, resilience, and digital mission readiness.

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Guardians of the North

Interview with Chris Pogue, President, Defence & Space, Calian In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Chris Pogue—President, Defence & Space at Calian and a retired Royal Canadian Air Force officer—to explore how Canada is shaping the future of defence, space, and allied interoperability. Drawing on more than two decades of senior executive leadership across Canada's defence and aerospace ecosystem, Pogue offers a candid, strategic look at Calian's expanding role in supporting NATO allies, modernizing military training, and advancing multi-domain operations at a time of accelerating global uncertainty. The conversation spans Calian's end-to-end defence, space, and training capabilities; Canada's evolving defence modernization agenda and budget context; and the growing importance of interoperability across allied forces. Pogue also unpacks Calian VENTURES—how it works, why it's different from other innovation programs, and how it helps connect Canadian SMEs to real-world defence and space priorities under the government's "Rebuild, Rearm, and Reinvest" vision. From VICCI-enabled collective training to the integration of virtual, live, and distributed environments that strengthen command and control, the episode examines how innovation is being operationalized—not just imagined. Guardians of the North closes with a forward-looking discussion on Calian's priorities in training, interoperability, and space operations, and what it will take for Canada to remain a credible, agile, and trusted defence partner on the world stage. A must-listen for defence leaders, policymakers, industry partners, and anyone interested in how Canada is preparing for the next era of collective security.

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What Canadian pilots can expect from the 5th generation F-35

Interview with Andrew "Bundy" Soundy, F-35 Test Pilot, Lockheed Martin In this special episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with one of the world's most experienced F-35 test pilots: Andrew "Bundy" Soundy, Chief Test Pilot for the F-35 at the 461st Flight Test Squadron, Edwards Air Force Base. A Royal Military College graduate turned Lockheed Martin test pilot, Bundy brings over 1,100 hours in the F-35 and decades of operational and test experience across the CF-18, F-16, and fifth-generation platforms. In a wide-ranging and candid conversation, he traces his journey from RMC to Cold Lake to Edwards—and offers a rare insider look at how the F-35 evolves, adapts, and continually pushes the boundaries of modern airpower. Bundy explains what it means to test fifth-generation capability in a program built on continuous upgrades. He breaks down the mindset shift required for pilots transitioning from fourth-generation fighters, the realities of new stealth-tactics training, and how Canada's upcoming F-35 cadre will inherit a unique tactical worldview unlike anything before it. From operating in extreme Arctic cold, to demonstrating the aircraft for partner nations, to testing interoperability with NATO allies and next-generation platforms, Bundy shares firsthand insights into the F-35's performance, range, and global readiness. He also looks ahead to the rapid rise of AI, manned-unmanned teaming, the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft vision, and how adaptable platforms like the F-35 will shape the tactical air environment for decades to come. This is one of the most detailed, practical, and forward-looking conversations you'll hear on fifth-generation fighter operations—and what's coming next. If you want to understand the future of airpower—and Canada's place in it—this episode is essential listening.

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Delivering an All-Encompassing and Sovereign Canadian Sustainment Solution

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Sheldon Gillis, MSC, CD, CPSP Campaign Lead at Babcock Canada, for a deep and timely conversation about what's next for Canada's submarine future—and why sustainment is just as important as the platform itself. With over 25 years of distinguished service in the Royal Canadian Navy—including command at sea, operational deployments across the globe, leadership roles in the Arctic, and senior oversight of naval requirements—Sheldon brings unparalleled insight into what it takes to deliver a modern, sovereign, and mission-ready submarine capability. Together, they explore the major developments shaping the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), including the recently announced Teaming Agreement between Babcock Canada and Hanwha Ocean. This landmark partnership positions Babcock as the exclusive In-Service Support partner to Hanwha Ocean, uniting world-class submarine design and build expertise with Canada's only proven, industry-led submarine sustainment enterprise. Listeners will hear Sheldon unpack: · Why sustainment must be integrated from Day One, in parallel with submarine construction · How Babcock's 17 years of experience sustaining the Victoria-class fleet will translate into value, readiness, and reliability for CPSP · The advantages of Hanwha Ocean's in-service KSS-III submarine—a platform already operating globally · The long-term regional and economic impact CPSP could deliver across Canada, including jobs, innovation, and STEM development · What accountability and availability truly mean in designing a future-focused enterprise · How Babcock's integrated sustainment approach supports a sovereign, Canadian solution that endures for generations From operational realities at sea to the industrial partnerships required on land, this is a comprehensive look at how Canada can build not just a submarine fleet—but a lasting national capability. Whether you're tracking CPSP, following defence industry developments, or simply interested in how major national projects take shape, this episode offers expert insight into one of the most consequential defence procurements of our time. Tune in to Vanguard Radio for a deep dive into delivering an all-encompassing and sovereign Canadian sustainment solution.

