Conversations with Vanguard Defence

Latest Episodes:

TKMS's take on developing a sovereign Canadian sub program Oct 26, 2026

Show notes

TKMS campaign manager Holger Isbrecht discusses what comes after TKMS was named preferred supplier for Canada’s Patrol Submarine Project. He explains how the Type 212 CD program could build Canadian industrial capacity, strengthen operational sovereignty, and deepen cooperation with Germany and Norway, while stressing that delivery and readiness remain essential.

Key Topics

TKMS’s preferred-supplier selection is a milestone, but Isbrecht says the next priorities are contractual agreement, implementation preparation, trust, commitment and execution.
The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is framed as an industrial program as well as a submarine purchase, with opportunities for Canadian companies, shipyards, universities and research institutions.
The program is based on up to 12 submarines, offering potential for long-term industrial development and clearly defined responsibilities for Canadian partners.
Isbrecht emphasizes developing Canadian engineers, technicians and specialists in submarine technology, system integration and advanced manufacturing, with knowledge transfer rather than equipment delivery alone.
Building domestic maintenance, repair and support capabilities and reliable supply chains is presented as key to Canadian operational sovereignty, readiness and national security.
Canada’s potential participation in the Type 212 CD community could connect Canadian companies to European supply chains and strengthen industrial cooperation with Germany and Norway.
A common submarine platform could support shared training, operational experience and procedures among Canada, Germany and Norway, especially in the Atlantic and Arctic.
Isbrecht defines long-term success as capable submarines delivered on time, a strong Canadian submarine industry, and a partnership grounded in trust and mutual respect.

Why the Federation of Canadian Municipalities has a new defence task force Oct 21, 2026

Show notes

As Canada embarks on its largest defence spending increase in decades, the stakes are high for local communities, so the Canadian Federation of Municipalities has set up a defence task force to support national security.

In this episode of Conversations with Vanguard Defence, Kingston's Conny Glenn, co-chair of the newly launched defence task force, reveals the urgent need for municipalities to take an active role in defence planning. With over 1,100 new military positions expected to impact Kingston, the local infrastructure is under pressure – but the opportunity for collaboration is now.

Conny shares firsthand insights from her daily commute past a bustling military base and discusses the critical relationship between defence investments and community needs. You'll discover how municipalities can better prepare for the influx of military personnel and their families, from housing shortages to infrastructure demands.

We break down the importance of dual-use infrastructure projects, where civilian and military needs intersect, and how these can be funded through innovative approaches that combine various government resources. Conny also highlights the risks of inaction and why timely planning is essential for both the military and local residents to thrive together.

With national security on the line, understanding the local implications of defence spending is more important than ever. This episode is a must-listen for municipal leaders, defense policy enthusiasts, and anyone concerned about the future of their community amid rapid military expansion.

Join us as we explore how Kingston and other municipalities can ensure they are not just stakeholders but active partners in shaping the future of defense in Canada. Perfect for those looking to understand the intersection of defense and community planning, this conversation will leave you informed and inspired to take action.

Readiness is everything: Serco's Maryse Carmichael Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

In a world where military readiness is paramount, how do we prepare our forces for the rapidly evolving battlefield? Join host Steve Ladurantaye as he engages with Maryse Carmichael, a trailblazer in military aviation and leadership development, who shares insights from her remarkable journey as a former pilot and commanding officer of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.

Maryse reveals the pivotal transition from military service to her current role as director of aerospace and mission support at Serco Canada, where she is at the forefront of modernizing operational training.

Discover the unique partnership behind Team StriQ, a groundbreaking initiative that combines expertise from multiple organizations, including indigenous groups, to enhance military training for Canada. You'll learn about the Operational Training Infrastructure Enterprise Modernization (OTIEM) and how it promises to revolutionize the training of Canadian Armed Forces and allies.

You'll discover:

The critical importance of integrating indigenous perspectives in military training.
How modern technologies and collaborative training environments can ensure operational readiness against complex threats.
The economic and industrial benefits of modernizing military training and creating jobs across Canada.
The significance of interoperability with NATO and other allies, and how shared training environments are vital for success.

As Canada steps into a new era of defence, the stakes couldn't be higher. Without understanding and adapting to the complexities of modern warfare, our forces risk falling behind. This episode highlights the strategic importance of collaboration, innovation, and preparation in securing national and allied interests.

Perfect for military professionals, defence enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the future of national security, this episode is a must-listen for those who want to understand the transformation of military training in Canada. Tune in and be part of the conversation that shapes the future of defence readiness.

Babcock CEO Tony March Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

Canada’s submarine future hinges on one thing most people never see: the sprawling sustainment machine that keeps a fleet safe, available, and operational.

Tony March, CEO of Babcock Canada, explains why the Victoria-class contract extension matters, what it takes to keep aging submarines mission-ready, and how Canada can avoid losing momentum as it transitions to a new generation of boats.

