Latest news with #DND
GMA Network
a day ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Teodoro holds bilateral talks with Japan, Ukraine, Netherlands
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and the Netherlands' Minister of Defense Ruben Brekelmans discuss rules-based international order and exploring joint military activities, among others, during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 22nd Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore on Sunday, June 1, 2025. DND Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. held separate bilateral meetings with defense officials of Japan, Ukraine, and The Netherlands on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue over the weekend, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Monday. Teodoro Jr. attended the 22nd International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore from May 30 to June 1 to tackle security issues and defense ties with other nations. Japan Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said Tokyo wants deeper involvement in joint drills with Manila like Balikatan and Kamandag upon the entry into force of the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement. The two countries agreed on the importance of expanding cooperation in defense equipment production. To deter actions that undermine regional peace, Teodoro stressed the need for sustained bilateral and multilateral dialogues as he called for stronger alliances based on shared principles. Ukraine Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defence Oleksandr Kozenko thanked the Philippines for its support to Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. A Ukrainian defense attaché will be assigned to Manila to develop bilateral defense ties, according to Kozenko. Teodoro said the Philippines wants to learn technological development from Ukraine, while Kozenko said Ukraine is also keen on learning maritime disaster response and post-trauma recovery from the Philippines. Both countries remain committed to international law. Ukraine vowed its adherence and strict compliance with the Geneva Conventions and openness to defense cooperation with the Philippines. The Netherlands Meanwhile, Teodoro expressed interest in learning from the Netherlands' best practices in defense governance. Dutch Minister of Defencs Ruben Brekelmans supported rules-based international order and expressed interest in exploring joint military activities with the Philippines. Teodoro and Brekelmans extended invitations for future visits, maintaining their intent to expand defense engagement and cooperation, according to the DND. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News
Vancouver Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Why Canadian military's Cyclone helicopters were grounded for 27 days in May
The Canadian military's Cyclone helicopters weren't flying for 27 days in May due to a lack of spare parts, and only one of them is now able to take to the skies. Canada has 26 of the ship-borne maritime helicopters, with a final one slated for delivery this year. The $5.8-billion fleet is normally used to provide air support for the Royal Canadian Navy. Their missions include surface and subsurface surveillance, search and rescue, and anti-submarine warfare. 'On May 1, the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division ordered a temporary pause to flying operations for the CH-148 Cyclone fleet, after questions emerged in late April about whether various spare parts for the aircraft were potentially in use beyond their service life. The temporary pause to flying operations was lifted as of May 27,' Kened Sadiku, who speaks for the Department of National Defence (DND), said in an email. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'Certain aircraft components have a defined service life to ensure continued safety and airworthiness. Because using parts beyond their defined service life would pose risks to the safety of personnel and equipment, the decision was made to temporarily pause flight operations until certainty is regained.' DND, the military and Sikorsky, which manufactured the helicopters, 'have been working together to identify potential parts of concern. This includes components of the Cyclone's landing gear, tail rotor driveshaft flange and auxiliary power unit, as well as engine parts,' Sadiku said. As of this past Wednesday, one Cyclone, now on deployment, returned to flying operations, he said. 'The team works to do the same for the rest of the fleet.' The Cyclone 'fleet is currently facing some challenges, such as aging datalink systems as well as sensor and other capabilities that are overdue for important upgrades,' he said. 'Specific details, however, cannot be provided for reasons of operational security.' 'The Cyclone remains capable of supporting Royal Canadian Navy operations and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.' Sadiku wouldn't confirm Sikorsky has put a hefty price tag on replacing the Cyclones' ageing datalinks — used to communicate digital information such as radar images to other aircraft, warships and shore bases. 'The datalink upgrade project is still under evaluation, as such, schedule and costs are still being negotiated.' The military has flown other helicopters off the navy's warships before. 'In the past, CH-146 Griffons have landed on Royal Canadian Navy vessels in certain operational contexts (specifically, the relief efforts to Haiti in the wake of the 2010 earthquake,' Sadiku said. 'However, none of the Royal Canadian Air Force's helicopter fleets (besides the CH-148 Cyclone) are capable of fulfilling the maritime helicopter role in support of the Royal Canadian Navy.' Paul Martin's Liberal government announced in 2004 that the Cyclones would replace Canada's ageing fleet of CH-124 Sea King helicopters. 'The Cyclones are what we call an orphan fleet,' said retired colonel Larry McWha, an aviation expert who commanded 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron at 12 Wing Shearwater, when it flew Sea Kings. That means many suppliers aren't interested in producing parts for the Cyclones, McWha said. 'It's going to cost us money to keep (the fleet) viable.' McWha lives on Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore. 'I used to see Sea Kings flying by here all the time,' he said. 'I have extremely rarely ever seen a Cyclone flying by.' Canada lost a Cyclone on April 29, 2020 when one of the helicopters crashed into the Ionian Sea, claiming the lives of six Canadian Armed Forces members. Months later, senior military officials said there was a 'conflict' or 'competition' between the Cyclone and its pilot moments before the aircraft, known as Stalker 22, plunged into the water off the coast of Greece. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Edmonton Journal
3 days ago
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Why Canadian military's Cyclone helicopters were grounded for 27 days in May
