The Vanguard Podcast

• Building the North: Infrastructure, Innovation, and Indigenous Partnerships

  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.

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• Hanwha: Ready to Deliver Submarines – and Beyond – for Canada

  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.

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• How Does LR Support Naval Submarines?

  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.

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• Mission Ready Water – Below the Waves

  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.

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• More than Middleware: Powering Canada's Next-Gen Defence Systems with RTI Connext®

  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].

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