March brings a rare perspective to the conversation. After 21 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, including submarine and engineering roles, he now leads the company that has spent more than 18 years supporting the Royal Canadian Navy’s submarine sustainment mission.

That experience shapes a candid discussion about what’s working, what’s hard, and what must happen next. You'll discover:

How Babcock Canadianized a UK-designed submarine supply chain into a sovereign network of 450+ suppliers
Why complex repairs, fire damage, collision damage, and major refit work are part of the real submarine sustainment challenge
What the 20-plus months of improved schedule adherence on HMCS Victoria really signals
Why transition planning matters as Canada moves from Victoria class to the future Type 212CD fleet
How engineering, training, logistics, digital tools, and project management all have to work together to create availability

Steve Ladurantaye asks Tony about the bigger strategic questions too: what Canada’s decision to select TKMS means, how industry collaboration will shape the next sustainment model, and why the future of submarine readiness depends on much more than maintenance crews and dock time.

March also breaks down how Babcock is working with Canadian small and medium businesses on AI-enabled maintenance optimization and digital twin technology, including partnerships with Ottawa-based Laris and Modest Tree.

If you care about Canadian defense, submarine capability, industrial sovereignty, or the hidden complexity behind keeping some of the world’s most demanding platforms at sea, this conversation makes the stakes clear.

Essential listening for anyone following Canada’s submarine recapitalization and the race to build long-term readiness without dropping the baton.

What it takes to maintain a submarine fleet Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

What does it take for Canada to effectively sustain its Victoria-class submarines? In this episode of the Vanguard Defense Podcast, Steve Ladurantaye sits down with Ken Cox, director of the submarine program at BMT, who brings over two decades of naval experience to the table. Ken shares groundbreaking insights into the Victoria in-service support contract (VISSC) that represent a pivotal change for the Royal Canadian Navy.

Discover how VISSC is not just a contract but a transformative approach that has introduced a skilled workforce in Canada, capable of tackling complex submarine repairs and maintenance challenges that were previously managed solely by the Navy. Ken breaks down key successes, including advancements in capabilities and obsolescence management that have improved the operational readiness of the Victoria-class fleet.

You'll hear about the unique challenges faced during extended docking work periods (EDWPs) and how each overhaul presented its own set of complexities. Ken candidly discusses the lessons learned from both successes and failures, including how a transactional relationship with the Navy has hindered deeper collaboration and trust-building.

This episode matters because understanding the intricacies of submarine sustainment is crucial for the future of Canada's naval capabilities. As we look toward the arrival of new submarines by 2033, the urgency for a trained and prepared workforce has never been higher.

Perfect for defence industry professionals, naval enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the future of maritime security, this episode provides essential insights into the operational and engineering challenges facing Canada's submarine fleet. Tune in to ensure you’re equipped with the knowledge to navigate the future of naval defense in Canada.

Telesat's race to solve one of the hardest military problems in Canada Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

Canada is racing to fix one of its hardest military problems: reliable communications in the Arctic. Bgen (retd) Michael Adamson explains how Telesat’s Lightspeed network is being built to deliver secure, low-latency connectivity for the Canadian Armed Forces, allies, and government missions that cannot afford to lose the signal.

Steve Ladurantaye sits down with Michael Adamson, Telesat’s Director of Defence Strategy and Business Development, to unpack why the new satellite communications contract is such a big deal for Canada’s defence posture.

From the geography problem of geosynchronous satellites to the promise of low Earth orbit coverage north of 65 degrees, Michael breaks down why the old model falls short and how a hybrid LEO and MEO architecture changes the game.

You’ll discover:

Why northern communications are so difficult and why legacy satellite systems struggle in the Arctic
How Telesat Lightspeed and MDA Space are adapting the Lightspeed constellation for Canadian military requirements
What “sovereign communications” actually means for Canada and allied nations
How commercial satellite infrastructure is reshaping military procurement
Why low-latency, high-bandwidth networks are becoming essential for modern, data-driven operations

Michael also explains how Telesat Lightspeed is designed to support everything from command and control to uncrewed systems, and why the concept of getting “inside the OODA loop” matters more than ever in modern defense. He shares the launch timeline, the rapid cadence of satellites going up starting in 2027, and why this program could become a bridge for allies looking for a trusted sovereign solution before their own systems come online.

This episode is especially relevant if you care about defence technology, Arctic security, satellite communications, or how governments are adapting to a more connected battlefield. If you want to understand where military communications are headed next, this is essential listening.

The New Vanguard Defence Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

The relaunched Conversations with Vanguard Defense opens with a look at what happens when a veteran journalist steps into one of Canada’s most connected and jargon-heavy industries.

Henry Louis sits down with new editor-in-chief Steve Ladurantaye to unpack the newsroom reset, the rapid-fire website overhaul, and the bigger editorial ambition behind Vanguard’s next chapter.

