This Week in Defence (very tiny edition) (12/29/25): GLAAM, Blackhawks, multiple Q&A, Hanwha Lobbying, more River-class changes?

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Happy Monday Everyone!

It's a late post today! I was kinda hopeful at least one thing would pop up to make this a bit longer, but sadly not it seems. I feel bad. We have so many new people who now have to have their first newsletter be the shortest one yet! All this after last weeks broke the record lol.

It might be short, but that doesnt mean we cant have some juicy gossip!

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News

• Read up on the latest edition of CanadaxEurope!

• Also CanadaxIndo-Pacific, which is a thing! How cool is that!

• The latest edition of Steffan Watkins RCN Media and Public Awareness Update is up!

• Let's Talk with Noah (Post- Holiday Mini Edition) (12/26/25): People & Submarines, A400, Will the CDC be a new Halifax?, Jets on GLAAM

• CBC has finally learnt about the Polar-class Amphibious Assault Ships, so now we get to talk about them

• Prime Minister Carney announces new support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine

• Yes, We’re Getting New Helicopters (But Not What You Think)

• Let's Talk with Noah (12/29/25): GLAAM again, The future of AI in Naval Platforms, Tudor Replacement, Hanwha & Munitions, will the U.S. Navy grow reliant on Canada?

• In Canada’s defence: re-establishing a true militia

• Canada hired an ex-Goldman Sachs banker to revive its military. Investors are excited

• Prioritizing Canada’s investment in Arctic infrastructure

• Military considers permanent bases in Latvia as part of Canada's NATO commitment

• Ontario economic development minister focusing on defence investments in 2026

• CAE chief Matthew Bromberg sees boom years ahead for Montreal aviation training giant

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Project Updates

There are no project updates this week!

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Lobbying Updates

• L3Harris Technologies Canada has filed a new record with Sandstone Group Seeking procurement and defence requirement information in order to provide strategic advice as appropriate on various defence contract opportunities.

• Terrestar Solutions has filed a new record with Compass Rose Group looking to engage the Federal Government onnthe need to replace the need for foreign satellite technology and spectrum allocation and investments in satellite technology and made-in-Canada innovations.

• Hanwha Ocean has filed a new record with CFN Consultants looking to engage the Federal Government on future naval procurement opportunities with a focus on the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project

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Rumors & Speculation

​• Several of you have asked us about rumors regarding the Leonardo OTO 127/64 LW VULCANO onnthe River-class. We cannot confirm at this time if it is 100%, however I do deem it credible enough to say that the navy has likely reverted back to the BAE Mark 45 gun found on the rest of the Type 26. While we can't confirm all the reasons it seems like Integration and weight saving were the primary reasons behind this switch, as the River-class attempts to save up as much space and weight as possible. It is also likely there were some integration issues but I stress that this doesnt seem to be the main reason.

• On the flip side, we have heard no credible rumors regarding dropping the Lionfish 30mm system. As far as I know this remains unchanged.

• Expect nTACS news relatively shortly. Same with news on the Cyclone.

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