The Vanguard Podcast

Hosted by Vanguard Canada

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212

Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Vanguard is Canada's oldest trade journal of record that provides a forum for Canada's security and defence community, discussing strategic perspectives and overviews of government and military policy and practice, through interviews with leading practitioners and contributions from renowned experts, including representatives from industry. The Vanguard Podcast follows in the footsteps of this great history and seeks to serve the Canadian Government by providing clear and concise information to educate on policy, trends, and industry news.

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May 20, 202633 min

Training the Future Force : AI Advantage & Scalable Simulation For Readiness

As Canada's defence ecosystem looks for faster, smarter, and more scalable ways to prepare personnel for increasingly complex operational environments, immersive training technologies are moving from the margins to the centre of readiness planning. In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones speaks with Raja Khanna, CEO of Lumeto, and Kavi Maharajh, the company's Chief Product Officer, about how Canadian-built AI-enabled simulation is reshaping training across healthcare and defence. The conversation explores how Lumeto's immersive platform, InvolveXR, is being applied beyond clinical environments into defence medicine, emergency response, medevac preparation, and broader readiness applications. Raja and Kavi discuss the challenge of scaling high-quality training as organizations grow their workforce, the evolving role of AI in simulation environments, and how adaptive learning systems can improve both competency and operational effectiveness. The discussion also dives into the realities of building dual-use Canadian technology, the importance of scalable and measurable training systems, and how companies like Lumeto fit into Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) ecosystem. From AI-powered virtual instructors to immersive scenario-based readiness training, this episode examines how emerging technologies are helping prepare the future force. Whether you are a defence leader, policy-maker, industry executive, or innovation stakeholder, this episode offers an inside look at the intersection of AI, immersive simulation, healthcare training, and national readiness.

May 15, 202618 min

Beyond the Battlefield: Why Business Readiness Is the Real Backbone of Defence

In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Peter Dawe, Vice President of Defence Strategy at Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), to explore why business readiness—not just technology or equipment—is becoming one of the most critical components of Canada's defence and economic security landscape. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in the Canadian Armed Forces and his current work supporting Canadian SMEs at BDC, Dawe offers a practical and execution-focused perspective on what it really takes for companies to succeed in defence and national-security supply chains. The conversation examines how operational discipline, governance, financial resilience and long-term sustainability often determine whether businesses can compete credibly in complex defence environments. Jones and Dawe discuss the growing intersection between defence and economic security, the realities facing SMEs entering defence markets, and why supply chains can quickly expose weaknesses in productivity, compliance and execution. They also unpack the role Canadian small- and medium-sized businesses play in strengthening national sovereignty and defence capacity beyond major procurement programs and prime contractors. The episode provides valuable insight for business leaders, defence suppliers and entrepreneurs considering opportunities in defence-adjacent industries, offering a grounded look at the fundamentals companies need before pursuing contracts in one of the world's most demanding sectors. Get in touch with BDC now!

April 22, 202618 min

Serco - Integrating People, Processes & Technology to Deliver LVC as an Enterprise

Vanguard Radio host J. Richard Jones welcomes Charlie Tucker, Solutions Engineer, Serco North America, for an in-depth conversation on how Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training must evolve from isolated systems into a fully integrated enterprise capability. Drawing on Charlie's 15 years supporting modeling, simulation, testing, and acquisition programs in the LVC domain, this episode explores how Serco combines people, processes, and technology to help governments modernize readiness at scale. Listeners will hear how Serco's service-first heritage shapes its approach to defense training, emphasizing trust, lifecycle partnership, and mission outcomes over standalone products. Charlie explains why successful LVC environments depend not just on software and hardware, but on federation, interoperability, sustainment, governance, and the skilled teams that keep complex training ecosystems operational. The discussion also dives into Distributed Mission Operations (DMO), secure high-end fight environments, and Serco's experience supporting advanced mission networks such as NMON and JITTC. Charlie shares how synthetic environments can improve operational security, reduce cost and scheduling constraints, and create training scenarios beyond the limits of open-air ranges. Finally, the episode examines coalition readiness, Common Data Standards (CDS), and the policy frameworks required to enable multinational training. From standards alignment to approvals and governance, Charlie outlines how Serco helps customers build enduring, scalable LVC enterprises prepared for modern multi-domain operations.

