Latest news with #KenedSadiku
Toronto Sun
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
DND to start construction on F-35 hangars despite review
Officials confirmed that building new infrastructure for the F-35s will cost more than $2 billion. A U.S. airman directs a F-35 stealth fighter out of a hangar in Alaska in January 2022. Photo by U.S. AIR FORCE The Department of National Defence is proceeding to spend an initial $500 million for two new F-35 hangars even as the Liberal government continues to weigh the decision to purchase of the stealth fighter jet. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account But ultimately the new infrastructure that will be needed for the U.S.-built F-35s will cost at least $2 billion, the department confirmed. Construction of the first hangar will begin in Cold Lake, Alta., in the coming months, while work on a similar installation at Bagotville, Que., will start in the fall, DND noted. 'Site preparation has already begun at both locations,' DND spokesperson Kened Sadiku stated in an email.'Construction of the Fighter Squadron Facility is estimated to begin late Summer — early Fall 2025 for Cold Lake and a few months later in Bagotville.' DND did not provide more specific details on the timings for construction. Specifics on the final cost are still unknown, according to the department. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It is too early to confirm the full cost of FFCP (Future Fighter Capability Project) infrastructure at this time,' Sadiku said. 'However, these costs are part of the overall project cost and are evaluated at over $2 billion.' The current plan is for 36 of the 88 incoming CF-35As to be stationed at Bagotville and the remaining 52 at Cold Lake, the DND statement said. 'This new infrastructure will help ensure our personnel have the facilities they need to support the long-term operation and maintenance of the new aircraft,' Sadiku added. The new hangars are specially constructed for the stealth F-35 and must meet requirements set out by the United States government. The new construction comes in the midst of a review ordered by the Liberal government. Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered a review of Canada's F-35 purchase in mid-March in the wake of threats against Canadian sovereignty by U.S. President Donald Trump. The U.S. has become increasingly hostile to Canada, with Trump continuing with his economic efforts to punish Canada and push for this country to become the 51st state. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The review is being conducted by officials with the Royal Canadian Air Force and DND, both organizations that originally played roles in selecting and advocating for the purchase of the F-35. The Liberal government announced in January 2023 it was spending $19 billion to acquire 88 F-35s from the U.S., but at this point Canada has only financially committed to purchasing the first 16 jets which are being built by Lockheed Martin in the U.S. Defence Minister David McGuinty has said the F-35 review is expected to be completed by the end of the summer and will be made public. 'We'll be taking possession of those 16 F-35 fighter jets in the next several months, by the new year at the latest,' McGuinty told journalists on June 10. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. That, however, isn't true. The DND statement to the Ottawa Citizen noted that Canada would receive its first four jets in 2026, followed by four in 2027 and four in 2028. The first eight will go to Luke Air Force Base in the United States to enable the training of Canadian pilots, and the first aircraft will come to Canada in 2028, according to the statement. Auditor General Karen Hogan revealed June 10 that the cost of Canada's F-35 purchase had skyrocketed by nearly 50 per cent from $19 billion to $27.7 billion. Another $5.5 billion will be needed to achieve full operation capability for the planes, Hogan added. Part of the increase was because of U.S. concerns over the original design of hangars and other facilities for the stealth fighters to be built at Cold Lake and Bagotville. Those facilities had to be redesigned. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Some retired military officers as well as defence analysts from DND-funded think tanks have argued that Canada should proceed with its entire F-35 purchase because it needs to remain a strong ally of the U.S. But retired Lt.-Gen. Yvan Blondin, the air force general who recommended Canada buy the F-35 fighter jet, now says the purchase should no longer go forward as planned because the U.S. has become so untrustworthy. Critics have pointed out that the U.S. also controls all aspects of software upgrades needed for the F-35 to continue flying. That, in turn, could pose a security risk because of the U.S. shift to a more hostile relationship with Canada. David Pugliese is an award-winning journalist covering Canadian Forces and military issues in Canada. To support his work, including exclusive content for subscribers only, sign up here: Read More Uncategorized NHL NFL Editorials Editorial Cartoons
Vancouver Sun
30-05-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Why Canadian military's Cyclone helicopters were grounded for 27 days in May