Steve Ladurantaye brings a rare mix of local, national, digital, and broadcast experience from the Ottawa Business Journal, Globe and Mail, Twitter, CBC, STV in Scotland, and Zonda. In this conversation, he explains what he’s already learned in his first few weeks inside defense and why the industry’s mix of acronyms, dual-use technology, and tightly woven relationships makes access and context more important than ever.

You'll hear how Vanguard plans to move beyond the press release with deeper reporting, smarter context, and more original storytelling across web, magazine, podcast, and social. Henry and Steve also talk about building a two-way relationship with the defense community, why the podcast can give developing companies and influential voices a more direct platform, and how listener feedback will shape what comes next.

We break down the opportunity in a fast-changing sector where startups, established firms, and public institutions all need better ways to connect. If you care about Canadian defense, industry storytelling, or how a legacy publication reinvents itself for a more engaged audience, this episode sets the tone for everything that follows.Perfect for defense professionals, industry watchers, founders, and anyone who wants a smarter, more accessible take on the stories shaping the sector.

Training the Future Force : AI Advantage & Scalable Simulation For Readiness May 20, 2026

Show notes

As Canada's defence ecosystem looks for faster, smarter, and more scalable ways to prepare personnel for increasingly complex operational environments, immersive training technologies are moving from the margins to the centre of readiness planning. In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones speaks with Raja Khanna, CEO of Lumeto, and Kavi Maharajh, the company's Chief Product Officer, about how Canadian-built AI-enabled simulation is reshaping training across healthcare and defence.

The conversation explores how Lumeto's immersive platform, InvolveXR, is being applied beyond clinical environments into defence medicine, emergency response, medevac preparation, and broader readiness applications. Raja and Kavi discuss the challenge of scaling high-quality training as organizations grow their workforce, the evolving role of AI in simulation environments, and how adaptive learning systems can improve both competency and operational effectiveness.

The discussion also dives into the realities of building dual-use Canadian technology, the importance of scalable and measurable training systems, and how companies like Lumeto fit into Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) ecosystem. From AI-powered virtual instructors to immersive scenario-based readiness training, this episode examines how emerging technologies are helping prepare the future force.

Whether you are a defence leader, policy-maker, industry executive, or innovation stakeholder, this episode offers an inside look at the intersection of AI, immersive simulation, healthcare training, and national readiness.

Beyond the Battlefield: Why Business Readiness Is the Real Backbone of Defence May 15, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Peter Dawe, Vice President of Defence Strategy at Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), to explore why business readiness—not just technology or equipment—is becoming one of the most critical components of Canada's defence and economic security landscape.

Drawing on more than three decades of experience in the Canadian Armed Forces and his current work supporting Canadian SMEs at BDC, Dawe offers a practical and execution-focused perspective on what it really takes for companies to succeed in defence and national-security supply chains. The conversation examines how operational discipline, governance, financial resilience and long-term sustainability often determine whether businesses can compete credibly in complex defence environments.

Jones and Dawe discuss the growing intersection between defence and economic security, the realities facing SMEs entering defence markets, and why supply chains can quickly expose weaknesses in productivity, compliance and execution. They also unpack the role Canadian small- and medium-sized businesses play in strengthening national sovereignty and defence capacity beyond major procurement programs and prime contractors.

The episode provides valuable insight for business leaders, defence suppliers and entrepreneurs considering opportunities in defence-adjacent industries, offering a grounded look at the fundamentals companies need before pursuing contracts in one of the world's most demanding sectors.

Get in touch with BDC now!

Serco - Integrating People, Processes & Technology to Deliver LVC as an Enterprise Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

Vanguard Radio host J. Richard Jones welcomes Charlie Tucker, Solutions Engineer, Serco North America, for an in-depth conversation on how Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training must evolve from isolated systems into a fully integrated enterprise capability. Drawing on Charlie's 15 years supporting modeling, simulation, testing, and acquisition programs in the LVC domain, this episode explores how Serco combines people, processes, and technology to help governments modernize readiness at scale.

Listeners will hear how Serco's service-first heritage shapes its approach to defense training, emphasizing trust, lifecycle partnership, and mission outcomes over standalone products. Charlie explains why successful LVC environments depend not just on software and hardware, but on federation, interoperability, sustainment, governance, and the skilled teams that keep complex training ecosystems operational.

The discussion also dives into Distributed Mission Operations (DMO), secure high-end fight environments, and Serco's experience supporting advanced mission networks such as NMON and JITTC. Charlie shares how synthetic environments can improve operational security, reduce cost and scheduling constraints, and create training scenarios beyond the limits of open-air ranges.

Finally, the episode examines coalition readiness, Common Data Standards (CDS), and the policy frameworks required to enable multinational training. From standards alignment to approvals and governance, Charlie outlines how Serco helps customers build enduring, scalable LVC enterprises prepared for modern multi-domain operations.

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