The Vanguard Podcast

• What Canadian pilots can expect from the 5th generation F-35

  Interview with Andrew "Bundy" Soundy, F-35 Test Pilot, Lockheed Martin In this special episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with one of the world's most experienced F-35 test pilots: Andrew "Bundy" Soundy, Chief Test Pilot for the F-35 at the 461st Flight Test Squadron, Edwards Air Force Base. A Royal Military College graduate turned Lockheed Martin test pilot, Bundy brings over 1,100 hours in the F-35 and decades of operational and test experience across the CF-18, F-16, and fifth-generation platforms. In a wide-ranging and candid conversation, he traces his journey from RMC to Cold Lake to Edwards—and offers a rare insider look at how the F-35 evolves, adapts, and continually pushes the boundaries of modern airpower. Bundy explains what it means to test fifth-generation capability in a program built on continuous upgrades. He breaks down the mindset shift required for pilots transitioning from fourth-generation fighters, the realities of new stealth-tactics training, and how Canada's upcoming F-35 cadre will inherit a unique tactical worldview unlike anything before it. From operating in extreme Arctic cold, to demonstrating the aircraft for partner nations, to testing interoperability with NATO allies and next-generation platforms, Bundy shares firsthand insights into the F-35's performance, range, and global readiness. He also looks ahead to the rapid rise of AI, manned-unmanned teaming, the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft vision, and how adaptable platforms like the F-35 will shape the tactical air environment for decades to come. This is one of the most detailed, practical, and forward-looking conversations you'll hear on fifth-generation fighter operations—and what's coming next. If you want to understand the future of airpower—and Canada's place in it—this episode is essential listening.

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• Delivering an All-Encompassing and Sovereign Canadian Sustainment Solution

  In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Sheldon Gillis, MSC, CD, CPSP Campaign Lead at Babcock Canada, for a deep and timely conversation about what's next for Canada's submarine future—and why sustainment is just as important as the platform itself. With over 25 years of distinguished service in the Royal Canadian Navy—including command at sea, operational deployments across the globe, leadership roles in the Arctic, and senior oversight of naval requirements—Sheldon brings unparalleled insight into what it takes to deliver a modern, sovereign, and mission-ready submarine capability. Together, they explore the major developments shaping the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), including the recently announced Teaming Agreement between Babcock Canada and Hanwha Ocean. This landmark partnership positions Babcock as the exclusive In-Service Support partner to Hanwha Ocean, uniting world-class submarine design and build expertise with Canada's only proven, industry-led submarine sustainment enterprise. Listeners will hear Sheldon unpack: ·       Why sustainment must be integrated from Day One, in parallel with submarine construction ·       How Babcock's 17 years of experience sustaining the Victoria-class fleet will translate into value, readiness, and reliability for CPSP ·       The advantages of Hanwha Ocean's in-service KSS-III submarine—a platform already operating globally ·       The long-term regional and economic impact CPSP could deliver across Canada, including jobs, innovation, and STEM development ·       What accountability and availability truly mean in designing a future-focused enterprise ·       How Babcock's integrated sustainment approach supports a sovereign, Canadian solution that endures for generations From operational realities at sea to the industrial partnerships required on land, this is a comprehensive look at how Canada can build not just a submarine fleet—but a lasting national capability. Whether you're tracking CPSP, following defence industry developments, or simply interested in how major national projects take shape, this episode offers expert insight into one of the most consequential defence procurements of our time. Tune in to Vanguard Radio for a deep dive into delivering an all-encompassing and sovereign Canadian sustainment solution.

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• Leadership Under Pressure: Managing Complex Defence Projects

  When the stakes are high and the timeline is tight, what does leadership look like? In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones speaks with Paul Knowles, Senior Vice President and District Manager at PCL Construction, whose nearly 30-year career spans some of Canada's most demanding infrastructure projects. From the nation's capital to remote northern installations, PCL's work under Paul's leadership often unfolds in secure, mission-critical environments—where precision, collaboration, and trust aren't just valued, they're essential. Paul shares his insights into what it takes to deliver complex defence projects under pressure, from balancing transparency with security compliance to fostering collaboration among military, government, and private-sector partners. With a background in civil and construction engineering and decades of experience leading high-performance teams, Paul offers a rare look behind the curtain at how large-scale national projects come together—and the leadership mindset that keeps them on track when the margin for error is razor-thin. Listeners will hear stories of innovation, contingency planning, and real-time problem solving that define modern defence construction in Canada. 🎙 Key discussion topics include: Leading teams when every decision counts Balancing transparency and security requirements Collaborating across the defence ecosystem Innovations driving performance in mission-critical builds The future of leadership in Canada's defence infrastructure landscape

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• Canada's Newest Defense Supplier is One of the World's Oldest

  Safran is a name that is synonymous with aerospace and defense innovation and now, this global powerhouse is deepening its roots in Canada. In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Louis Girardin, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defense Canada, to explore how one of the world's oldest defense innovators is bringing new energy and cutting-edge technologies to Canada's evolving defence landscape. Louis shares his perspective on Safran's long and storied history, the company's expanding footprint in Montreal, and the strategic role Safran Electronics & Defense plays in advancing capabilities across air, land, sea, and space. He discusses how Safran's world-class technologies—ranging from avionics and navigation to optronics and mission systems—are enabling greater interoperability and sovereignty for Canada and its allies. The conversation also delves into the broader Canadian defense market, the challenges and opportunities facing the country as it strengthens its industrial base, and how Safran is helping to build new partnerships and capabilities for the future. Whether you're in the defense industry, a policymaker, or a technology enthusiast, this episode offers a compelling look at how global expertise and Canadian innovation are coming together to shape the next chapter of defense excellence. Key Discussion Points: Who is Safran, and what role does Safran Electronics & Defense play globally? How and when did Safran Electronics & Defense Canada take shape? The company's growing presence and operations in Montreal Safran's contributions to Canada's defence and technology ecosystem Key innovations and technologies supporting national sovereignty Opportunities and challenges in the Canadian market

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• EllisDon: Supporting Canada's Defence Strategy through Capability and Collaboration

  In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones speaks with Chris Lane, Senior Vice President and Area Manager at EllisDon Corporation, about how one of Canada's leading construction and infrastructure companies is helping to strengthen the nation's defence readiness. Chris shares insights from his decade-long leadership journey with EllisDon—from his early days in the UK's construction sector to overseeing major projects in Canada for clients like the Government of Canada, Defence Construction Canada, and the Department of National Defence. He discusses EllisDon's unique approach to collaboration, innovation, and long-term value creation—factors that set the company apart in an increasingly complex defence infrastructure landscape. Together, they explore EllisDon's role in supporting Canada's National Defence Strategy, its involvement in projects tied to NORAD modernization and the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), and how agile contract models and integrated project delivery are shaping the future of military infrastructure in Canada. This conversation highlights how capability, collaboration, and commitment to excellence are driving EllisDon's contributions to national security and resilience. Topics Include: What differentiates EllisDon in the global construction and defence markets How EllisDon supports Canada's evolving defence and NORAD modernization initiatives The company's perspective on contract models that deliver maximum value for Canadians How EllisDon's expertise positions it to contribute to future submarine and defence infrastructure projects

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