Wednesday, February 15, 2012

DTN News - AUSTRALIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Royal Australian Air Force Super Hornets To Receive New Air Combat Training System

Defense News: DTN News -  AUSTRALIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Royal Australian Air Force Super Hornets To Receive New Air Combat Training System
>Cubic to deliver latest-generation training technology as part of a Foreign Military Sale
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Cubic Corporation
 (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 15, 2012: Cubic Defense Applications, Inc., a defense systems business of Cubic Corporation CUB -0.12%, has received a new contract valued at more than $11 million. Cubic and its principal subcontractor, DRS Training and Control Systems LLC, a unit of DRS Defense Solutions LLC, will provide the P5 Tactical Combat Training System (P5TCTS) to the Royal Australian Air Force for use in training F/A-18F Super Hornet crews.
"This new system represents a step forward for the RAAF," said Michael Rodriguez, Senior Program Manager, Air Ranges. "Australia currently operates a fourth generation Cubic air combat training system at RAAF Base Williamtown for training on its F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. The RAAF decided to purchase the fifth generation P5TCTS for use on its newest F/A-18F aircraft operating at RAAF Base Amberley. This new system will allow for interoperability with the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft that the RAAF is planning to purchase in the near future. All F-35 Joint Strike Fighters for Australia will be delivered with an on-board, internal P5 airborne subsystem."

P5TCTS for the Super Hornet will be delivered in late 2012 to RAAF Base Amberley near Brisbane, Queensland. Amberley was previously home to the RAAF's F-111 aircraft, which were recently retired from service and were replaced with two squadrons of F/A-18F Super Hornets. The RAAF's new P5TCTS will be very similar to the current U.S. Navy TCTS system and will include airborne instrumentation pods built by principal subcontractor DRS, transportable ground systems with live monitor, and portable ground subsystems, which includes Cubic's Individual Combat Aircrew Display System (ICADS) software for debriefing. For this effort Cubic, has also been contracted to provide software and hardware to ensure that the legacy Cubic-developed Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) system operating at Williamtown will be able to "merge data" to allow for postmission debriefing between the Classic Hornet and Super Hornet aircrews.

Amberley squadrons will also receive live monitoring (LM) capability. The LM enables real-time monitor and uplink control of P5TCTS-podded aircraft via Cubic's ground stations.

Cubic delivered Australia's first rangeless, instrumented air combat training system to RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales, in 2007. Cubic Defence Australia employees maintain the ACMI pods and ground stations there.

The contracting authority for the Foreign Military Sale is the Air Armament Command/EBYK (Range Instrumentation Systems Branch), Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Cubic has a number of previous international sales of P5CTS/TCTS. Additional sales are expected in the near future.

Cubic Corporation is the parent company of three major business segments: Defense Systems, Mission Support Services, and Transportation Systems. Cubic Defense Systems is a leading provider of realistic combat training systems, cyber technologies, asset tracking solutions, and defense electronics. Mission Support Services is a leading provider of training, operations, maintenance, technical, and other support services for U.S. and allied military and security forces. Cubic Transportation Systems is the world's leading provider of automated fare collection systems and services for public transit authorities. For more information about Cubic, see the company's website at www.cubic.com .

DRS Defense Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DRS Technologies, is a best-in-class provider of advanced products, services and systems integration to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors. The company is part of Finmeccanica Group (FNC.MI), which ranks among the top 10 global players in aerospace, defense and security, employing approximately 71,000 people. To learn more go towww.drs-ds.com .

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Cubic Corporation
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Pratt & Whitney Eyes Asia Growth To Offset F-35 Delays

