The Vanguard Podcast

• 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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• Boots on the Ground: A SITREP from General Dynamics’ Mission Specialists

  In the latest episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones has the opportunity to chat with Reaghan Sunstrum, Mission Specialist at General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada and Steve Cross, also a Mission Specialist at General Dynamics Missions Systems–Canada. Their conversation revolves around the Canadian Army experience, the Canadian Army in Latvia and Battle Lab. Reaghan Sunstrum is a Mission Specialist at General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, and a dedicated Canadian Army Reservist based in Calgary, AB. She has 16 years of service in the Army Reserves as a Signal Operator and currently holds the rank of Master Warrant Officer (MWO). She serves as the Company Sergeant Major (CSM) for 41 Service Battalion, 14 Company. Reaghan earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Mount Royal University, and her leadership and technical expertise continue to make her a valued asset in both her military and civilian roles. Steve Cross is a Mission Specialist at General Dynamics Missions Systems–Canada and a retired Sergeant supporting the Canadian Armed Forces as a Signal Operator for 16 years. Active in both the Reserve and Regular force during that time, Steve has supported Exercises and deployments both domestically and abroad. With recent experience in Latvia both in uniform and with GD, Steve’s experience helps define new capabilities and carve a way forward for the army. General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada is one of Canada’s largest and most innovative defence companies, delivering and sustaining capability for Land C5ISR. They provide advanced thinking, design expertise, and implementation know-how to equip the Canadian Armed Forces with leading-edge hardware, software, and systems. General Dynamics’ DIGITALspine mobilizes digital transformation by connecting every sensor, effector, and decision maker. It enables technological innovation at pace with mission requirements and simplifies forward capability enhancements and configurability based on evolving needs. At the edge of conflict, soldiers can securely tap into new and legacy systems while operating seamlessly with joint, interagency, and allied partners across land, air, sea, and cyber. In this episode: Transitioning from army to industry. Experience behind C5ISR technology development Op REASSURANCE and the Canadian Army in Latvia General Dynamics’ Battle Lab And more!  

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