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Leadership Under Pressure: Managing Complex Defence Projects

When the stakes are high and the timeline is tight, what does leadership look like? In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones speaks with Paul Knowles, Senior Vice President and District Manager at PCL Construction, whose nearly 30-year career spans some of Canada's most demanding infrastructure projects. From the nation's capital to remote northern installations, PCL's work under Paul's leadership often unfolds in secure, mission-critical environments—where precision, collaboration, and trust aren't just valued, they're essential. Paul shares his insights into what it takes to deliver complex defence projects under pressure, from balancing transparency with security compliance to fostering collaboration among military, government, and private-sector partners. With a background in civil and construction engineering and decades of experience leading high-performance teams, Paul offers a rare look behind the curtain at how large-scale national projects come together—and the leadership mindset that keeps them on track when the margin for error is razor-thin. Listeners will hear stories of innovation, contingency planning, and real-time problem solving that define modern defence construction in Canada. 🎙 Key discussion topics include: Leading teams when every decision counts Balancing transparency and security requirements Collaborating across the defence ecosystem Innovations driving performance in mission-critical builds The future of leadership in Canada's defence infrastructure landscape

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Canada's Newest Defense Supplier is One of the World's Oldest

Safran is a name that is synonymous with aerospace and defense innovation and now, this global powerhouse is deepening its roots in Canada. In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Louis Girardin, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defense Canada, to explore how one of the world's oldest defense innovators is bringing new energy and cutting-edge technologies to Canada's evolving defence landscape. Louis shares his perspective on Safran's long and storied history, the company's expanding footprint in Montreal, and the strategic role Safran Electronics & Defense plays in advancing capabilities across air, land, sea, and space. He discusses how Safran's world-class technologies—ranging from avionics and navigation to optronics and mission systems—are enabling greater interoperability and sovereignty for Canada and its allies. The conversation also delves into the broader Canadian defense market, the challenges and opportunities facing the country as it strengthens its industrial base, and how Safran is helping to build new partnerships and capabilities for the future. Whether you're in the defense industry, a policymaker, or a technology enthusiast, this episode offers a compelling look at how global expertise and Canadian innovation are coming together to shape the next chapter of defense excellence. Key Discussion Points: Who is Safran, and what role does Safran Electronics & Defense play globally? How and when did Safran Electronics & Defense Canada take shape? The company's growing presence and operations in Montreal Safran's contributions to Canada's defence and technology ecosystem Key innovations and technologies supporting national sovereignty Opportunities and challenges in the Canadian market

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EllisDon: Supporting Canada's Defence Strategy through Capability and Collaboration

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones speaks with Chris Lane, Senior Vice President and Area Manager at EllisDon Corporation, about how one of Canada's leading construction and infrastructure companies is helping to strengthen the nation's defence readiness. Chris shares insights from his decade-long leadership journey with EllisDon—from his early days in the UK's construction sector to overseeing major projects in Canada for clients like the Government of Canada, Defence Construction Canada, and the Department of National Defence. He discusses EllisDon's unique approach to collaboration, innovation, and long-term value creation—factors that set the company apart in an increasingly complex defence infrastructure landscape. Together, they explore EllisDon's role in supporting Canada's National Defence Strategy, its involvement in projects tied to NORAD modernization and the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), and how agile contract models and integrated project delivery are shaping the future of military infrastructure in Canada. This conversation highlights how capability, collaboration, and commitment to excellence are driving EllisDon's contributions to national security and resilience. Topics Include: What differentiates EllisDon in the global construction and defence markets How EllisDon supports Canada's evolving defence and NORAD modernization initiatives The company's perspective on contract models that deliver maximum value for Canadians How EllisDon's expertise positions it to contribute to future submarine and defence infrastructure projects

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