Defense News: DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS:  Pratt & Whitney Eyes Asia Growth To Offset F-35 Delays
--Pratt & Whitney seeks to increase its post-sales operations, especially in Asia
--Company plans to expand other business segments, including securing more maintenance and repair tie-ups
--It sees headcount in Asia Pacific growing significantly in the next five to 10 years
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Chun Han Wong - Dow Jones Newswires / WSJ
 (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / SINGAPORE - February 15, 2012: U.S. aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney seeks to increase its post-sales operations, especially in Asia, to mitigate the impact of the U.S slowing its procurement of the F-35 fighter jets, President David Hess said Tuesday.
The maker of engines for the F-35 jet and a unit of conglomerate United Technologies Corp. (UTX), Pratt & Whitney is also experiencing slowing engine sales for older aircraft models, but "we've got other opportunities out there to try and fill the gap," such as by increasing after-sales repair and engineering work, and original equipment manufacturing, Hess told Dow Jones Newswires in an interview.
The U.S. intends to slow the pace of its F-35 procurement program as part of plans to slash a burgeoning deficit, even as some foreign buyers of the fighter--such as the U.K. and Italy--have signaled reductions to their orders. At the same time, Pratt & Whitney is "seeing engine delivery rates declining for some of the legacy programs, like the F-22 (fighter jet), C-17 (transport aircraft), and the F-15s and F-16s (fighters)," Hess said on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow.
The company also plans to expand its other business segments, including securing more maintenance and repair tie-ups with airlines and military clients.
It announced Tuesday at the Singapore Airshow a number of such deals, such as one with Asiana Airlines Inc. (020560.SE) to maintain engines for three of the carrier's jets, and another to provide engine maintenance for the Royal Jordanian Air Force's F-16 fighters. Pratt & Whitney also secured a contract to provide engines for Korean Air Lines Co.'s (003490.SE) five new Airbus A330 aircraft.
"We see our headcount in Asia Pacific growing significantly in the next five to ten years, particularly as we start to deliver our next generation engines and need more support here," Hess said.
The company has about 4,000 employees in Singapore, China and India, and Hess said headcount growth for this region would be "disproportionately" higher compared to that in North America, declining to give specific figures.
Commercial aviation will be Pratt & Whitney's main well of growth in this region, although military spending could also tick higher amid shifting geopolitical stakes as China expands its armed forces.
"I don't think (growth in military expenditure) will be to the same extent as we see in commercial aviation, as the military opportunities are distributed across the world," Hess said.
"But certainly we're seeing opportunities in Asia, with Japan ordering the F-35, and Singapore being a security partner on the program, and with South Korea and possibly other Asia-Pacific countries looking at acquiring aircraft," he added.



-By Chun Han Wong, Dow Jones Newswires; +65 64154 160; chunhan.wong@dowjones.com


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Chun Han Wong - Dow Jones Newswires / WSJ
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - SWISS DEFENSE NEWS: Saab Gripen Is The Preferred Choice For Switzerland












Defense News: DTN News - SWISS DEFENSE NEWS: Saab Gripen Is The Preferred Choice For Switzerland

>In a press conference today, Swiss Defence Minister Ueli Maurer reiterated Gripen E/F as the optimal solution for Switzerland.
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Federal Department of Defence - Switzerland
 (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 15, 2012:  After an initial evaluation document reached media, the Swiss Defence Minister Ueli Maurer called for a press conference 

(http://www.vbs.admin.ch/internet/vbs/de/home/documentation/news/news_detail.43408.nsb.html)to comment on the rumors that Gripen would not meet the Swiss Air Force requirements. Today, the Swiss defence authorities reconfirmed Gripen as the optimal solution for Switzerland.



On 30 November 2011, the Swiss Federal Council selected the Gripen E/F as preferred candidate to replace their present F-5 aircraft. Saab and Sweden are now in negotiations with Switzerland, optimizing the complete package and preparing for the acquisition of Gripen E/F.

Saab is confident that the Gripen package gives Switzerland what it needs in all areas, particularly in terms of a fighter that delivers the best price-to-performance ratio with a long-term and agreed development path. Saab is committed to deliver a comprehensive Industrial Package that delivers long-term benefits to all of society. The acquisition of Gripen will further strengthen the partnership between Switzerland and Sweden.

Gripen, in operational service with five air forces, is an unquestionable capable fighter system that delivers its tasks. It is a new generation, multi-role fighter aircraft which uses state-of-the-art technology. It is capable of performing an extensive range of Air-to-Air, Air-to-Surface and reconnaissance missions employing the most modern range of weapons. Gripen has been part of NATO’s QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) organization since 2005. The operating air forces have participated with Gripen in several large, international exercises (including two Red Flag exercises in the US) with very good result.

With approximately 2,000 flight hours in combat missions over Libya and delivery of close to 40 per cent of the total need of Tactical Reconnaissance in the NATO operation Unified Protector, Gripen is a very capable fighter aircraft.

Saab has been an innovation powerhouse for advanced defence and security technology for 75 years, with system knowledge and system integration as core competencies. Today, Saab has operations in more than 30 countries, while our solutions, products and services are sold to more than a hundred countries. Saab reported sales of SEK 23,498 billion and an operating margin of 12,5 per cent for the full year 2011.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Federal Department of Defence - Switzerland
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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Tuesday, February 14, 2012


          

        










DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated February 14, 2012












Defense News: DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated February 14, 2012

 Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources including latest updatesDefense News, Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News & Yahoo













(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 14, 2012: Comprehensive daily news related to Aerospace/Defense for the world of TODAY.







