In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Sheldon Gillis, MSC, CD, CPSP Campaign Lead at Babcock Canada, for a deep and timely conversation about what's next for Canada's submarine future—and why sustainment is just as important as the platform itself.

With over 25 years of distinguished service in the Royal Canadian Navy—including command at sea, operational deployments across the globe, leadership roles in the Arctic, and senior oversight of naval requirements—Sheldon brings unparalleled insight into what it takes to deliver a modern, sovereign, and mission-ready submarine capability.

Together, they explore the major developments shaping the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), including the recently announced Teaming Agreement between Babcock Canada and Hanwha Ocean. This landmark partnership positions Babcock as the exclusive In-Service Support partner to Hanwha Ocean, uniting world-class submarine design and build expertise with Canada's only proven, industry-led submarine sustainment enterprise.

Listeners will hear Sheldon unpack:

· Why sustainment must be integrated from Day One, in parallel with submarine construction

· How Babcock's 17 years of experience sustaining the Victoria-class fleet will translate into value, readiness, and reliability for CPSP

· The advantages of Hanwha Ocean's in-service KSS-III submarine—a platform already operating globally

· The long-term regional and economic impact CPSP could deliver across Canada, including jobs, innovation, and STEM development

· What accountability and availability truly mean in designing a future-focused enterprise

· How Babcock's integrated sustainment approach supports a sovereign, Canadian solution that endures for generations

From operational realities at sea to the industrial partnerships required on land, this is a comprehensive look at how Canada can build not just a submarine fleet—but a lasting national capability.

Whether you're tracking CPSP, following defence industry developments, or simply interested in how major national projects take shape, this episode offers expert insight into one of the most consequential defence procurements of our time.

Tune in to Vanguard Radio for a deep dive into delivering an all-encompassing and sovereign Canadian sustainment solution.

When the stakes are high and the timeline is tight, what does leadership look like?

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones speaks with Paul Knowles, Senior Vice President and District Manager at PCL Construction, whose nearly 30-year career spans some of Canada's most demanding infrastructure projects. From the nation's capital to remote northern installations, PCL's work under Paul's leadership often unfolds in secure, mission-critical environments—where precision, collaboration, and trust aren't just valued, they're essential.

Paul shares his insights into what it takes to deliver complex defence projects under pressure, from balancing transparency with security compliance to fostering collaboration among military, government, and private-sector partners. With a background in civil and construction engineering and decades of experience leading high-performance teams, Paul offers a rare look behind the curtain at how large-scale national projects come together—and the leadership mindset that keeps them on track when the margin for error is razor-thin.

Listeners will hear stories of innovation, contingency planning, and real-time problem solving that define modern defence construction in Canada.

🎙 Key discussion topics include:

• Leading teams when every decision counts
• Balancing transparency and security requirements
• Collaborating across the defence ecosystem
• Innovations driving performance in mission-critical builds
• The future of leadership in Canada's defence infrastructure landscape

Safran is a name that is synonymous with aerospace and defense innovation and now, this global powerhouse is deepening its roots in Canada. In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Louis Girardin, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defense Canada, to explore how one of the world's oldest defense innovators is bringing new energy and cutting-edge technologies to Canada's evolving defence landscape.

Louis shares his perspective on Safran's long and storied history, the company's expanding footprint in Montreal, and the strategic role Safran Electronics & Defense plays in advancing capabilities across air, land, sea, and space. He discusses how Safran's world-class technologies—ranging from avionics and navigation to optronics and mission systems—are enabling greater interoperability and sovereignty for Canada and its allies.

The conversation also delves into the broader Canadian defense market, the challenges and opportunities facing the country as it strengthens its industrial base, and how Safran is helping to build new partnerships and capabilities for the future.

Whether you're in the defense industry, a policymaker, or a technology enthusiast, this episode offers a compelling look at how global expertise and Canadian innovation are coming together to shape the next chapter of defense excellence.

Key Discussion Points:

• Who is Safran, and what role does Safran Electronics & Defense play globally?
• How and when did Safran Electronics & Defense Canada take shape?
• The company's growing presence and operations in Montreal
• Safran's contributions to Canada's defence and technology ecosystem
• Key innovations and technologies supporting national sovereignty
• Opportunities and challenges in the Canadian market

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones speaks with Chris Lane, Senior Vice President and Area Manager at EllisDon Corporation, about how one of Canada's leading construction and infrastructure companies is helping to strengthen the nation's defence readiness.

