CASR  Background   ~  Comparisons

This CASR  Background Index covers the planning and procurement of foreign militaries by way of contrast and comparison with DND and the Canadian Forces.

Readers  must  draw their own conclusions from these comparisons.  However, at risk of stating the obvious, we would remind  that  for each similarity between the Canadian and foreign situation,  history, geography and circumstance will dictate as many differences. In other words, comparing the practices of  foreign militaries might provide rough models for Canada but scale and details will inevitably vary.

Also see comparisons in CASR’s  In Detail  section. For example: Strategic Air- lifters, Herman Kurapov’s comprehensive comparison between the Boeing C-17 and Antonov An-124-100, Arctic Viking, a review of  Danish assets in the High Arctic compared with Canadian sovereignty efforts in the Far North, OPVs: Off- Shore Patrol Vessels, an overview of OPV size/capabilities issues using a select group of other countries, Maritime Security, middle power approaches to coast and harbour security. Includes: Australia (Coast Watch),  Italy,  the Netherlands.

Note: Pages listed/linked below will be arranged by subject, not chronologically.

Background   —   Comparisons ... Other Militaries’ Plans and Procurements

•  Navy

Pacific Beginnings:  Origins of  the Orca
The new Orca class  Patrol Craft, Training boat sprang from Australian roots.  Like a number of patrol craft in Orca’s size range, the hull design is based on Tenix’s Pacific class. Orca’s closest relative is the RAN’s Seahorse Mercator navigation trainer.

•  Army Aviation

Army Aviation  Comparion:  TF ODIN
The US Army has  taken  control of  its own aerial surveillance for detection of IEDs. Light  manned aircraft and UAVs carry  the exact  same suite of  sensors.

•  Army Aviation:  the Australian Example
The Australian Army  took  control  of  its  tactical helicopters (and other Army Aviation assets) from the Royal Australian Air Force. Before establishing Army Aviation,  the Australian experience mirrored that of  Canada’s in many ways. What about now ?

Australian  Army Aviation [1] In 1986 the Australian Army took over existing RAAF tactical  helicopters. The Black Hawk was about to enter service but, as with Canada today, the Australian Chinooks had been sold off as an economy measure. A revived  medium-lift  capability was a priority.

Australian  Army Aviation  [2] –   the Future
With ex-RAAF  helicopters aging, Australian Army Aviation planned for new Armed Recce Helicopters and a multi-role troop-lifter. These projects are now both bearing fruit  but with the usual delays and complications.