By: Aaron Mehta, Defense News
BRUSSELS — Poland and Canada have agreed to join a coalition of NATO countries seeking to jointly buy a fleet of maritime surveillance aircraft.
The two countries bring the total number of nations investing in the Multinational Maritime Multi Mission Aircraft Capabilities program to eight. The program launched with France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain and Turkey in June 2017.
“This joint effort recognizes the fact that the majority of Allies’ maritime patrol aircraft fleets will be reaching the end of their operational lives between 2025 and 2035,“ NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller said in a statement through the alliance.
Canada has decided to rejoin NATO’s airborne warning and control system program program, while Belgium has agreed to buy into the alliance’s tanker program — a pair of moves expected to strengthen NATO’s indigenous air capability.
By: David Pugliese, Aaron Mehta
However, Gottemoeller emphasized that “the goal here isn’t just a drawing board design — we need a new generation of aircraft, in the air, fulfilling what is an increasingly important mission.”
And indeed, the program is still in the earliest stages, and it is unclear what may actually come from it.
The NATO announcement notes that the partners have been working to “define a common requirements document,” with the goal of having those requirements laid out by the end of this year.
In terms of potential aircraft, Boeing will undoubtedly encourage the partners to buy the P-8, which is already operated by the U.S., U.K. and Norway.
Those three NATO partners have an agreement on joint procurement for maintenance and equipment on that plane, which could potentially be expanded for the eight nations in the MMMA program.
Additionally, the U.S. is close to beginning construction at the Keflavik base in Iceland to allow the P-8 to be stationed there to better monitor the Atlantic for Russian submarine activity, a big enough priority for NATO as it moves to increase its focus on maritime security.
However, Airbus is likely to offer its A319 maritime patrol aircraft option, which could appeal to the European nations in the program.
Additionally, Canada is embroiled in a spat with Boeing due to the American company’s battle with Canadian commercial aviation giant Bombardier. The row has already cost Boeing an expected sale of F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters; as a result, Canada may not be enthusiastic about buying the P-8.
Along those lines, the Saab Swordfish — based on a Bombardier Global 6000 body — would likely be another contender. The company has marketed the plane as having four “NATO-compatible hardpoints” that can accommodate up to six lightweight torpedoes for anti-submarine operations.
Showing posts with label Canada and Poland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canada and Poland. Show all posts
Friday, February 16, 2018
Monday, August 21, 2017
CAF wraps up three year mission in Poland
DND Press Release
On August 17, the Land Task Force (LTF) in Poland completed its successful three-year mission on Operation Reassurance with an end of mission parade in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland.
Various rotations of troops have served on Canada’s LTF in Poland since May 2014, and have participated in military exercises throughout the region to improve interoperability with Allies and demonstrate NATO’s resolve to protect Alliance territories and partners. Op Reassurance refers to the military activities undertaken by the CAF since 2014 to support NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Eastern and Central Europe with the aim of reassuring nations in the region of NATO’s commitment to support their stability and security.
Canada will continue to support NATO Allies in Europe by leading the enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup (eFP BG), which was stood up in June 2017 at Camp Adazi, Latvia. Canada is one of four Framework Nations supporting NATO’s aim to preserve peace and prevent conflict in Eastern and Central Europe.
“Canada is a strong supporter of NATO and is committed to doing its part as a member of the Alliance. Over the last three years, the Land Task Force in Poland has demonstrated Canada’s commitment to security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe, and that commitment continues through our many activities under Operation Reassurance, ” said Lieutenant-General Stephen Bowes, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command.
The last rotation of the LTF, which served in Poland for about six months, is comprised of about 200 CAF soldiers mainly from 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry out of Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, Alberta.
Following the LTF’s mission completion in Poland, the troops will redeploy to Canada while some of the equipment will be transferred to Latvia in support of the CAF led eFP BG.
CAF soldiers from the last rotation of the LTF took part in Exercise Allied Spirit VI in Hohenfels, Germany, from March 7 to March 30, 2017, working closely with soldiers from Allied countries and Partners for Peace.
From April 24 to May 4, 2017, an infantry company from the LTF participated in Exercise Platinum Eagle 17-2 hosted by the Romanian Land Forces in the Babadag Training Area, Romania.
A small team of snipers from the LTF took part in Exercise Spring Storm in Estonia from May 9 to 24, 2017. They trained with soldiers from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom under the lead of the Estonian Defence Forces.
The LTF took part in Exercise Sabre Strike from June 4 to 15, 2017, in Orzysz, Poland, which was hosted by the Polish Armed Forces. Units from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Germany, and the United States, among others, also took part.
From July 13 to 24, 2017, the LTF participated in Exercise Saber Guardian. Under the US Army’s lead, troops from Canada, Greece, Italy, and Romania trained in air mobile and air assault operations in a global context.