April 15, 202620 min

The Next Generation of Warfighter Training

Interview with Jay Ballard, Vice President of Defence-Learning at Calian Defence Canada. As global threats evolve and operational environments grow more complex, the way militaries train must transform just as rapidly. In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Jay Ballard, Vice President of Defence-Learning at Calian Defence Canada, to explore what it takes to prepare the next generation of warfighters. Drawing on more than two decades of operational experience as a U.S. Navy Commander—including nearly 4,000 flight hours, multiple deployments, and elite credentials such as TOPGUN Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor—Ballard brings a practitioner's lens to one of defence's most urgent challenges: modernizing military training for a rapidly changing battlespace. The conversation dives into how the character of warfare is shifting toward multi-domain, data-driven operations—and what that means for training systems across land, sea, air, cyber, and space. From the integration of C5ISRT capabilities to the rise of synthetic training environments powered by AI, digital twins, and advanced modelling, Ballard outlines the technologies and approaches that will define the future of readiness. The episode also tackles the real-world barriers facing adoption within the Canadian Armed Forces, and how industry partners can help accelerate implementation at scale. Looking ahead, Ballard paints a picture of what military training could become over the next 10 to 15 years—if the right investments, partnerships, and strategies are put in place. For defence leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders alike, this episode offers a grounded and forward-looking perspective on how training must evolve to keep pace with modern warfare—and ensure operational advantage in an increasingly contested world.

April 10, 202620 min

It's Time to Rethink Canada's Military Training

As Canada accelerates defence spending and advances a new era of military recapitalization, one critical question is coming into sharper focus: are training systems keeping pace with the platforms they are meant to support? In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Jeff Tasseron to explore why Canada must rethink its approach to military training. Representing CAE Defense & Security—a global leader in military training and simulation that supports defence forces across naval, land, and air domains—Tasseron brings insight into how advanced, increasingly AI-enabled training systems are reshaping readiness. The company's work in delivering integrated training and mission support solutions provides a real-world lens on how modern forces can better prepare for complex, multi-domain operations. Drawing on decades of operational and strategic experience—from commanding maritime helicopter operations to shaping defence transformation at the highest levels—Tasseron unpacks the risks of continuing to procure platforms with stand-alone, OEM-controlled training systems. He makes the case for a fully integrated, national training ecosystem—one that connects people, platforms, and data to deliver real operational readiness. The conversation also examines how Canada's evolving procurement landscape, including the growing role of the Defence Investment Agency, is shifting attention toward maximizing domestic economic value. Training and simulation, Tasseron argues, represent a powerful—and often underleveraged—opportunity to build sovereign capability, create high-value jobs, and strengthen Canada's defence industrial base. From the challenges of today's fragmented training models to the promise of integrated simulation environments, this episode explores what it will take for Canada to modernize training as a core pillar of defence capability—not an afterthought. SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT Key Discussion Points The operational risks of relying on stand-alone, platform-specific training systems The limitations of current training models in a joint, networked battlespace Why training modernization must sit at the centre of defence recapitalization How major Canadian defence programs are driving new approaches to training What an integrated national training ecosystem could look like The role of strategic partnerships in delivering training integration at scale Where Canada should begin—and what success looks like