The Canadian military's Cyclone helicopters weren't flying for 27 days in May due to a lack of spare parts, and only one of them is now able to take to the skies. Canada has 26 of the ship-borne maritime helicopters, with a final one slated for delivery this year. The $5.8-billion fleet is normally used to provide air support for the Royal Canadian Navy. Their missions include surface and subsurface surveillance, search and rescue, and anti-submarine warfare. 'On May 1, the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division ordered a temporary pause to flying operations for the CH-148 Cyclone fleet, after questions emerged in late April about whether various spare parts for the aircraft were potentially in use beyond their service life. The temporary pause to flying operations was lifted as of May 27,' Kened Sadiku, who speaks for the Department of National Defence (DND), said in an email. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'Certain aircraft components have a defined service life to ensure continued safety and airworthiness. Because using parts beyond their defined service life would pose risks to the safety of personnel and equipment, the decision was made to temporarily pause flight operations until certainty is regained.' DND, the military and Sikorsky, which manufactured the helicopters, 'have been working together to identify potential parts of concern. This includes components of the Cyclone's landing gear, tail rotor driveshaft flange and auxiliary power unit, as well as engine parts,' Sadiku said. As of this past Wednesday, one Cyclone, now on deployment, returned to flying operations, he said. 'The team works to do the same for the rest of the fleet.' The Cyclone 'fleet is currently facing some challenges, such as aging datalink systems as well as sensor and other capabilities that are overdue for important upgrades,' he said. 'Specific details, however, cannot be provided for reasons of operational security.' 'The Cyclone remains capable of supporting Royal Canadian Navy operations and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.' Sadiku wouldn't confirm Sikorsky has put a hefty price tag on replacing the Cyclones' ageing datalinks — used to communicate digital information such as radar images to other aircraft, warships and shore bases. 'The datalink upgrade project is still under evaluation, as such, schedule and costs are still being negotiated.' The military has flown other helicopters off the navy's warships before. 'In the past, CH-146 Griffons have landed on Royal Canadian Navy vessels in certain operational contexts (specifically, the relief efforts to Haiti in the wake of the 2010 earthquake,' Sadiku said. 'However, none of the Royal Canadian Air Force's helicopter fleets (besides the CH-148 Cyclone) are capable of fulfilling the maritime helicopter role in support of the Royal Canadian Navy.' Paul Martin's Liberal government announced in 2004 that the Cyclones would replace Canada's ageing fleet of CH-124 Sea King helicopters. 'The Cyclones are what we call an orphan fleet,' said retired colonel Larry McWha, an aviation expert who commanded 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron at 12 Wing Shearwater, when it flew Sea Kings. That means many suppliers aren't interested in producing parts for the Cyclones, McWha said. 'It's going to cost us money to keep (the fleet) viable.' McWha lives on Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore. 'I used to see Sea Kings flying by here all the time,' he said. 'I have extremely rarely ever seen a Cyclone flying by.' Canada lost a Cyclone on April 29, 2020 when one of the helicopters crashed into the Ionian Sea, claiming the lives of six Canadian Armed Forces members. Months later, senior military officials said there was a 'conflict' or 'competition' between the Cyclone and its pilot moments before the aircraft, known as Stalker 22, plunged into the water off the coast of Greece. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Calgary Herald
30-05-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Why Canadian military's Cyclone helicopters were grounded for 27 days in May
Article content The Canadian military's Cyclone helicopters weren't flying for 27 days in May due to a lack of spare parts, and only one of them is now able to take to the skies. Article content Article content Canada has 26 of the ship-borne maritime helicopters, with a final one slated for delivery this year. The $5.8-billion fleet is normally used to provide air support for the Royal Canadian Navy. Their missions include surface and subsurface surveillance, search and rescue, and anti-submarine warfare. Article content Article content 'On May 1, the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division ordered a temporary pause to flying operations for the CH-148 Cyclone fleet, after questions emerged in late April about whether various spare parts for the aircraft were potentially in use beyond their service life. The temporary pause to flying operations was lifted as of May 27,' Kened Sadiku, who speaks for the Department of National Defence (DND), said in an email. Article content Article content 'Certain aircraft components have a defined service life to ensure continued safety and airworthiness. Because using parts beyond their defined service life would pose risks to the safety of personnel and equipment, the decision was made to temporarily pause flight operations until certainty is regained.' Article content Article content DND, the military and Sikorsky, which manufactured the helicopters, 'have been working together to identify potential parts of concern. This includes components of the Cyclone's landing gear, tail rotor driveshaft flange and auxiliary power unit, as well as engine parts,' Sadiku said. Article content Article content As of this past Wednesday, one Cyclone, now on deployment, returned to flying operations, he said. 'The team works to do the same for the rest of the fleet.' Article content The Cyclone 'fleet is currently facing some challenges, such as aging datalink systems as well as sensor and other capabilities that are overdue for important upgrades,' he said. 'Specific details, however, cannot be provided for reasons of operational security.' Article content Military and government officials 'are working together with industry partners to determine a way forward for the aircraft and the capabilities it supports,' Sadiku said.