On August 17, the Land Task Force (LTF) in Poland completed its successful three-year mission on Operation Reassurance with an end of mission parade in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland.
Various rotations of troops have served on Canada’s LTF in Poland since May 2014, and have participated in military exercises throughout the region to improve interoperability with Allies and demonstrate NATO’s resolve to protect Alliance territories and partners. Op Reassurance refers to the military activities undertaken by the CAF since 2014 to support NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Eastern and Central Europe with the aim of reassuring nations in the region of NATO’s commitment to support their stability and security.
Canada will continue to support NATO Allies in Europe by leading the enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup (eFP BG), which was stood up in June 2017 at Camp Adazi, Latvia. Canada is one of four Framework Nations supporting NATO’s aim to preserve peace and prevent conflict in Eastern and Central Europe.
“Canada is a strong supporter of NATO and is committed to doing its part as a member of the Alliance. Over the last three years, the Land Task Force in Poland has demonstrated Canada’s commitment to security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe, and that commitment continues through our many activities under Operation Reassurance, ” said Lieutenant-General Stephen Bowes, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command.
The last rotation of the LTF, which served in Poland for about six months, is comprised of about 200 CAF soldiers mainly from 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry out of Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, Alberta.
Following the LTF’s mission completion in Poland, the troops will redeploy to Canada while some of the equipment will be transferred to Latvia in support of the CAF led eFP BG.
CAF soldiers from the last rotation of the LTF took part in Exercise Allied Spirit VI in Hohenfels, Germany, from March 7 to March 30, 2017, working closely with soldiers from Allied countries and Partners for Peace.
From April 24 to May 4, 2017, an infantry company from the LTF participated in Exercise Platinum Eagle 17-2 hosted by the Romanian Land Forces in the Babadag Training Area, Romania.
A small team of snipers from the LTF took part in Exercise Spring Storm in Estonia from May 9 to 24, 2017. They trained with soldiers from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom under the lead of the Estonian Defence Forces.
The LTF took part in Exercise Sabre Strike from June 4 to 15, 2017, in Orzysz, Poland, which was hosted by the Polish Armed Forces. Units from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Germany, and the United States, among others, also took part.
From July 13 to 24, 2017, the LTF participated in Exercise Saber Guardian. Under the US Army’s lead, troops from Canada, Greece, Italy, and Romania trained in air mobile and air assault operations in a global context.
Monday, November 21, 2016
Canadian Polish Congress Seeking Permission for Snowbird Fly-Over at June Pilgrimage
By Scott Rosts, Niagra-on-the-Lake Town Courier
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE — The Canadian Polish Congress is hoping to make a milestone commemoration even more special with the help of the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds.
Each year the Canadian Polish Congress holds a pilgrimage in Niagara-on-the-Lake to commemorate the efforts of the Polish, Canadian, and American volunteers who joined the Polish army units formed in our region to help Poland in its struggle to regain independence in 1918. With the 100th anniversary pilgrimage being planned for June, 11, 2017, the Canadian Polish Congress is hoping for a flyby by the Snowbirds.
As part of their request, organizers must seek approval from the Town to permit the aircrafts to fly as low as 500 feet at the beginning or end of the ceremony in the Polish cemetery in Old Town.
Councillors approved the request, which still needs to go to council next Monday night to be ratified, but not unanimously. Coun. Jamie King said while he supports the event and thinks it’s “a wonderful idea in principle”, he can’t support the flyby.
“I am uncomfortable approving a 500-foot fly over a residential area. I think that’s unusual,” said King, noting displays are more appropriate over fields, bodies of water and unpopulated areas.
Coun. Paolo Miele noted, however, that there are many aircrafts that come into the Niagara District Airport under 1,000 feet on a daily basis.
Lord Mayor Pat Darte said he had a meeting on the proposed flyby on Monday, and there is a “very regimented” manner the Snowbirds follow, adding there wouldn’t be any aerial maneuvers, just a simple flyover.
“I understand your concern but I think … it’s a pretty straight-forward request,” said Darte. “I learned everything about how they do it, what they do. The rules are so stringent for these guys, it’s impossibly virtual to fail.”
Should the town provide final approval the Canadian Polish Congress can finalize its request for the flyby. Should the Snowbirds flyby be approved, the town says it will notify the residents about the activities and the potential noise resulting from the flyby next June.
The Snowbirds recently visited Niagara-on-the-Lake in September. The iconic flying team did a photo shoot over Niagara Falls and did flyovers throughout the region, before making a brief stop at the Niagara District Airport. At the time, Darte said he had hoped to welcome the Snowbirds back to town in 2017.
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE — The Canadian Polish Congress is hoping to make a milestone commemoration even more special with the help of the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds.
