NANCY TREMBLAY: ASSISTANT DEPUTY MINISTER (MATERIEL)

Nancy Tremblay succeeded Troy Crosby as the Department of National Defence’s Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) in July 2024, putting her in charge of the Canadian government’s military procurement process. With the post World War 2 international order now in shambles, CDR’s Ottawa Bureau Chief, James Careless, interviewed Tremblay recently to check on the state of Canada’s defence procurements. Here is that conversation in full.

CDR: Mrs. Tremblay, thank you for speaking with CDR. Please tell us about yourself, and your career path that led you to this position.

Nancy Tremblay: I proudly served in the Canadian Armed Forces as an Aerospace Engineering Officer for over 35 years. I worked within the Royal Canadian Air Force at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels in various aircraft maintenance operations and engineering support jobs.

I also held numerous postings within the Aerospace Equipment Program Management Division of the Materiel Group. I served as the Director General for over three years, during which time I was also the Chief Engineer of the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Technical Airworthiness Authority.

In May 2021, upon promotion to the rank of Major-General, I assumed the duties of Chief Materiel Program, up until my retirement from the CAF. In September 2022, I transferred to the public service and was appointed to the position of Associate Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel).

I find that my professional background and experience prepared me well to take on the position of Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) (ADM(MAT)) in July 2024.

CDR: What motivated you to become ADM of Materiel?

Nancy Tremblay^: First, I want to say that I consider myself privileged to have the opportunity to continue to serve the CAF and DND as ADM(Mat). My main inspiration is founded on the willingness to support with excellence the work done by the members of the CAF for whom I have the utmost respect.

Defence procurement plays a key role in keeping the CAF strategically relevant, operationally responsive, tactically decisive and capable of operating within a dynamic and evolving security spectrum. I am also grateful that the institution is trusting me to lead the Group mandated with the materiel acquisition and sustainment programs as well as services contracts.

Even though I fully realize that our programs are very complex, my previous experience within the Materiel Group has prepared me to address the challenges that come with those responsibilities. I am also not alone in this – I am surrounded and supported by competent professionals to deliver on the mandate that we have been given.

I love my work and feel a great sense of pride when I see tangible results and innovative ideas brought forward by our personnel, and by the teamwork and continuous efforts delivered by the individuals who work within the Materiel Group.

CDR: Overall, what are the major challenges you are facing in executing this position in the current economic and military environment?

Nancy Tremblay: Generally, the current global uncertainty and renewed strategic competition is driving the need to ramp up defence production, accelerate acquisitions and rebuild defence industrial bases.

While we have been monitoring the worldwide security situation, we are, of course, also closely monitoring the global trade context and assessing potential impacts to existing projects. Currently, all of Canada’s procurement projects are proceeding as planned.

Amongst other challenges we face, defence procurement is perceived to take too long and there is a drive to be faster and more effective. The Government has made significant commitments to investing in the Canadian Armed Forces and position Canada as a reliable ally.

To move at the pace required to enable those commitments, changes to the defence procurement system are required. We are looking at different ways on how we procure equipment, how to better maintain and upgrade it over time, and how to ensure it is optimized to better respond to the evolving international and domestic security context.

As announced in Our North, Strong and Free, A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence (ONSAF), DND committed to changing its approach to working with Industry and intends to move away from transactional approaches to sustained relationships founded on transparency and trust. We intend to be more strategic and more regularly engage with industry to ensure increased transparency and predictability regarding future investments.

One of the major challenges that we have been facing for a number of years is the fast pace of technological changes affecting modern military equipment. To mitigate this situation, we continue to advance a Continuous Capability Sustainment approach to rapidly integrate the latest technology and address obsolescence for defence capabilities in a more regular, incremental approach.

This departure from the more traditional approach of waiting years to align incremental upgrades with major mid-life overhauls requires a change in culture, a different approach with industry, working collaboratively to not only ensure our defence capabilities remain operationally relevant, but that they do so in a responsible manner that reflects best value.

CDR: Please tell us about some of the major capital projects you are working on right now for the Canadian Armed Forces. Where do they stand right now?

Nancy Tremblay: We have a long list of projects. My team is currently leading a total of 89 major capital projects, 62 of them already in implementation and 27 in definition.

FFCP

CDR: Let’s start with the Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP). Where do we stand on that?

Nancy Tremblay: Canada is investing in a new fleet of 88 CF35A Conventional Take Off and Landing advanced fighter aircraft for the RCAF. This new fighter fleet will be capable, upgradeable, resilient, and interoperable with our allies and partners so that Canada continues to meet its NORAD, NATO, and other commitments.

The aircraft are being acquired using a phased approach, with the first four aircraft expected to be delivered to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, U.S.A. in 2026 to support training for Canadian pilots. Delivery of the aircraft to Canada is expected to begin in 2028, with Initial Operational Capability expected in 2029 and Full Operational Capability expected by 2033.