Chris shares insights from his decade-long leadership journey with EllisDon—from his early days in the UK's construction sector to overseeing major projects in Canada for clients like the Government of Canada, Defence Construction Canada, and the Department of National Defence. He discusses EllisDon's unique approach to collaboration, innovation, and long-term value creation—factors that set the company apart in an increasingly complex defence infrastructure landscape.

Together, they explore EllisDon's role in supporting Canada's National Defence Strategy, its involvement in projects tied to NORAD modernization and the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), and how agile contract models and integrated project delivery are shaping the future of military infrastructure in Canada.

This conversation highlights how capability, collaboration, and commitment to excellence are driving EllisDon's contributions to national security and resilience.

Topics Include:

• What differentiates EllisDon in the global construction and defence markets
• How EllisDon supports Canada's evolving defence and NORAD modernization initiatives
• The company's perspective on contract models that deliver maximum value for Canadians
• How EllisDon's expertise positions it to contribute to future submarine and defence infrastructure projects

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Jim Landon, President of ATCO Frontec, and Jim Stark, Director, North of 60, ATCO Frontec, to explore the company's pivotal role in building and sustaining Canada's northern infrastructure. From the Canadian Arctic to Europe, ATCO Frontec delivers the operational backbone that supports government, defence, and industry in some of the most remote and challenging environments on Earth.

Together, they discuss how defence and civilian infrastructure needs intersect in the North, the importance of dual-use projects that bolster both national security and community resilience, and the innovative approaches required to deliver facilities management, camp services, and logistical support where conditions are extreme.

Listeners will gain insight into ATCO Frontec's deep partnerships with Indigenous communities, including its work with Nasittuq Corporation on the North Warning System and CFS Alert, as well as how these collaborations are creating lasting benefits for northern economies and people.

The conversation also looks ahead to the future of northern infrastructure development, exploring how emerging opportunities in defence modernization, sustainability, and strategic infrastructure are reshaping Canada's Arctic presence.

Whether you're interested in defence logistics, northern development, or the growing importance of public-private and Indigenous partnerships, this episode offers a compelling look at how ATCO Frontec is helping Canada build, sustain, and secure its North.

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Michael Coulter, President and CEO of Hanwha Global Defence, and Vice Admiral (Ret'd) Steve Jeong, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Naval Ship Global Business at Hanwha Ocean, to discuss one of the most significant naval programs in Canada's modern history — the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).

Hanwha Ocean's shipyard in Geoje, South Korea, is one of the world's largest and most advanced shipbuilding facilities, where the company builds the cutting-edge KSS-III submarine — a next-generation platform designed to meet the demands of modern underwater operations. With over 31,000 employees and decades of experience constructing submarines, destroyers, and advanced naval vessels, Hanwha is positioning itself as a global partner of choice for Canada's future submarine fleet.

Together, Coulter and Jeong explore:

· The advanced capabilities and Arctic readiness of the KSS-III submarine and its alignment with CPSP requirements.

· Hanwha's delivery schedule and approach to in-service support for one of the largest conventional submarine orders in decades.

· The company's industrial and economic plan for Canada, including domestic partnerships, job creation, and technology transfer.

· How Hanwha's unsolicited proposal to the Government of Canada reflects its confidence, capacity, and long-term commitment to Canadian defence sovereignty.

Listeners will also gain insights into what life is like aboard the KSS-III — from advanced automation to improved habitability for submariners — and how Hanwha's growing North American footprint, including its acquisition of Philly Shipyard, fits into a broader strategy to expand into global markets across Europe, Australia, and the Middle East.

Tune in to discover how Hanwha Ocean is not only ready to deliver submarines — but ready to help transform Canada's underwater future.

Featuring Matthew Palmer, Global Commercial Lead, Submarines at Lloyd's Register Hosted by J. Richard Jones

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, we dive beneath the surface of naval innovation with Matthew Palmer, Global Commercial Lead for Submarines at Lloyd's Register (LR). A former Royal Navy Engineering Officer who served on nuclear-powered submarines, Matthew brings unique technical insight into how LR is shaping the future of submarine safety, design, and lifecycle assurance.

From the Naval Submarine Code to LR's Submarine Assurance Framework, Palmer shares how these goal-based standards are enabling navies and shipbuilders worldwide to design, build, and sustain submarines that meet the highest levels of safety, performance, and compliance. He also discusses how LR helps navies extend the life of existing fleets, integrate emerging technologies, and adapt to a rapidly evolving underwater battlespace.