February 23, 202627 min

Icebreakers, NSS 2.0 and Exporting Canadian Ship Design

Interview with Derek Buxton, VP Business Development & Ottawa, Vard Marine Inc. In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Derek Buxton, VP Business Development & Ottawa at Vard Marine Inc., for an in-depth discussion on the future of Canadian ship design, icebreaker innovation, and the evolution of Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). With more than three decades of combined service in the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard, Buxton brings a rare blend of operational experience and technical authority to the conversation. A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada, he has served at sea, worked on exchange with Australia's Collins Class submarine program, led acquisition and in-service support for Canada's Victoria Class submarines, and later played a key leadership role in the Coast Guard's fleet renewal and future concept development. Today, he is spearheading new global opportunities for VARD in the government shipbuilding sector. The discussion explores: · Icebreakers and ice-capable vessel design: What lessons has VARD Marine learned from past programs, and how are those insights shaping the next generation of Arctic and high-latitude vessels? · NSS 2.0 and innovation: How can Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy evolve to better enable innovation, industrial resilience, and export-ready Canadian designs? · Designed in Canada: What differentiates VARD Marine's approach to icebreaker design from traditional models, and how is Canadian engineering talent influencing global projects? · The Vigilance program: Where does the program stand today, how has it evolved from its early inception, and what does it signal for Canada's sovereign maritime capability? · Looking ahead: What strategic and market challenges lie on the horizon for Vard Marine, and how is the company positioning itself to overcome them? As a wholly owned subsidiary of VARD Group AS in Norway—a Fincantieri company—Vard Marine combines Canadian naval architecture expertise with access to a global design and construction database. With offices in Vancouver, Ottawa, Houston, Vũng Tàu, and Gdańsk, the company continues to position Canadian-designed vessels on the international stage. From Arctic sovereignty to exportable ship design, this episode delivers a timely conversation about where Canada's maritime industrial base is headed—and how innovation, vigilance, and global partnerships are shaping the next chapter.

January 15, 202613 min

The Unified Sensor Advantage: Powering the Mission

Interview with Karl Schaub, Chief Solution Architect, Netscout In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Karl Schaub, Chief Solution Architect at NETSCOUT, to explore how next-generation sensor strategies are reshaping cyber defence, network performance, and mission assurance across federal and public-sector environments. With more than 25 years of hands-on experience spanning cybersecurity, network architecture, and product management, Schaub explains why the traditional separation between performance monitoring and security tools is no longer sustainable. The conversation dives into the concept of the unified, next-generation sensor—a single, high-fidelity capability that delivers both performance and security insights, drives operational efficiency, and enables a common data foundation across teams, missions, and analytics platforms. The discussion also examines what's driving the shift toward sensor grids, the operational and analytical advantages they unlock, and how NETSCOUT is approaching AIOps to turn deep-packet visibility into actionable intelligence. Schaub further unpacks the idea of multi-dimensional detection, explaining how richer, correlated data improves threat detection, resilience, and decision-making in complex, distributed networks—from data centres and cloud to 5G and the tactical edge. Topics include: · What defines a next-generation sensor · Why performance and security must converge · The benefits of modern sensor and sensor-grid strategies · NETSCOUT's role in enabling Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps) · Understanding multi-dimensional detection and its mission impact A must-listen conversation for cyber, network, and defence leaders navigating the future of observability, resilience, and digital mission readiness.

January 11, 202622 min

Guardians of the North

Interview with Chris Pogue, President, Defence & Space, Calian In this episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones sits down with Chris Pogue—President, Defence & Space at Calian and a retired Royal Canadian Air Force officer—to explore how Canada is shaping the future of defence, space, and allied interoperability. Drawing on more than two decades of senior executive leadership across Canada's defence and aerospace ecosystem, Pogue offers a candid, strategic look at Calian's expanding role in supporting NATO allies, modernizing military training, and advancing multi-domain operations at a time of accelerating global uncertainty. The conversation spans Calian's end-to-end defence, space, and training capabilities; Canada's evolving defence modernization agenda and budget context; and the growing importance of interoperability across allied forces. Pogue also unpacks Calian VENTURES—how it works, why it's different from other innovation programs, and how it helps connect Canadian SMEs to real-world defence and space priorities under the government's "Rebuild, Rearm, and Reinvest" vision. From VICCI-enabled collective training to the integration of virtual, live, and distributed environments that strengthen command and control, the episode examines how innovation is being operationalized—not just imagined. Guardians of the North closes with a forward-looking discussion on Calian's priorities in training, interoperability, and space operations, and what it will take for Canada to remain a credible, agile, and trusted defence partner on the world stage. A must-listen for defence leaders, policymakers, industry partners, and anyone interested in how Canada is preparing for the next era of collective security.

December 3, 202518 min

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.

November 16, 202522 min

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.