Each year the Canadian Polish Congress holds a pilgrimage in Niagara-on-the-Lake to commemorate the efforts of the Polish, Canadian, and American volunteers who joined the Polish army units formed in our region to help Poland in its struggle to regain independence in 1918. With the 100th anniversary pilgrimage being planned for June, 11, 2017, the Canadian Polish Congress is hoping for a flyby by the Snowbirds.
As part of their request, organizers must seek approval from the Town to permit the aircrafts to fly as low as 500 feet at the beginning or end of the ceremony in the Polish cemetery in Old Town.
Councillors approved the request, which still needs to go to council next Monday night to be ratified, but not unanimously. Coun. Jamie King said while he supports the event and thinks it’s “a wonderful idea in principle”, he can’t support the flyby.
“I am uncomfortable approving a 500-foot fly over a residential area. I think that’s unusual,” said King, noting displays are more appropriate over fields, bodies of water and unpopulated areas.
Coun. Paolo Miele noted, however, that there are many aircrafts that come into the Niagara District Airport under 1,000 feet on a daily basis.
Lord Mayor Pat Darte said he had a meeting on the proposed flyby on Monday, and there is a “very regimented” manner the Snowbirds follow, adding there wouldn’t be any aerial maneuvers, just a simple flyover.
“I understand your concern but I think … it’s a pretty straight-forward request,” said Darte. “I learned everything about how they do it, what they do. The rules are so stringent for these guys, it’s impossibly virtual to fail.”
Should the town provide final approval the Canadian Polish Congress can finalize its request for the flyby. Should the Snowbirds flyby be approved, the town says it will notify the residents about the activities and the potential noise resulting from the flyby next June.
The Snowbirds recently visited Niagara-on-the-Lake in September. The iconic flying team did a photo shoot over Niagara Falls and did flyovers throughout the region, before making a brief stop at the Niagara District Airport. At the time, Darte said he had hoped to welcome the Snowbirds back to town in 2017.
Friday, July 8, 2016
Canada to Send 450 Troops, Armored Vehicles, Frigates, and Jets to Lativia
Lee Berthiaume, The Canadian Press
WARSAW, Poland — Canada is sending hundreds of troops to Latvia for the long haul.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced at the NATO leaders' summit in Poland on Friday that Canada will take command of a 1,000-strong multinational force in Latvia, as the alliance beefs up its presence in the Baltics and Poland in response to recent Russian actions.
Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, defence chief Gen. Jonathan Vance revealed that Canada will send about 450 soldiers along with armoured vehicles to the Baltic state as part of an "enduring" NATO presence in Eastern Europe.
The Canadians will form the "nucleus" of a battlegroup in Latvia, Vance said, that with the addition of forces from other allies, is expected to grow to about 1,000 troops. Germany, the United States and Britain are leading similar forces in Lithuania, Poland and Estonia.
Allies are expected to begin announcing contributions at a conference next week, while officials indicated the first Canadian troops could begin arriving in Latvia early next year. Vance couldn't say how long they would stay.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg "has been clear this is an open-ended commitment," Vance said. "And so Canada has committed to that. We'll take it as it comes. But it is intended to be enduring."
There had already been fears NATO and Russia are on the brink of a new Cold War, if they aren't already in one. The lack of any clear timetable for when Canadian troops will come home from Eastern Europe may well add to those comparisons.
In addition to the troops, Canada will deploy up to six CF-18s to Europe on an occasional basis to help patrol allied airspace. It will also continue sending naval frigates to the region, as it has done since April 2014.
The combined efforts will bring the number of Canadian military personnel in Eastern Europe at any given time up to a maximum of 800, which the government says is Canada's largest sustained military deployment to the continent in over a decade.
Appearing with Vance, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan pushed back on the Cold War comparisons.
"This is about sending a right message of cohesion within NATO," he said, "giving confidence to member states, and showing how important deterrence is so we can get back to a responsible dialogue."
Speaking to reporters earlier in the day, Stoltenberg said alliance members "don't want a new Cold War. The Cold War is history and it should remain history."
However, the NATO chief also said the world has seen a more assertive Russia that is willing to use military force, as exemplified by its annexations of Crimea and support for separatists in Ukraine. He said that is why the deployment of allied forces into Eastern Europe is necessary.
"They will send a clear message that an attack on one ally will be an attack on the whole alliance," Stoltenberg said. "I believe this approach, with defence and dialogue, is the only viable long-term approach to Russia."
Eastern Europe allies had been asking NATO to bolster its presence in the region as a deterrent against Russia trying to destabilize them in the same way it did Ukraine. That includes crossing into their territory, inciting Russian speakers within their borders and cyber attacks.
Russia has denied any such intentions, and instead has accused NATO of instigating the current standoff by expanding into former Soviet territory and trying to undermine its sphere of influence. It has also warned against any military build-up on its borders.