Together with host J. Richard Jones, Matthew explores questions such as:

• How does LR support both designers and operators of naval submarines?
• Why do navies turn to LR for independent assurance and compliance?
• How can standards evolve to keep pace with new technologies?
• What lessons can be drawn from LR's experience with global commercial fleets to support in-service submarines?
• How can LR assist navies in extending the operational life of ageing submarines?

Whether you're a defence professional, naval engineer, or simply fascinated by the future of undersea capability, this episode offers a deep look into how Lloyd's Register continues to define trust and technical excellence in the world's most complex marine environments.

Interview with Corey Switzer, Director, WaterTech Operations & Military Market Leader, BluMetric Environmental Inc.

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Corey Switzer, Director of WaterTech Operations and Military Market Leader at BluMetric Environmental Inc.

With over 13 years of experience delivering mission ready water in some of the world's most demanding environments, Corey shares insights into how BluMetric designs, builds, and sustains advanced water and wastewater treatment systems for the military, mining industry, and remote communities.

From the Arctic to beneath the ocean's surface, the conversation explores:

• Who is BluMetric and what they offer
• The critical importance of purpose-built water treatment systems
• Submarine water treatment and the unique challenges below the surface
• Arctic deployments and designing for extreme conditions
• Why reducing energy, space, weight, and consumables is mission critical
• The role of OEM in-service support for long-term reliability
• Water recycling and the future of sustainable solutions

Discover how BluMetric is redefining resilience and reliability in water technology—ensuring access to clean, safe water whenever and wherever it's needed.

Canada's defence landscape is evolving rapidly — from NORAD modernization to Arctic missions — and data is at the heart of the transformation. In this episode, host J. Richard Jones sits down with John Breitenbach, Director of Aerospace & Defence Markets at Real-Time Innovations (RTI), and David Pratt, Principal at David Pratt & Associates and former Canadian Minister of National Defence, to explore how a data-centric architecture is reshaping the way military systems are designed, integrated, and deployed.

Together, they dive into the most pressing developments in Canadian and U.S. defence policy, including lessons from the U.S. "Golden Dome" missile defence initiative, the growing role of AI in countering emerging threats, and the critical need for interoperability across allied forces. They examine how RTI Connext® goes beyond traditional middleware, delivering secure, resilient, and scalable solutions that support multi-domain operations and ensure Canada's Armed Forces can move fast without sacrificing long-term capability.

From Joint Fires modernization to coalition interoperability, this episode unpacks what it means for Canada to stay future-ready while fully aligned with allies. Discover why making data the most important asset is the key to building systems that endure, adapt, and thrive in the face of evolving challenges.

If you'd like to learn more, visit rti.com or contact [email protected].

In the latest episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones has the opportunity to chat with Reaghan Sunstrum, Mission Specialist at General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada and Steve Cross, also a Mission Specialist at General Dynamics Missions Systems–Canada. Their conversation revolves around the Canadian Army experience, the Canadian Army in Latvia and Battle Lab.

Reaghan Sunstrum is a Mission Specialist at General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, and a dedicated Canadian Army Reservist based in Calgary, AB. She has 16 years of service in the Army Reserves as a Signal Operator and currently holds the rank of Master Warrant Officer (MWO). She serves as the Company Sergeant Major (CSM) for 41 Service Battalion, 14 Company. Reaghan earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Mount Royal University, and her leadership and technical expertise continue to make her a valued asset in both her military and civilian roles.

Steve Cross is a Mission Specialist at General Dynamics Missions Systems–Canada and a retired Sergeant supporting the Canadian Armed Forces as a Signal Operator for 16 years. Active in both the Reserve and Regular force during that time, Steve has supported Exercises and deployments both domestically and abroad. With recent experience in Latvia both in uniform and with GD, Steve's experience helps define new capabilities and carve a way forward for the army.

General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada is one of Canada's largest and most innovative defence companies, delivering and sustaining capability for Land C5ISR. They provide advanced thinking, design expertise, and implementation know-how to equip the Canadian Armed Forces with leading-edge hardware, software, and systems.

General Dynamics' DIGITALspine mobilizes digital transformation by connecting every sensor, effector, and decision maker. It enables technological innovation at pace with mission requirements and simplifies forward capability enhancements and configurability based on evolving needs. At the edge of conflict, soldiers can securely tap into new and legacy systems while operating seamlessly with joint, interagency, and allied partners across land, air, sea, and cyber.

In this episode:

1. Transitioning from army to industry.
2. Experience behind C5ISR technology development
3. Op REASSURANCE and the Canadian Army in Latvia
4. General Dynamics' Battle Lab
5. And more!