*Comprehensive daily news related on Aerospace/Defense for the world of TODAY







Tuesday February 14, 2012



*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources including latest updatesDefense News, Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News & Yahoo
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated February 14, 2012












Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated February 14, 2012












(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 14, 2012: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued  February  14, 2012 are undermentioned;























CONTRACTS



AIR FORCE



            The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded an $111,397,676 predominantly firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of 4,844 joint direct attack munitions.  The location of the performance is St. Charles, Mo.  Work is expected to be completed by May 2014.  AAC/EBDK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8681-12-C-0160, P00002).







            Vision Systems International, L.L.C., San Jose, Calif., is being awarded a $19,803,958 firm-fixed-price contract for night vision cueing and display standard field night vision devices for the Air Force and Navy.  Work is expected to be completed by September 2013.  AAC/WWSK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8607-11-C-2795, P00002).







NAVY



            General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $39,879,448 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee multiple award contract to provide technology insertion, software and systems engineering, modeling and simulation, testing, and integrated logistics in support of communications, information technology, and other command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) efforts.  This is one of two multiple award contracts:  both awardees will compete for task orders during the ordering period.  This three-year contract includes two, one-year options which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to $68,088,406.  Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (85 percent), and Fairfax, Va. (15 percent), and is expected to be completed Feb. 13, 2015.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was competitively procured via Request for Proposal N66001-11-R-0026 published on the Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center e-Commerce Central website, with two offers received.  Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific is the contracting activity (N66001-12-D-0060).







            Science Applications International Corp., McLean, Va., is being awarded a $34,989,671 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee multiple award contract to provide technology insertion, software and systems engineering, modeling and simulation, testing, and integrated logistics in support of communications, information technology, and other command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) efforts.  This is one of two multiple award contracts:  both awardees will compete for task orders during the ordering period.  This three-year contract includes two, one-year options which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to $59,770,489.  Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (85 percent), and McLean, Va. (15 percent), and is expected to be completed Feb. 13, 2015.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was competitively procured via Request for Proposal N66001-11-R-0026 published on the Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center e-Commerce Central website, with two offers received.  Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific is the contracting activity (N66001-12-D-0061).







            Raytheon Co., Marlborough, Mass., is being awarded a $19,861,994 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee development, cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price, time-and-material contract (N00039-04-C-0012) for in-scope enhanced polar satellite pre-planned product improvements for the Navy Multiband Terminal (NMT).  The NMT is the next generation of military satellite communications terminal to be deployed onboard submarines, ships and shore installations that provide maritime communications using the military strategic and tactical relay, advanced extremely high frequency, defense satellite communications system and wideband global satellite communications families of satellites.  This contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $979,752,906.  This contract combines purchases for the Navy (94 percent); and, under the Foreign Military Sales Program, the governments of Canada (3.5 percent), the United Kingdom (1.7 percent), and the Netherlands (0.8 percent).  Work will be performed in Largo, Fla. (83 percent), and Marlborough, Mass. (17 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 2014.  If all options are exercised, work could continue until December 2015.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The original contract was competitively procured via the Commerce Business Daily’s Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central website, with two offers received.  The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif. is the contracting activity.







            J.F. Taylor Corp., Lexington Park, Md., is being awarded a $9,043,754 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursement contract to provide systems engineering, specialized testing and evaluation for communication, navigation, and identification systems to be developed in support of the Mission Systems Evaluation Division (AIR 5.1) of the Naval Air Systems Command.  In addition, this contract will provide system integration and ongoing lifecycle support, as well as commercial air services for systems currently under development.  Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and is expected to be completed in October 2012.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1.  This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($8,618,698; 95.3 percent); the U.S. Air Force ($217,050; 2.4 percent); and, under the Foreign Military Sales Program, the government of Taiwan ($208,006; 2.3 percent).  The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-12-C-0033)







            Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $7,627,133 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-10-C-5124) for technical support, engineering support, operations, and maintenance of New Jersey Aegis sites supporting Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), Aegis Foreign Military Sales (FMS), and Navy Aegis efforts.  This contract modification will provide continuing technical engineering support, logistics, configuration management, quality assurance, operation and maintenance for Aegis program support sites.  These facilities incorporate highly integrated, classified, real-time networks that connect numerous contractor and United States government facilities required to build, integrate, and deliver computer code for Navy, BMD, and FMS efforts.  This contract includes purchases for the government of Japan (46 percent) and Spain (17 percent) under the FMS Program.  Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., and is expected to be complete by September 2012.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.







DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY



            Fort Defiance Industries, Inc.*, Loudon, Tenn., was awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity type contract with a maximum $9,000,000 for water recovery system, water heater, potable water pump, electrical panels, and portable water softener.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using services are Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  There were 455 solicitations with four responses.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2012 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Feb. 14, 2013.  The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM2DH-12-D-8205).



