Canadian Armed Forces selects Telesat Lightspeed for Mil-Ka-band component of ESCP-P Arctic military communications program
Press Release + Noah Note
OTTAWA, CANADA – July 8, 2026 – Telesat LEO ULC, a subsidiary of Telesat Corporation (Nasdaq and TSX: TSAT), one of the world’s largest and most innovative satellite operators, today announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with Canada’s Defence Investment Agency for Telesat Lightspeed services to deliver secure Military Ka-band (Mil-Ka) Arctic connectivity to the Canadian Armed Forces for the Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar (ESCP-P) program.
This agreement builds on the Strategic Partnership Agreement announced in late 2025 between the Defence Investment Agency, Telesat, and MDA Space for the ESCP-P program and reflects Canada’s strategy to leverage commercial expertise and innovations to accelerate delivery of critical sovereign capabilities. Telesat expects to deliver a comprehensive solution to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), including secure, Mil-Ka connectivity across Canada’s Arctic region, spanning 65 degrees to 90 degrees North latitude. The program will also include end-to-end network integration services, including user terminals, ground and control infrastructure, training, and support services.
“We commend the Canadian Armed Forces, the Defence Investment Agency, and the Government of Canada for their forward-looking approach to securing critical military communications capabilities,” said Dan Goldberg, Telesat’s President and CEO. “By leveraging commercial innovation and investments, Canada will accelerate access to secure, advanced, resilient and sovereign connectivity while driving meaningful cost efficiencies in program delivery. Telesat Lightspeed will help strengthen the CAF’s ability to maintain persistent communications, operational awareness and mission success across the strategically vital Arctic domain.”
The above agreement is subject to the execution of a definitive contract by the parties, which Telesat expects to be completed in the coming weeks. Following execution, Telesat intends to share more detailed information about the expected financial impact of this agreement. This agreement, as well as the anticipated definitive contract, will not impact the timing of Telesat Lightspeed global service delivery, which remains on track for Q1 2028.
Noah Note: A huge congrats to Telesat here. I kinda expected this to be the pathway, if only to lock in to the Lightspeed network fully ahead of the SATCOM Sisters coming online in the early 2030s (hopefully). Once they seperated out the Military Ka-Band I kinda had it in my head, especially with the timelines at present.
Anywho, great job either way!