While completion of all the infrastructure is not anticipated before 2031, DND has plans to ensure the fighters are delivered on time.

CC-330 HUSKY

CDR: As well, DND is making progress on the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) project.

Nancy Tremblay: Through the STTC, we are acquiring a total of nine CC-330 Husky aircraft and an in-service support solution for the aircraft, infrastructure to house and maintain the fleet at the Western and Eastern Main Operating Bases, and providing supporting infrastructure at selected Northern Forward Operating Location(s). Additionally, the project will provide a training and simulation capability to prepare and maintain crew readiness.

The CC-330 Husky will provide the Royal Canadian Air Force with increased flexibility to fulfill a variety of air mobility missions in support of operations and training activities within Canada, its Arctic region, and around the world, including air-to-air refuelling, passenger transport, aeromedical evacuation, and strategic transport of Government of Canada officials.

Canada awarded a contract to Airbus Defence and Space SAU in June 2023 for a fleet of nine aircraft. It includes the acquisition of four new Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft along with the conversion of five used A330-200 aircraft. Although currently configured for transport, the five used aircraft will eventually be converted to their future CC-330 configuration. These five used aircraft have been accepted by Canada. Three of them are currently available to the RCAF for operations and the other two will be converted to their final MRTT configuration in the near future.

The production of the first of four new aircraft is underway in Toulouse, France and will be converted by Airbus Defence and Space SAU to the MRTT configuration starting in 2025. Deliveries of the fully configured MRTT aircraft are set to start in 2027. Initial Operational Capability for the CC-330 Husky fleet is planned for 2028-2029, and Full Operational Capability will follow by 2032-2033.

RIVER CLASS DESTROYERS

CDR: Now let’s turn to the River Class Destroyers, formerly known as the Canadian Surface Combatant project.

Nancy Tremblay: Canada is a maritime nation and has the longest coastline of any nation on earth. The new River-class destroyers (RCD) will ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) can continue protecting the sovereignty and security of our waters, making significant contributions to international naval operations on behalf of all Canadians, and taking on the maritime challenges of the 21st century.

On June 28, 2024, construction of the RCD began with the start of construction activities of a Production Test Module (PTM), which is being built to test and verify the many production processes that are new or unique to the construction of the RCD. The work that will be done by the shipyard on the PTM will enable it to prepare for the start of Full-Rate Production on the first RCD ship in 2025.

In June 2024, it was also announced that the Canadian Surface Combatants will be known as River-class destroyers, and the first three warships will be named His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Fraser, Saint-Laurent, and Mackenzie.

On March 8, 2025, the Government of Canada announced the implementation contract award to Irving Shipbuilding Inc. (ISI) for the construction of the RCD. The ships will be built in batches so that our sailors can be deployed on ships that have the most modern technology and equipment. With an initial value of $8 billion (including taxes), this contract supports the construction and delivery of the initial three ships as well as the development and delivery of necessary training, spares, and maintenance products required to operate and support the ships in service.

Following extensive analysis, the Government of Canada has now established the cost to build and deliver the first three ships at $22.2 billion (excluding taxes). This estimate includes the costs that will be paid to ISI through the implementation contract, as well as costs associated with the delivery of equipment, systems and ammunition that Canada will be acquiring to bring the first three ships into service.

Delivery of the first ship is expected in the early 2030s. We are working closely with our industry partners to find efficiencies to accelerate build and delivery timelines.

AOPV

CDR: This takes us to Canada’s Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessels. Please tell us where Canada stands on this project.

Nancy Tremblay: Our Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPVs), the Harry DeWolf-class, are a modern, flexible, and technologically advanced class of ship, capable of conducting missions in Canadian coastal waters, including the Arctic, and deploying globally to support Government of Canada objectives abroad. The multi-purpose nature and versatility of this fleet, whether deployed independently or as part of an allied or coalition Task Force, allows Canada to rapidly deploy credible naval forces worldwide on short notice.

The AOPV fleet is almost entirely under the proprietorship of the RCN. The sixth and final AOPV was launched in early December 2024 and delivery is planned in 2025.

The APOVs have already been proven capable of supporting CAF core missions and can operate worldwide in non-combat zones and participate in international operations. For example, HMCS Margaret Brooke recently participated in Operation CARIBBE, working with partners and allies to conduct counter-drug operations and prevent the flow of illicit drugs into Canada, contributing to a safer North America.

URGENT OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

CDR: Now, let’s turn our attention towards the Urgent Operational Requirements for Operation REASSURANCE. Where do we stand on those acquisitions?

