DefenceReport

Babcock Canada CEO Tony March joined Stewart Webb and discussed the latest developments for Babcock Canada. Babcock has been contracted for water bomber support in Manitoba for some years, and the federal government announced the last Victoria-class submarine in-service support.

DefenceReport's editor Stewart Webb joined Professor Walter Dorn about the latest news of the further withdrawal of Canada's commitment to peacekeeping. Currently, it stands at 26 personnel. Stewart and Walter recorded this as the news broke, as Canada was to celebrate its National Peacekeeping Day on 9 August.Articles discussed:Cyber-peacekeeping initiative: https://www.walterdorn.net/pdf/Cyberpeacekeeping-Prevent-and-Manage-Cyberattacks_Dorn-Webb_IJCWT_2019.pdfTech-contributing peacekeeping: https://www.walterdorn.net/pdf/Smart-Peacekeeping_IPI-Rpt_Dorn_13July2016.pdfPeacekeeping training simulator download: https://www.peacekeepingsim.net/play-now/

Stewart Webb and Chris Murray sit down and discuss what occurred at the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, which saw the storming of 49,000 to 60,000 illegal migrants from Morocco. Chris and Stewart go beyond those events and take a look at the drug and terrorism threat that Africa is posing to Europe.

Thawennontie Thomas sat down with Stewart Webb to discuss the challenges of running a Small-Medium Enterprise in Canada’s defence industry. Also discussed being an Indigenous company. Both pondered if the renewed defence push can survive the two years until Trump’s administration ends. It was great to have Thawennontie on the pod.

Tony March, CEO of Babcock Canada, sat down with Stewart Webb on the 2nd day of CANSEC - 28 May 2026. They discussed the government's renewed interest in defence, some of the challenges, and how Babcock Canada is adapting.

President Trump announced a 5,000 troop drawdown in Germany after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made disparaging comments about the US and Iran. But it means more than just a drawdown from Europe, it has repercussions globally - as Stewart and Dr. Chris Murray discuss.

It's been a busy week. Stewart and Chris unpack the history of the Tuareg rebellion since 2011 and offer insight on the direction of where things are going. It was recorded before JNIM announced a blockade of Bamako...once again, but the content is still relevant.

Stewart and Chris sit down to talk about something definitely in Chris' wheelhouse - Bulgaria's recent election, which saw the re-emergence of Rumen Radev. Some see him as a potential Kremlin stooge; however, with Bulgaria on Russia's doorstep and a history of corruption, it is not that simple. Discussed Article: https://defencereport.com/bulgarias-7th-election-no-solution-but-many-concerns/

Stewart and Chris talk about a requested topic: Canadian Defence Procurement. Now, many wanted a show-off discussion between the F-35 and the Gripen, but we wanted to take the opportunity to touch on that competition, but also the submarine acquisition and more.Reports discussed: From the Depths: Getting Victoria Submarine Replacement Right: https://defencereport.com/report-from-the-depths-getting-the-victoria-class-submarine-replacement-right/The Harry DeWolf Class or the AOPS - Titanic Blunder:  https://rideauinstitute.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Publications-2013.04-Titanic-Blunder.pdfCanada’s submarine woes- That Sinking Feeling:  https://rideauinstitute.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Publications-2013.04-Titanic-Blunder.pdfThe replacement of the Sea Kings to the Cyclone helicopter – The Worst Procurement in the History of Canada: https://rideauinstitute.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Publications-2013.02-The-Worst-Procurement-in-the-History-of-Canada.pdf