Article content The Canadian military's Cyclone helicopters weren't flying for 27 days in May due to a lack of spare parts, and only one of them is now able to take to the skies. Article content Article content Canada has 26 of the ship-borne maritime helicopters, with a final one slated for delivery this year. The $5.8-billion fleet is normally used to provide air support for the Royal Canadian Navy. Their missions include surface and subsurface surveillance, search and rescue, and anti-submarine warfare. Article content Article content DND, the military and Sikorsky, which manufactured the helicopters, 'have been working together to identify potential parts of concern. This includes components of the Cyclone's landing gear, tail rotor driveshaft flange and auxiliary power unit, as well as engine parts,' Sadiku said. As of this past Wednesday, one Cyclone, now on deployment, returned to flying operations, he said. 'The team works to do the same for the rest of the fleet.' The Cyclone 'fleet is currently facing some challenges, such as aging datalink systems as well as sensor and other capabilities that are overdue for important upgrades,' he said. 'Specific details, however, cannot be provided for reasons of operational security.' Military and government officials 'are working together with industry partners to determine a way forward for the aircraft and the capabilities it supports,' Sadiku said. Article content 'The Cyclone remains capable of supporting Royal Canadian Navy operations and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.' Sadiku wouldn't confirm Sikorsky has put a hefty price tag on replacing the Cyclones' ageing datalinks — used to communicate digital information such as radar images to other aircraft, warships and shore bases. 'The datalink upgrade project is still under evaluation, as such, schedule and costs are still being negotiated.' The military has flown other helicopters off the navy's warships before. 'In the past, CH-146 Griffons have landed on Royal Canadian Navy vessels in certain operational contexts (specifically, the relief efforts to Haiti in the wake of the 2010 earthquake,' Sadiku said. 'However, none of the Royal Canadian Air Force's helicopter fleets (besides the CH-148 Cyclone) are capable of fulfilling the maritime helicopter role in support of the Royal Canadian Navy.' Article content Paul Martin's Liberal government announced in 2004 that the Cyclones would replace Canada's ageing fleet of CH-124 Sea King helicopters. 'The Cyclones are what we call an orphan fleet,' said retired colonel Larry McWha, an aviation expert who commanded 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron at 12 Wing Shearwater, when it flew Sea Kings. That means many suppliers aren't interested in producing parts for the Cyclones, McWha said. 'It's going to cost us money to keep (the fleet) viable.' McWha lives on Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore. 'I used to see Sea Kings flying by here all the time,' he said. 'I have extremely rarely ever seen a Cyclone flying by.' Canada lost a Cyclone on April 29, 2020 when one of the helicopters crashed into the Ionian Sea, claiming the lives of six Canadian Armed Forces members. Months later, senior military officials said there was a 'conflict' or 'competition' between the Cyclone and its pilot moments before the aircraft, known as Stalker 22, plunged into the water off the coast of Greece. Latest National Stories
Calgary Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Why Canadian military's Cyclone helicopters were grounded for 27 days in May
Article content The Canadian military's Cyclone helicopters weren't flying for 27 days in May due to a lack of spare parts, and only one of them is now able to take to the skies. Article content Article content Canada has 26 of the ship-borne maritime helicopters, with a final one slated for delivery this year. The $5.8-billion fleet is normally used to provide air support for the Royal Canadian Navy. Their missions include surface and subsurface surveillance, search and rescue, and anti-submarine warfare. Article content Article content 'On May 1, the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division ordered a temporary pause to flying operations for the CH-148 Cyclone fleet, after questions emerged in late April about whether various spare parts for the aircraft were potentially in use beyond their service life. The temporary pause to flying operations was lifted as of May 27,' Kened Sadiku, who speaks for the Department of National Defence (DND), said in an email. Article content Article content 'Certain aircraft components have a defined service life to ensure continued safety and airworthiness. Because using parts beyond their defined service life would pose risks to the safety of personnel and equipment, the decision was made to temporarily pause flight operations until certainty is regained.' Article content Article content DND, the military and Sikorsky, which manufactured the helicopters, 'have been working together to identify potential parts of concern. This includes components of the Cyclone's landing gear, tail rotor driveshaft flange and auxiliary power unit, as well as engine parts,' Sadiku said. Article content Article content As of this past Wednesday, one Cyclone, now on deployment, returned to flying operations, he said. 'The team works to do the same for the rest of the fleet.' Article content The Cyclone 'fleet is currently facing some challenges, such as aging datalink systems as well as sensor and other capabilities that are overdue for important upgrades,' he said. 'Specific details, however, cannot be provided for reasons of operational security.' Article content Military and government officials 'are working together with industry partners to determine a way forward for the aircraft and the capabilities it supports,' Sadiku said.
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
US, SEA defense ministers meet in Singapore
Defense ministers and senior officials from the United States and Southeast Asian nations met in Singapore on Friday ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier security summit. In a press release, the Department of National Defense said the United States-Southeast Asia Defense Ministerial Meeting, which was attended by DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., focused on deepening defense cooperation and addressing shared security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, including maritime security, counterterrorism, cyber threats, and disaster response. Teodoro highlighted the significance of US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's presence in the meeting as he expressed optimism about strengthening ASEAN's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the US, including deeper cooperation in maritime security, cyber and emerging technologies, and capacity-building initiatives. 'Sustained US leadership is crucial, especially for the smaller states of Southeast Asia,' Teodoro said. On June 1, the final day of the three-day Shangri-La Dialogue, Teodoro will give a speech at the Sixth Plenary Session on Cross-Regional Security Interlinkages. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News