WARSAW, Poland — Canada is sending hundreds of troops to Latvia for the long haul.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced at the NATO leaders' summit in Poland on Friday that Canada will take command of a 1,000-strong multinational force in Latvia, as the alliance beefs up its presence in the Baltics and Poland in response to recent Russian actions.
Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, defence chief Gen. Jonathan Vance revealed that Canada will send about 450 soldiers along with armoured vehicles to the Baltic state as part of an "enduring" NATO presence in Eastern Europe.
The Canadians will form the "nucleus" of a battlegroup in Latvia, Vance said, that with the addition of forces from other allies, is expected to grow to about 1,000 troops. Germany, the United States and Britain are leading similar forces in Lithuania, Poland and Estonia.
Allies are expected to begin announcing contributions at a conference next week, while officials indicated the first Canadian troops could begin arriving in Latvia early next year. Vance couldn't say how long they would stay.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg "has been clear this is an open-ended commitment," Vance said. "And so Canada has committed to that. We'll take it as it comes. But it is intended to be enduring."
There had already been fears NATO and Russia are on the brink of a new Cold War, if they aren't already in one. The lack of any clear timetable for when Canadian troops will come home from Eastern Europe may well add to those comparisons.
In addition to the troops, Canada will deploy up to six CF-18s to Europe on an occasional basis to help patrol allied airspace. It will also continue sending naval frigates to the region, as it has done since April 2014.
The combined efforts will bring the number of Canadian military personnel in Eastern Europe at any given time up to a maximum of 800, which the government says is Canada's largest sustained military deployment to the continent in over a decade.
Appearing with Vance, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan pushed back on the Cold War comparisons.
"This is about sending a right message of cohesion within NATO," he said, "giving confidence to member states, and showing how important deterrence is so we can get back to a responsible dialogue."
Speaking to reporters earlier in the day, Stoltenberg said alliance members "don't want a new Cold War. The Cold War is history and it should remain history."
However, the NATO chief also said the world has seen a more assertive Russia that is willing to use military force, as exemplified by its annexations of Crimea and support for separatists in Ukraine. He said that is why the deployment of allied forces into Eastern Europe is necessary.
"They will send a clear message that an attack on one ally will be an attack on the whole alliance," Stoltenberg said. "I believe this approach, with defence and dialogue, is the only viable long-term approach to Russia."
Eastern Europe allies had been asking NATO to bolster its presence in the region as a deterrent against Russia trying to destabilize them in the same way it did Ukraine. That includes crossing into their territory, inciting Russian speakers within their borders and cyber attacks.
Russia has denied any such intentions, and instead has accused NATO of instigating the current standoff by expanding into former Soviet territory and trying to undermine its sphere of influence. It has also warned against any military build-up on its borders.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Canada considering European troop commitment
By: Murray Brewster, CBC News
Canada's participation in the Baltic operation was discussed Tuesday by the military alliance's defence ministers, including Canada's Harjit Sajjan, at a meeting in Brussels.
This comes just days after the Canadian Security Intelligence Service quietly released an open-sourced global security analysis warning, among other things, that the hard-line policies of Russian President Vladimir Putin are becoming more deeply entrenched and that Moscow is retooling its military for a fight.
The U.S., Britain and Germany publicly committed to the force on Tuesday, but federal sources said that while Canada has not yet made a decision, an answer could come soon and that Canada "supports what NATO is doing in the region."
Putin 'is modernizing conventional military capability on a large scale'
CSIS warns Russia is 'mobilizing for war'
The Trudeau government is considering a request to commit hundreds of troops to eastern Europe and take part command of a new NATO force being assembled to deter Russian aggression.Canada's participation in the Baltic operation was discussed Tuesday by the military alliance's defence ministers, including Canada's Harjit Sajjan, at a meeting in Brussels.
This comes just days after the Canadian Security Intelligence Service quietly released an open-sourced global security analysis warning, among other things, that the hard-line policies of Russian President Vladimir Putin are becoming more deeply entrenched and that Moscow is retooling its military for a fight.
The U.S., Britain and Germany publicly committed to the force on Tuesday, but federal sources said that while Canada has not yet made a decision, an answer could come soon and that Canada "supports what NATO is doing in the region."
 |
| Troops from Canada's 3rd Division participate at a NATO-led exercise with the U.S. Army's 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team and Poland's 6th Airborne Brigade. Canada is considering a request to supply troops for a new NATO force in the Baltics. (Kacper Pempel/Reuters) |
Related:
NATO vs. Putin sabre-rattling raises Cold War concerns
Crimean leader urges strong sanctions against Russia
Up to 4,000 troops are envisioned for the force, but the number coming from Canada, along with the type of equipment and vehicles that would be involved, is still being assessed.
