Ericsson, Saab and Calian partner to Strengthen Canada's Communications Innovation
Collaboration will explore secure, dual-use, interoperable communication systems to enhance Canada's defence capabilities and future readiness
Agreement builds on each company's strengths with the potential to drive innovation, joint R&D, and create high-value jobs across Canada
OTTAWA, Nov. 18, 2025 /CNW/ -- Ericsson Canada, Saab and Calian have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore opportunities for collaboration in advanced, secure, and resilient communication systems. The agreement, signed today in Ottawa, underscores the shared commitment to supporting Canada's defence modernization and technological competitiveness in global markets with dual-use solutions.
As the world becomes more complex, and emerging technologies reshape the defence landscape, there is a heightened need for secure, unified systems that strengthen Canada's resilience and readiness.
Through this partnership, Ericsson, Saab, and Calian will explore how advanced, data-driven technologies can modernize command, control, and communications (C3) systems to connect decision-makers with the right information, at the right time, across every operational domain. This is critical to public safety: coordination across first responders' agencies is essential to addressing events such as natural disasters.
Together, the companies aim to bridge existing and emerging communication networks to create a secure, interoperable, and resilient "system of systems." By combining Ericsson's expertise in global network infrastructure, Saab's advanced defence and surveillance technologies, and Calian's integration capabilities, the collaboration seeks to redefine how information moves securely across land, sea, air, and cyber environments.
"Modern defence operations depend on the ability to communicate securely and seamlessly across domains," said Chris Pogue, President, Defence and Space, Calian Group Ltd. "At Calian, we're proud to bring Canadian expertise in systems integration, advanced communications and training to this collaboration with Ericsson and Saab. Together, we can strengthen Canada's sovereign capabilities, support our Armed Forces and allies, and lay the foundation for the next generation of secure, interoperable command and control systems."
"This collaboration represents the best of Swedish and Canadian innovation," said Simon Carroll, President of Saab Canada. "By combining our strengths, we are laying the groundwork for advanced communication systems that are secure, interoperable and built for the future -- supporting both defence and civilian applications."
"Canada's innovation ecosystem is built on collaboration, and this partnership represents a powerful opportunity to apply our collective strengths to one of the country's most critical priorities," said Nishant Grover, President of Ericsson Canada. "Together with Saab and Calian, we can advance secure, interoperable communications that strengthen Canada's defence capabilities while creating long-term value for Canadian industry and society."
The MoU provides a framework for exploring joint research and development projects, with the potential to foster innovation, create high-value jobs in Canada's defence industry, and contribute to Canada's defence procurement and industrial benefits policies.
The collaboration will also support Canada's broader objective of strengthening its defence and public safety through advanced, secure, and resilient technologies.
About Ericsson
Ericsson's high-performing networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For nearly 150 years, we've been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. www.ericsson.com
About Calian
www.calian.com
For over 40 years, Calian has delivered mission-critical solutions when failure is not an option. Trusted worldwide, we empower organizations in critical industries to overcome obstacles, manage risks and drive progress. By combining the expertise of our people, proven industry insight, cutting-edge technology, bold innovation and global reach, we deliver tailored solutions that solve complex challenges. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with over 5,000 people around the world, Calian's solutions protect lives, strengthen security, foster global connectivity and drive economic progress, making a lasting impact where and when it matters most.
Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
About Saab
Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 26,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.
Noah Notes: The first of what I expect to be many MOU this week. Its funny how Calian went last week from big restructuring news to jumping on multiple new agreements. Either way partnerships are nice. I expect to see more stuff like this throughout the week as the Swedish delegation visits.
Calian is in the middle of a major shakeup. George Weber and longtime CEO Kevin Ford will be stepping down in January. We spoke about that last week. The company is also looking to sell off its IT & Cyber Solutions business as part of restructuring.
This is something that Head of Plantro, and major investor in Calian Matt Proud has reportedly been pushing. Mr. Proud had bought into Calian I believe last year and has actively been pushing for the sale of parts or even all of Calian the last few months.
However that is a fun story for another time. I try to keep out of corporate drama, though I feel I will have to get into this eventually. I dont have all the info, and in defence I would rather not make a mountain out of a dirt pile.
Either way we have an MOU, and it's a fairly big one in my books. Time will tell how well it pans out or what fully comes out of it. This is good for Saab though, who has been looking to get more into C5ISR systems here.
SAAB has some amazing communication technologies, just look at their home grown link system they use between their gripens. This is good news IMO.