National Post
30-05-2025
- Politics
- National Post
Why Canadian military's Cyclone helicopters were grounded for 27 days in May
The Canadian military's Cyclone helicopters weren't flying for 27 days in May due to a lack of spare parts, and only one of them is now able to take to the skies. Article content Article content Canada has 26 of the ship-borne maritime helicopters, with a final one slated for delivery this year. The $5.8-billion fleet is normally used to provide air support for the Royal Canadian Navy. Their missions include surface and subsurface surveillance, search and rescue, and anti-submarine warfare. Article content 'On May 1, the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division ordered a temporary pause to flying operations for the CH-148 Cyclone fleet, after questions emerged in late April about whether various spare parts for the aircraft were potentially in use beyond their service life. The temporary pause to flying operations was lifted as of May 27,' Kened Sadiku, who speaks for the Department of National Defence (DND), said in an email. Article content Article content 'Certain aircraft components have a defined service life to ensure continued safety and airworthiness. Because using parts beyond their defined service life would pose risks to the safety of personnel and equipment, the decision was made to temporarily pause flight operations until certainty is regained.' Article content DND, the military and Sikorsky, which manufactured the helicopters, 'have been working together to identify potential parts of concern. This includes components of the Cyclone's landing gear, tail rotor driveshaft flange and auxiliary power unit, as well as engine parts,' Sadiku said. Article content Article content As of this past Wednesday, one Cyclone, now on deployment, returned to flying operations, he said. 'The team works to do the same for the rest of the fleet.' Article content Article content The Cyclone 'fleet is currently facing some challenges, such as aging datalink systems as well as sensor and other capabilities that are overdue for important upgrades,' he said. 'Specific details, however, cannot be provided for reasons of operational security.' Article content Military and government officials 'are working together with industry partners to determine a way forward for the aircraft and the capabilities it supports,' Sadiku said. Article content 'The Cyclone remains capable of supporting Royal Canadian Navy operations and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.' Article content Sadiku wouldn't confirm Sikorsky has put a hefty price tag on replacing the Cyclones' ageing datalinks — used to communicate digital information such as radar images to other aircraft, warships and shore bases. 'The datalink upgrade project is still under evaluation, as such, schedule and costs are still being negotiated.'
Ottawa Citizen
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Ottawa Citizen
Stocks on new Canadian Ranger rifles are cracking and need to be replaced
Article content Stocks on the new rifles issued to Canadian Rangers for use in the far north are cracking and have to be replaced because they can't withstand excessive moisture. Article content Article content In addition, the lamination on the C-19 rifle wood stocks is peeling off, the Department of National Defence acknowledged. Article content Soldiers tipped off the Ottawa Citizen about the problems with the relatively new rifles and raised concerns about the effectiveness of the weapons. Article content Article content One hundred and fifty-six of the rifles were initially deemed as unusable but the majority of the guns are still being used despite the problems, according to the DND. Article content The Canadian Forces ordered more than 6,800 of the rifles from Colt Canada in Kitchener, Ont., with deliveries beginning in March 2018. The contract was for $32.8 million. Article content The .308 C-19 replaced the Lee Enfield .303 rifle that had been used by Canadian Rangers since 1947. The Lee Enfield had a wooden stock. The C19 is lighter, shorter and more precise, according to the Canadian Forces. Article content Canadian Rangers noticed the problems with the rifles shortly after the first ones were delivered. Additional concerns were raised in 2019 about 'premature C-19 Ranger Rifle stock cracking,' DND spokesperson Kened Sadiku said in an email. Article content 'Testing concluded that the wood used for these C-19 stock lacked sufficient protective finish to properly seal and protect the wood from extreme environmental exposure, resulting in the wood being susceptible to moisture absorption and shrinkage,' said Sadiku. 'The test also indicated that the glue used in some of the C-19 stock exhibited early and unexpected laminate separation.' Article content Under the contract, the rifles were required to withstand extremely cold temperatures in the Arctic as well as moderate-to-high humidity in the coastal and forested regions of the country. Article content Article content 'Based on the initial C19 Ranger Rifle procurement, the performance requirements were met,' Sadiku stated. 'The current issue with the C19 Ranger Rifle stock became apparent after and therefore, DND intends to cover the cost for the replacement.'