The federal cabinet is expected to meet again on Wednesday but it is unclear whether the NATO request is on the agenda.
At the moment, just under 200 Canadian troops are involved in a massive drill — Exercise Anakonda — alongside Polish, Turkish and American forces near a base in Poland.
The Harper government committed Canada to a regular rotation of ground forces for exercises under the NATO's Operation Reassurancebanner following Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea.
But the new proposal goes a step further with the creation of four battalions, which would rotate through bases in eastern Europe and the Baltics, and be on standby for emergencies.
The contingent would be backed by NATO's highly mobile, 40,000-strong rapid reaction force.
Baltic states could be overrun
Federal sources said Tuesday that it's not been decided where Canadian troops might be based, although published reports in Europe, quoting diplomatic sources, offered up two possible locations Poland or Latvia.
The Rand Corporation, a non-partisan U.S. think-tank, released a report last winter suggesting the proposed NATO force would simply be a speed bump for the Russian army should fighting take place. It said the Baltic states — Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania — could conceivably be overrun with 60 hours unless the West was willing to station several, heavily armoured brigades in the tiny nations.
Even before the contingent is finalized, political leaders in the Baltics have privately complained it is too small, according to published reports in Europe.
The request by NATO and the U.S. to fill one of the four slots took some in Ottawa by surprise, where the notion wasn't on the radar as little as two months ago, said one source with knowledge of the file.
It is expected the government will signal its intentions before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau goes to the NATO leaders summit in Warsaw next month.
The potential commitment is unfolding against the backdrop of an increasingly unpredictable Russian regime, said a security analysis released last week by the Canada's spy agency.
Russia 'mobilizing for war'
The report is a distillation of open source academic research and evaluations and not based on internal CSIS assessments.
It does however use stark language, and warned decision-makers not to treat Putin's rearmament drive lightly.
"Russia is not modernizing its military primarily to extend its capacity to pursue hybrid warfare," the 104 page report said, referring to the Kremlin's use of irregular tactics to take over Crimea. "It is modernizing conventional military capability on a large scale; the state is mobilizing for war."
The West has primarily responded to the annexation and Moscow's support of separatists in eastern Ukraine with economic sanctions.
The prevailing wisdom is that fiscal pain will bring Putin around, but the report dismissed that notion, saying two years after war erupted in Ukraine, the Kremlin "appears to be coherent, durable and united" at the centre.
"Western assessments that Russia is vulnerable to economic collapse and disruptive internal discontent are exaggerated," said the assessment, titled 2018 Security Outlook.
"Russia is adapting to adversity; the economy is deliberately tilted to security rather than economic freedom."
Polish president wants more Canadian troops
Crimean leader urges strong sanctions against Russia
Up to 4,000 troops are envisioned for the force, but the number coming from Canada, along with the type of equipment and vehicles that would be involved, is still being assessed.
The federal cabinet is expected to meet again on Wednesday but it is unclear whether the NATO request is on the agenda.
At the moment, just under 200 Canadian troops are involved in a massive drill — Exercise Anakonda — alongside Polish, Turkish and American forces near a base in Poland.
The Harper government committed Canada to a regular rotation of ground forces for exercises under the NATO's Operation Reassurancebanner following Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea.
But the new proposal goes a step further with the creation of four battalions, which would rotate through bases in eastern Europe and the Baltics, and be on standby for emergencies.
The contingent would be backed by NATO's highly mobile, 40,000-strong rapid reaction force.
Baltic states could be overrun
Federal sources said Tuesday that it's not been decided where Canadian troops might be based, although published reports in Europe, quoting diplomatic sources, offered up two possible locations Poland or Latvia.
The Rand Corporation, a non-partisan U.S. think-tank, released a report last winter suggesting the proposed NATO force would simply be a speed bump for the Russian army should fighting take place. It said the Baltic states — Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania — could conceivably be overrun with 60 hours unless the West was willing to station several, heavily armoured brigades in the tiny nations.
Even before the contingent is finalized, political leaders in the Baltics have privately complained it is too small, according to published reports in Europe.
The request by NATO and the U.S. to fill one of the four slots took some in Ottawa by surprise, where the notion wasn't on the radar as little as two months ago, said one source with knowledge of the file.
It is expected the government will signal its intentions before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau goes to the NATO leaders summit in Warsaw next month.
The potential commitment is unfolding against the backdrop of an increasingly unpredictable Russian regime, said a security analysis released last week by the Canada's spy agency.
Russia 'mobilizing for war'
The report is a distillation of open source academic research and evaluations and not based on internal CSIS assessments.
It does however use stark language, and warned decision-makers not to treat Putin's rearmament drive lightly.