Nancy Tremblay: Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Canadian Armed Forces identified three Urgent Operational Requirements (UOR) for CAF members deployed with Operation REASSURANCE: Air Defence (AD), Counter Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (CUAS), and Portable Anti-X Missile (PAXM/anti-tank missiles). Please update our readers on these three, if you would.

The AD UOR project will acquire a very short-range air defence system (VSHORAD) for the augmented Forward Presence (aFP) Multinational Brigade deployed to Latvia to defend against attack aircraft and Class 1 UAS within the aFP Area of Operations. This air defence capability will provide tactical air defence protection to personnel and vital installations during expeditionary operations against the increasingly diverse air threats. The first delivery of the RBS 70 NG systems to Canadian Army members in Latvia are expected to begin in early 2025.

The CUAS capability will provide CAF members with improved protection against hostile Class 1 UAS through detection, identification, tracking, and degradation/defeat by way of electromagnetic technologies. Under phase 1, the Project procured three separate dismounted systems carried by soldiers which consists of a directional hand-held effector (a directly pointed electronic countermeasure similar to a rifle) and omni-directional (a backpack carried system that provides 360 degree coverage), as well as Fixed Site Systems consisting of a tripod mounted system that provides 360-degree coverage. Deliveries of all systems under phase 1 began in the summer of 2024 and Initial Operational Capability (IOC) was reached on 31 January 2025.

The procurement of Portable Anti-Armour Missile Systems for our forces in Latvia, will provide PAXM systems including missiles, simulators, and associated supports. These modern anti-tank weapons will better equip our soldiers to confront threats from our adversaries’ main battle tanks, thus strengthening NATO’s deterrence posture. The initial deliveries of these systems to deployed members in Latvia are expected in March 2025 with Full Operational Capability expected in Winter 2026.

ARMOURED COMBAT SUPPORT VEHICLE

CDR: Finally, where does Canada stand with respect to the Armoured Combat Support Vehicles (ACSV) procurement?

Nancy Tremblay: The Armoured Combat Support Vehicle (ACSV) will provide the CAF with a new fleet of armoured and mobile vehicles to perform services such as ambulance, mobile repair and vehicle recovery services, as well as engineer support and command and control. These vehicles will be used for both domestic and international operations.

In total, 360 ACSVs will be procured through a contract with General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada (GDLS-C). This new fleet is based on the LAV 6.0 and will replace the current Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) II Bison and M113 Tracked LAV fleets. It will provide the CAF with enhanced protection, improved situational awareness, and increased mobility.

To date, the project has delivered over 100 ACSVs composed of Troop/Cargo vehicles, Ambulances, and Command Posts to the Canadian Army. In January 2025, the project officially achieved the Initial Operational Capability milestone, marking a significant step forward in modernizing the CAF vehicle fleet.

The ACSV project is now shifting its focus on the design and qualification of additional variants, including the Electronic Warfare, the Engineer, the Fitter/Cargo Vehicle, the Mobile Repair Team, and the Maintenance Recovery Vehicle.  The ACSV project will also support the CAF’s first overseas deployment of this new capability in 2025.

CDR: There has been a lot set above the lack of readiness in the Canadian Armed Forces, including major problems with faulty equipment and backlogs in repairs. What can you tell us about this, and what is being done to deal with these problems?

Nancy Tremblay: DND and the CAF acknowledge it is a challenge to meet the set targets for serviceability until new fleets for the maritime, land, and aerospace environments are delivered through major multi-year procurement projects that are currently underway.

There are several contributing factors to the readiness challenge: the age and condition of some fleets requiring additional maintenance, supply chain issues coupled with an increased worldwide demand of equipment for military purposes and CAF shortages in personnel.

To increase the readiness of our military, ONSAF includes investments in new equipment for the CAF. ONSAF will also make significant investments in National Procurement, which is our funding for maintenance and buying spare parts. This includes funding for service support contracts, which will boost asset availability to our services, as well as investing in more spare parts that will enhance the serviceability and overall usability of our key service fleets.

It’s important to note that in fiscal year 2023-24, National Procurement spending increased to over $4 billion, as the program sought to address increased resource demands of aging fleets and life extensions, increased operational requirements, technological advances, and increased contract costs.

CDR: What do you hope to achieve in your position, with respect to the issues already cited, as in the coming year?

Nancy Tremblay: I am very honoured to be leading the Materiel Group to deliver the equipment and services required by our Canadian Armed Forces.

My priorities as ADM(Mat) are to continue delivering on SSE, ONSAF and NORAD modernization by advancing the acquisition of defence materiel and services; supporting CAF operations through operational sustainment of defence materiel; and advancing the continuous capability sustainment approach in order to increase the readiness of the CAF and the capability to succeed in high threat environment operations.

Finally, I want to prepare the Materiel Group to be able to support additional investments in Defence in the future.

CDR: Thank you.

James Careless is CDR’s Ottawa Bureau Chief