National Post
Lockheed Martin has offered the Liberal government the F-35 as an “interim” fighter aircraft, a move sure to turn up the heat on rival U.S. aerospace firm Boeing still embroiled in a trade dispute with Canada. Last year, the Liberals announced a proposal to buy 18 interim fighter jets from Boeing to deal with a capability gap facing the Royal Canadian Air Force. But that multibillion dollar plan to acquire Super Hornet jets has been thrown into limbo after Boeing filed a trade complaint in the U.S. against Bombardier of Quebec. READ MORE
CBC News
A proposal outlining the industrial benefits Boeing is prepared to deliver to Canadian companies in exchange for a sole-source interim fighter jet contract has landed on desks at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. The pitch is being made even though the Liberal government has suspended discussions with the U.S. aerospace giant over a separate trade complaint and is reviewing the military purchase, which Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan has claimed is urgent. READ MORE
The RAND Blog
When the Soviet Union withdrew its army from Afghanistan in 1989, its defeat seemed complete and irreversible. Most Afghans bitterly repudiated the attempt to impose communist rule by force. An Afghan communist officer who fought with the Russians told me that his side lost because they could not overcome their image as atheist infidels. Today, however, Russia is seeking to remake its image by exploiting Afghan disappointment with the dismal results of the post-9/11 intervention by the U.S. and its allies. READ MORE
Breaking Defense
Stealth was sold as something close to magic when it first appeared. And, as usually happens when extraordinary claims are made, the blowback was intense. Skeptics pointed to its vulnerability to large-scale, land-based radars, to the fact it wasn’t invisible to the naked eye, to the costs and difficulties of maintaining the expensive coatings, and the staggering overall cost of some of the aircraft (see B-2). READ MORE
The Lincolnite
The new International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln is set to be open to the public in January. Based off Canwick Hill, work began at the site in 2014 and the £10 million centre will open four years later, providing an invaluable resource on Bomber Command for visitors and locals. READ MORE
Sea King Retirement Committee
After more than 50 years of service, the Sea King will be retired December 2018 at 443MH Victoria. Advance planning is underway. Visit www.skr18.ca for updates.
Airforce Association
The Government of New Brunswick is showing their tremendous support of the Golden Hawks by providing $15,000 towards our Appreciation event and another $9,000 towards our Golden Hawk exhibit! In addition, the city of Quinte West (Trenton), Ontario is going to be a Gold Sponsor, providing $7,500 to help our efforts. READ MORE
e-Veritas
On Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in collaboration with the Royal Military College, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is honoured to present the Birchall Leadership Award to Colonel (Retired) Chris Hadfield, OC, OOnt, MSC, CD. Colonel Hadfield was the first Canadian to walk in space. A Royal Military College graduate, an engineer, and former Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) fighter pilot, Colonel Hadfield has flown two space shuttle missions and served as Commander of the International Space Station.
For more information about the Birchall Leadership Awards Banquet: http://everitas.rmcclub.ca/birchall-leadership-award-dinner-28-oct/
Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada event brings together Canadian and international companies of all sizes, government, and academia for two days in the nation’s capital. More than 1,200 participants — primarily C-suite executives and government officials — are expected to attend. READ MORE
Calling all Thunderbirds home to the nest!! This year, we’re celebrating our 75th anniversary and are hoping to have the flock come home to help us remember our history and heritage. Please mark Oct. 20-22 in your calendar and join us for a huge party. If you have humorous stories or anecdotes to share, please send them to the following address:
MWO Christine Krueger
426 Sqn 8 Wing/CFB Trenton
PO Box 1000, Stn Forces
Astra, ON, Canada K0K 3W0
christine.krueger@forces.gc.ca
Air Cadet League of Canada
Were you an Air Cadet? The Air Cadet League wants to know where being an Air Cadet has taken you; join the Air Cadet Alumni and share your “Cadet Story” with us. READ MORE
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