"Russia is not modernizing its military primarily to extend its capacity to pursue hybrid warfare," the 104 page report said, referring to the Kremlin's use of irregular tactics to take over Crimea. "It is modernizing conventional military capability on a large scale; the state is mobilizing for war."
The West has primarily responded to the annexation and Moscow's support of separatists in eastern Ukraine with economic sanctions.
The prevailing wisdom is that fiscal pain will bring Putin around, but the report dismissed that notion, saying two years after war erupted in Ukraine, the Kremlin "appears to be coherent, durable and united" at the centre.
"Western assessments that Russia is vulnerable to economic collapse and disruptive internal discontent are exaggerated," said the assessment, titled 2018 Security Outlook.
"Russia is adapting to adversity; the economy is deliberately tilted to security rather than economic freedom."
Polish president wants more Canadian troops
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Poland wants more CAF Troops to Deter Russian Aggression
By Jennifer Chevalier, CBC News
Poland's president says he hopes Canada will increase its military presence in his country in order to help deter Russian aggression.
In an interview with CBC News Network's Power & Politics, Andrzej Duda said it is "beyond any doubt" that Russia has an "expansionist, imperial policy," and he would like to see Canada increase its military personnel and equipment in Poland.
Poland's president says he hopes Canada will increase its military presence in his country in order to help deter Russian aggression.
In an interview with CBC News Network's Power & Politics, Andrzej Duda said it is "beyond any doubt" that Russia has an "expansionist, imperial policy," and he would like to see Canada increase its military personnel and equipment in Poland.
 |
| A CAF member looks on as a Polish soldier fires a C9 machine gun at the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area in Poland during Operation REASSURANCE on March 15, 2016. (Photo: Master Corporal Andrew Davis, Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force Imagery Technician) |
Related:
Polish president urges NATO to bolster eastern flank
Boost military spending, former NATO commander says
Cold War-style hotline proposed
Western allies are considering sending about 4,000 additional troops to the Baltic states and Poland on a rotational basis. The move is being worked out ahead of a NATO conference in July, which Duda is hosting in Warsaw.
Asked if this number of troops would satisfy Poland's concern about Russian aggression, Duda said he would like to see more.
"This is a big group of soldiers," he said through a translator, adding, "I would like them to be joined by soldiers from other NATO member states … also by Canadian soldiers."
Canada has 220 troops stationed in Europe as part of NATO's Operation Reassurance. They are due to come home at the end of June. Duda is touring NATO member states to lobby for the troop increase ahead of the July summit.
Concerns over Polish democracy
Duda's request comes as the European Union has issued its own demands of Poland.
Since its election last year, the conservative Law and Justice Party has been criticized for attempting to rein in the Polish Constitutional Court.
After it took power, Duda's government refused to seat judges appointed by the previous government, appointing its own judges instead. It later amended legislation to effectively curtail the power of the top court.
The issue has led to ongoing protests in Poland. Tens of thousands took to the streets in Warsaw this past weekend.
The ruling party has also been accused of taking control of the country's public media. Poland's treasury minister is now in charge of hiring — and firing — public TV and radio management.
Last month, the EU called on Poland's government to respect democracy. Members of the European Parliament passed a resolution saying the paralysis of the country's top court poses a danger to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Political conflicts
Duda rejects the accusations that Poland's democracy is crumbling. He concedes there is a "political conflict" over the constitutional court, but nothing more sinister than that. Rather, he says it's the opposition party that is disappointed by its recent loss of power that is trying to use its connections in the European Parliament to stir up trouble.
"They are using that influence. Very often they are depicting the situation in our country in a false way," Duda said.
"The fact that people are free to demonstrate, the fact that nobody interferes with the demonstrations, the fact that there is absolute freedom of speech, this is a testament to the democratic system in Poland," Duda said.
When asked if NATO member states could put pressure on Poland to respect the rule of law in return for the military presence it is requesting, Duda insists these are two separate issues.
He said that on the one hand, "temporary political conflict … is just normal in every democratic state." On the other hand is military security, which Duda characterizes as much more important.
"Political disputes like the one we're going through in Poland are just temporary and passing," he said. "I don't think that wise politicians would like to combine these two things in any way."
Meeting Trudeau
Duda met Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday to discuss security and trade issues. The Prime Minister's Office did not respond by the time of publication when asked if Trudeau brought up the EU's rebuke of Poland over democracy concerns.
Duda, 43, said he had "a very good conversation" with Trudeau. They had met briefly at the nuclear security summit in Washington in March, where Trudeau noted that with Duda attending, he was no longer the youngest leader in the room.
"I think we have a similar view of the world," Duda said of Trudeau. "Of course we might differ in our views, but we have this young outlook on the world. We try to look very far into the future, both of us."
Boost military spending, former NATO commander says
Cold War-style hotline proposed
Western allies are considering sending about 4,000 additional troops to the Baltic states and Poland on a rotational basis. The move is being worked out ahead of a NATO conference in July, which Duda is hosting in Warsaw.
