As a maritime nation, Canada is surrounded by three oceans, and as such, its defence and ability to operate in the underwater domain, including the Arctic is vital and of utmost national strategic interest. Given the importance of this domain, over the past few months we have been working on the launch of a new event – DeepBlue Forum – to provide a platform to address this area. DeepBlue Forum will provide government, military, and industry with the opportunity to learn about new trends, discuss emerging and disruptive technology and new developments in the underwater domain and submarines.
But as is the case with all events over the past few months, COVID-19 has imposed some restrictions for gatherings and face-to-face meetings. In keeping with the new regulations in place and to ensure the safety of our event participants, I’m excited to announce that we have moved this conference to a virtual event model, where both speakers and attendees can attend remotely in a virtual setting.
By partnering with a leading virtual event platform, Vanguard is able to bring you rich interactive tools such as audio, video, text chat, and one-on-one online networking in an immersive environment to keep the conversation going before, during, and after the event. This event platform provides a simulation of a physical event with a stunning virtual lobby, auditorium, exhibit hall, and networking lounge. Attendees can easily navigate the venue, view presentations, ask questions, chat with speakers and attendees in a group chat or a one-on-one setting, and visit virtual booths.
DeepBlue Forum 2020 will take place on October 29-30 as an immersive and interactive event. Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing more information on how you can attend this new underwater event.
To set the stage for discussions that will take place at DeepBlue, we have two articles on submarines and underwater. In the cover article, Norman Jolin, a 37-year Royal Canadian Navy veteran, writes about the dilemma that Canada faces in acquiring new submarines. Given the point that Canada is very unlikely to invest in nuclear-powered submarines, then the question to ask is, how can we patrol our three borders effectively and meet the power requirements for lengthy operations in the Arctic and abroad? Capt(N) Jolin (Ret’d) provides an option for Canada to go beyond ice-edge operations and conduct prolonged operations under the ice by using a combination of evolving power generation/storage and unmanned underwater vehicles. Be sure to read this interesting article to learn more.
To keep the Victoria-class submarines operational into the mid-2030s, Canada is partnering with industry so that these submarines can be well-equipped and have the capabilities to patrol over vast areas. In our interview with Capt(N) Keith Coffen, Director Maritime Equipment Program Management (Submarines), hear about some of the challenges to keep the Victoria-class submarines operationally relevant, their maintenance cycles, how industry can help with equipment spares, the Victoria-class Modernization program, power generation and storage, the integration of unmanned underwater vehicles into submarines, and submarine rescue systems.
To round off this issue, we have articles on the accelerated need for digital transformation brought about by COVID-19, a look at some of the cyber risks and consequences of Canada’s defence policy, and cybersecurity has been implemented in our work environment so that we can be future-ready, but was it pandemic ready?
Finally, I would like to introduce two new Vanguard Game Changers – Alberto Da Anunciacao and Jozsef Hamari – executives who are leading some wonderful initiatives within their respective companies.
Thanks for taking the time to read this issue.