*Small business


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD issued No. 106-12 February 14, 2012
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing For 32 CH-47F New Build Cargo Helicopters












Defense News: DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing For 32 CH-47F New Build Cargo Helicopters

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources  DTN News & U.S. DoD February 13, 2010
 (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 14, 2012: The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pa., was awarded a $676,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure 32 CH-47F new build cargo helicopters. 



 Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2015.  

One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  

The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0098).

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources DTN News & U.S. DoD February 13, 2010
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Combined Force Captures 2 Taliban Leaders












Defense News: DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Combined Force Captures 2 Taliban Leaders





Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
 (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 14, 2012: An Afghan and coalition security force captured two Taliban leaders and a suspected insurgent during an operation in the Maidan Shar district of Afghanistan’s Wardak province today, military officials reported.

Both captured Taliban leaders directed attacks against Afghan government officials, and acquired and built improvised explosive devices for use in attacks, officials said.





In other Afghanistan operations today:



-- A combined force in Helmand province’s Musa Qal’ah district captured a Taliban leader who coordinated direct-fire and roadside-bomb attacks in the Musa Qal’ah and Sangin districts.



-- In the Shinwar district of Nangarhar province, a combined force captured a Taliban facilitator who distributed explosives, firearms and ammunition to insurgents throughout the province.








































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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 



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DTN News - CANADA DEFENSE NEWS: Damage To Submarines Much Worse Than Navy Let On Last Year












Defense News: DTN News - CANADA DEFENSE NEWS: Damage To Submarines Much Worse Than Navy Let On Last Year

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Katie DeRosa, timescolonist.com
 (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 14, 2012: Leaked photos of the Victoria-class submarine that struck bottom in Nootka Sound last year show a gaping hole in the boat's nose - damage much more severe than the Royal Canadian Navy initially let on.

The nighttime photos of HMCS Corner Brook, obtained by CBC, show a large gash shaped like an inverted triangle that pierces the rusty vessel.



The submarine ran aground on June 4, 2011, while conducting underwater manoeuvres 45 metres below the surface during advanced officer training. A navy board of inquiry found the crash was "avoidable" and that an inexperienced commanding officer, Lt. Cmdr. Paul Sutherland, had the sub more than 450 metres from its intended position.

But the navy report played down the damage, saying the boat "incurred damage to her bow and experienced minor leakage in a forward ballast tank."

Liberal Senator Colin Kenny, former head of the Senate defence committee, said he was taken aback at the level of damage.

"It was an incredible hole in the front of the boat and I was shocked at that," Kenny said in an interview Monday. "It looked about 10 or 15 feet high and maybe 10 feet wide."

The navy moved the ship from the waters of Esquimalt Harbour to the dry dock at night, and base policy prohibited CFB Esquimalt employees from taking photos of it. Media photos like the one accompanying this story captured the boat submerged in the harbour.

Kenny said naval officers have told him the hole is in the outer fibreglass shell, and does not affect the structural integrity of the submarine's crucial pressure hull.

Retired rear admiral Roger Girouard said "they are pretty ugly looking pictures, I'll grant you that." He added the torn fibreglass is similar to the plastic parts of a car that do not affect how the car runs.

HMCS Corner Brook is at the Esquimalt graving dock, awaiting repair by Victoria Shipyards.

Two submariners suffered minor bruises from the impact of the grounding, but Kenny said he's worried about the psychological repercussions for the 60 crew members after what must have been a traumatic experience.

The navy also played down the disruption in HMCS Corner Brook's training schedule. At the time of the crash, it said the boat was just three weeks away from extended maintenance period that would have it ashore until 2016.

Kenny said photos of the hole will add to the crisis in confidence Canadians feel over the submarine program, which has cost taxpayers about $900 million since the government bought four used Victoria-class vessels from Britain in 1998 for $750 million.

Not one of the four submarines is fully operational.

HMCS Windsor and HMCS Victoria are set to be certified and equipped with weapons by 2013. HMCS Chicoutimi, damaged by a fire in 2004 that killed one officer, is to be in extended maintenance until 2013 and certified a year later.

Girouard said that while it's important for Canada to have strong submarine capabilities, he can understand frustration at the growing price tag for ships sitting idle.

"For folks who aren't savvy about all the maritime issues at play right now, who already are in a place where they're not sure about the value of boats, I guess it does add to that," Girouard said.

Kenny said Canada's navy needs to ditch the battered subs and invest in new ones. Because the four boats are constantly undergoing repairs, there isn't a lot of opportunity for submariner training, Kenny said, which could lead to more serious accidents.

"Having two submarines on each coast goes a long way toward providing security for Canada. If these boats keep on having problems, we should get out of them and we should move onto something that works."

kderosa@timescolonist.com

© Copyright (c) The Victoria Times Colonist


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Katie DeRosa, timescolonist.com
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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