Asked if this number of troops would satisfy Poland's concern about Russian aggression, Duda said he would like to see more.
"This is a big group of soldiers," he said through a translator, adding, "I would like them to be joined by soldiers from other NATO member states … also by Canadian soldiers."
Canada has 220 troops stationed in Europe as part of NATO's Operation Reassurance. They are due to come home at the end of June. Duda is touring NATO member states to lobby for the troop increase ahead of the July summit.
Concerns over Polish democracy
Duda's request comes as the European Union has issued its own demands of Poland.
Since its election last year, the conservative Law and Justice Party has been criticized for attempting to rein in the Polish Constitutional Court.
After it took power, Duda's government refused to seat judges appointed by the previous government, appointing its own judges instead. It later amended legislation to effectively curtail the power of the top court.
The issue has led to ongoing protests in Poland. Tens of thousands took to the streets in Warsaw this past weekend.
The ruling party has also been accused of taking control of the country's public media. Poland's treasury minister is now in charge of hiring — and firing — public TV and radio management.
Last month, the EU called on Poland's government to respect democracy. Members of the European Parliament passed a resolution saying the paralysis of the country's top court poses a danger to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Political conflicts
Duda rejects the accusations that Poland's democracy is crumbling. He concedes there is a "political conflict" over the constitutional court, but nothing more sinister than that. Rather, he says it's the opposition party that is disappointed by its recent loss of power that is trying to use its connections in the European Parliament to stir up trouble.
"They are using that influence. Very often they are depicting the situation in our country in a false way," Duda said.
"The fact that people are free to demonstrate, the fact that nobody interferes with the demonstrations, the fact that there is absolute freedom of speech, this is a testament to the democratic system in Poland," Duda said.
When asked if NATO member states could put pressure on Poland to respect the rule of law in return for the military presence it is requesting, Duda insists these are two separate issues.
He said that on the one hand, "temporary political conflict … is just normal in every democratic state." On the other hand is military security, which Duda characterizes as much more important.
"Political disputes like the one we're going through in Poland are just temporary and passing," he said. "I don't think that wise politicians would like to combine these two things in any way."
Meeting Trudeau
Duda met Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday to discuss security and trade issues. The Prime Minister's Office did not respond by the time of publication when asked if Trudeau brought up the EU's rebuke of Poland over democracy concerns.
Duda, 43, said he had "a very good conversation" with Trudeau. They had met briefly at the nuclear security summit in Washington in March, where Trudeau noted that with Duda attending, he was no longer the youngest leader in the room.
"I think we have a similar view of the world," Duda said of Trudeau. "Of course we might differ in our views, but we have this young outlook on the world. We try to look very far into the future, both of us."
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Busy start for OP REASSURANCE LTF-Roto 5
DND News
Article / April 5, 2016
By: Captain Mark Ruban, Op REASSURANCE, Public Affairs Officer
In February 2016, a new contingent of Canadian soldiers landed in Europe as part of the Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force (LTF). Since then, they have participated in a series of rewarding training activities alongside their partners from Poland and other NATO states.
Members of the new rotation, known as Roto 5, are primarily from 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment (1 R22eR). A parade was held to mark the beginning of their bilateral training with the Polish 25th Air Cavalry Brigade at the airfield of the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, on February 29, 2016.
The Canadian troops are mostly mechanized infanteers, so they do not often have the opportunity to work with soldiers and helicopters from an air cavalry unit. During their training with Polish partners, they learned fast-rope techniques, as well as the principles of air-supported insertions and extractions.
“Working with the Polish forces and their helicopters not only enables us to operate together and share our knowledge—it’s also a chance to expand our tactical abilities,” said Captain Mike Cefaloni, a 1 R22eR Platoon Commander assigned to the LTF. “During this exchange, the Poles were impressed with our decentralized planning methods, while we were able to learn from their air-mobile drills.”
Interoperability activities also included demonstrations on firing ranges. Urban-combat training provided an opportunity to conduct joint assaults on targets and learn additional manoeuvres and room-clearing techniques. Each new situation was an opportunity to strengthen the partnership between the troops from different countries.
“Working with the Polish Army gives us a chance to test our communication skills as we learn new concepts and procedures, and teach them as well,” said Corporal Curtis Drakes, a reservist from The Royal Montreal Regiment. “During urban-operations training, there was a good level of cohesion since both Canadian and Polish soldiers were willing to learn about each other’s methods as we went along.”
The LTF engineers, primarily from 5 Combat Engineer Regiment, completed a number of demonstrations at the demolition range using an array of weaponry and explosives. One of the highlights of their work was the opportunity to perform a controlled blow up of an old T-55 tank. The tank flipped one-and-a-half times in the air, lost its turret, and landed 15 metres from its original location.
