Canada has selected Telesat to provide secure satellite communications for the Canadian Armed Forces under a contract valued at 2.3 billion Canadian dollars ($1.6 billion). Awarded through the Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar (ESCP-P), the 15-year agreement will deliver secure Military Ka-band connectivity across the Arctic beginning in 2028. The contract includes two optional five-year extensions worth approximately 200 million Canadian dollars each, potentially increasing the total value to 2.7 billion Canadian dollars. The project represents Telesat’s largest contract and will expand its planned Lightspeed low Earth orbit constellation from 156 to 225 satellites through the addition of 69 spacecraft. Manufactured by MDA Space and launched aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets, the expanded constellation will provide resilient communications across Arctic latitudes while supporting military and commercial operations. The network is also designed to improve interoperability with NATO allies and partner nations. Additional infrastructure, terminals, training, and support services will be provided under separate agreements.
