Canadian Armed Forces Choose Telesat Lightspeed for Arctic Military Satellite Communications

On July 11, 2026, Telesat, a leading satellite operator based in Ottawa, announced a significant agreement with Canada's Defence Investment Agency. This partnership aims to provide secure Arctic connectivity to the Canadian Armed Forces through Telesat Lightspeed, a project that is vital for the country’s sovereignty programs in the strategically important Arctic region.

The focus of this agreement is the Military Ka-band (Mil-Ka) component of the Enhanced Satellite Communications Project - Polar (ESCP-P). This federal initiative seeks to establish robust and secure military satellite communications across Canada’s Arctic territory. Telesat plans to deliver Mil-Ka connectivity across latitudes from 65 to 90 degrees north, in addition to offering end-to-end network integration services. These services will include user terminals, ground and control infrastructure, and training and support for military personnel.

This agreement builds on a strategic partnership established in late 2025 involving Telesat, MDA Space, and the Defence Investment Agency. It aligns with the federal government's strategy to utilize commercial satellite technology to enhance sovereign capabilities promptly. A definitive contract to formalize this agreement is anticipated in the upcoming weeks, and Telesat assures that this development will not delay the global commercial service delivery of Telesat Lightspeed, which is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2028.

Dan Goldberg, Telesat’s President and CEO, lauded the proactive measures taken by the Canadian Armed Forces, the Defence Investment Agency, and the Government of Canada to secure essential military communications capabilities. He emphasized the benefits of integrating commercial innovations in expediting access to secure and advanced connectivity, achieving operational efficiencies, and fortifying the military’s ability to maintain constant communication and operational awareness in the Arctic region.

Telesat's growing involvement in Canada's Arctic sovereignty initiatives highlights Ottawa-Gatineau's strategic importance in the nation’s defense technology landscape. The area is home to the Department of National Defence, over 330 defense and security firms, and the only cluster of NATO DIANA test centers in Canada. In light of Canada’s goal to increase defense spending to five percent of GDP by 2035, the development of domestically-sourced satellite and space capabilities will play a crucial role in safeguarding the North.

Telesat Corporation (Nasdaq and TSX: TSAT) is recognized as one of the largest and most innovative satellite operators globally. Providing a wide range of connectivity solutions to sectors like broadcasting, telecommunications, enterprise, maritime, aviation, and government, the company is focused on constructing Telesat Lightspeed—an advanced low Earth orbit satellite network aimed at delivering secure, high-performance broadband globally.

For more information on the partnership and its implications for Canadian military communications, interested individuals can view the full announcement on platforms related to Invest Ottawa, particularly concerning advancements in Canada’s defense innovation sector.