The LTF also includes a detachment of artillerymen from 5e Régiment d’artillerie légère du Canada. In March, these members taught their Polish counterparts Canadian call-for-fire standards, and in turn learned Polish artillery drills. Moreover, the Canadian artillerymen completed a firing mission during which they were able to further their skills.
“The Polish operate differently than we do and they have their own procedures, but our coordination allows us to nevertheless work together,” said Captain Marc Grenier, Forward Observation Officer. “Thanks to the Poles, we participated in firing a multi-launch rocket system, a very impressive weapon that we do not have back in Canada.”
The exchange of knowledge and best practices continued in Estonia, where LTF members participated in Exercise SNIPER DYNASTY. During the exercise, snipers shared knowledge with counterparts from other NATO countries and practiced concealment and firing techniques.
Throughout all of these exercises, the logistics support personnel have played a large role in the success of the mission. The LTF support personnel got straight to work upon their arrival in Poland, providing tactical support to training and exercises. They coordinated the operational and strategic logistical requirements with the host-nation, the Operational Support Hub (Europe), and Canada.
Op REASSURANCE represents Canada’s contribution to NATO assurance measures in Central and Eastern Europe. The LTF conducts joint training activities with NATO allies to enhance interoperability, helping to ensure that the Alliance is ready to respond to challenges that may arise. During the rest of their deployment, the members of Roto 5 will participate in a series of military exercises in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania.
Article / April 5, 2016
By: Captain Mark Ruban, Op REASSURANCE, Public Affairs Officer
In February 2016, a new contingent of Canadian soldiers landed in Europe as part of the Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force (LTF). Since then, they have participated in a series of rewarding training activities alongside their partners from Poland and other NATO states.
Members of the new rotation, known as Roto 5, are primarily from 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment (1 R22eR). A parade was held to mark the beginning of their bilateral training with the Polish 25th Air Cavalry Brigade at the airfield of the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, on February 29, 2016.
The Canadian troops are mostly mechanized infanteers, so they do not often have the opportunity to work with soldiers and helicopters from an air cavalry unit. During their training with Polish partners, they learned fast-rope techniques, as well as the principles of air-supported insertions and extractions.
“Working with the Polish forces and their helicopters not only enables us to operate together and share our knowledge—it’s also a chance to expand our tactical abilities,” said Captain Mike Cefaloni, a 1 R22eR Platoon Commander assigned to the LTF. “During this exchange, the Poles were impressed with our decentralized planning methods, while we were able to learn from their air-mobile drills.”
Interoperability activities also included demonstrations on firing ranges. Urban-combat training provided an opportunity to conduct joint assaults on targets and learn additional manoeuvres and room-clearing techniques. Each new situation was an opportunity to strengthen the partnership between the troops from different countries.
“Working with the Polish Army gives us a chance to test our communication skills as we learn new concepts and procedures, and teach them as well,” said Corporal Curtis Drakes, a reservist from The Royal Montreal Regiment. “During urban-operations training, there was a good level of cohesion since both Canadian and Polish soldiers were willing to learn about each other’s methods as we went along.”
 |
| Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland. 15 March 2016 – A Canadian soldier and a Polish soldier fire a C6 machine gun at the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area in Poland during Operation REASSURANCE. (Photo: Master Corporal Andrew Davis, Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force Imagery Technician) |
The LTF also includes a detachment of artillerymen from 5e Régiment d’artillerie légère du Canada. In March, these members taught their Polish counterparts Canadian call-for-fire standards, and in turn learned Polish artillery drills. Moreover, the Canadian artillerymen completed a firing mission during which they were able to further their skills.
“The Polish operate differently than we do and they have their own procedures, but our coordination allows us to nevertheless work together,” said Captain Marc Grenier, Forward Observation Officer. “Thanks to the Poles, we participated in firing a multi-launch rocket system, a very impressive weapon that we do not have back in Canada.”
The exchange of knowledge and best practices continued in Estonia, where LTF members participated in Exercise SNIPER DYNASTY. During the exercise, snipers shared knowledge with counterparts from other NATO countries and practiced concealment and firing techniques.
Throughout all of these exercises, the logistics support personnel have played a large role in the success of the mission. The LTF support personnel got straight to work upon their arrival in Poland, providing tactical support to training and exercises. They coordinated the operational and strategic logistical requirements with the host-nation, the Operational Support Hub (Europe), and Canada.
Op REASSURANCE represents Canada’s contribution to NATO assurance measures in Central and Eastern Europe. The LTF conducts joint training activities with NATO allies to enhance interoperability, helping to ensure that the Alliance is ready to respond to challenges that may arise. During the rest of their deployment, the members of Roto 5 will participate in a series of military exercises in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania.
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