After a successful C4ISR and Beyond event on February 2 where just under 150 attendees from the security and defence community met to discuss a wide array of matters in the C4ISR space, our attention at Vanguard is now set on our next event – the Shipbuilding Technology Forum – which will take place on March 2.
But before I share more about our upcoming event, I would like to convey that the success of our recent event was due to the interaction between the military and industry. Acting as the pivot, Vanguard brought together both parties to enhance the discussion on C4ISR capabilities, challenges, and the impact of C4ISR in Canadian military operations.
Collectively, and with the participation of senior military officials like Major-General Dave Wheeler, Brigadier-General Frances Allen and other officers, the C4ISR discussion delved into C4ISR systems, battle management system approach, space as a force enabler, Arctic intelligence and surveillance, cognitive domain, joint targeting cycle, and how cyber runs under everything. Another success factor was the contribution made by our sponsors. Without the financial support from the industry, it would be impossible to produce these events.
Like the C4ISR and Beyond, the Shipbuilding Technology Forum is a one day conference but with a focus on emerging technologies in marine and shipbuilding. Topics on the cards to be discussed include Design Considerations for Arctic Operations and Polar Code implementation, with the keynote by Jeffery Hutchinson of the Canadian Coast Guard. As in all of our events, we aim to bring together industry, government and military to collaborate in knowledge sharing to better develop and provide technologies to fit the needs of the Canadian military.
Transitioning from our events, the February/March issue of Vanguard is built on the theme of interoperability and innovative technologies. This issue is filled with stories on technologies like Valarie Findlay’s piece on body-worn cameras and the barriers that technology faces from the Canadian law enforcement organisations and the public, and Stéfanie von Hlatky and H. Christian Breede talk about how the enhancement of soldiers is more than just new gear: it is also about education.
Editor Nestor Arellano was away for a week in January to get a first-hand look at Boeing’s Super Hornet. In his article, Nestor talks about how technologies are being used in the air combat in this information age. Also in this issue, we bring you the second part of Arctic Ports for Canadian Seapower by Timothy Choi.
I am excited to announce the Game Changers for this issue: Jim Barnes from Boeing, Simon Jacques from Airbus and Brent Perrott from Hunter Communications. Both Boeing and Airbus have recently received good news about the Super Hornet and C295W respectively being selected for use by the Canadian military.
As shakers in this field, Vanguard’s editorial board feels that Barnes and Jacques are executives that have made significant contributions in positioning their companies to have the competitive edge. Perrott’s company has also made a major contribution to the space program in recent years and his leadership is playing a principal role in his team changing the game within the industry.
I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together.
Click here to view this issue.
