On December 9, 2025, the Ministers of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, Minister of National Defence, and the Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) announced that the Government of Canada has established a strategic partnership with Telesat Corporation and MDA Space, to develop and bolster the Canadian Forces’ military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) capabilities.
This partnership is part of the Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar (ESCP-P), one of the key procurements being led by the newly formed Defence Investment Agency. It will provide reliable wideband and narrowband connectivity to support domestic and continental operations in the Arctic. This project is leveraging Canadian industry to create high-quality jobs across the country, while unlocking a multi-billion-dollar investment in Canada’s defense sector.
The Government of Canada selected Telesat and MDA Space as strategic partners because of their combined expertise in secure satellite communications and space-based infrastructure. This strategic partnership ensures a strong role for the domestic space sector, while reinforcing the government’s commitment to Arctic security, Canadian sovereignty and creating high-quality jobs with our generational investments in defense.
The announcement demonstrates Canada’s commitment to modernizing military capabilities, supporting NATO and NORAD priorities, and ensuring that Canadian innovation plays a significant role in meeting emerging threats.
