Calian to work with Ericsson and Saab on communications systems to aid defence operations

November 18, 2025

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Ottawa-based Calian Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ericsson Canada and Saab with the goal of redefining “how information moves securely across land, sea, air, and cyber environments.” In a news release Tuesday, the three companies said the MoU will allow them to explore opportunities for collaboration in advanced, secure and resilient communication systems. The agreement “underscores the shared commitment to supporting Canada's defence modernization and technological competitiveness in global markets with dual-use solutions,” according to the release. "Modern defence operations depend on the ability to communicate securely and seamlessly across domains," said Chris Pogue, Calian’s president, defence and space, in the release. "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." Through the partnership, Ericsson, Saab and Calian will look at how advanced, data-driven technologies can modernize command, control and communications (C3) systems to connect decision-makers across every operational domain, allowing first responders' agencies to better address events such as natural disasters. “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,” the release said. "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. The MoU provides a framework for joint research and development projects with the potential to foster innovation, create jobs in Canada's defence industry, and contribute to Canada's defence procurement and industrial benefits policies, according to the release. The announcement Tuesday follows Calian’s launch in September of Calian Ventures, designed to provide engineering and go-to-market support to up-and-coming defence-tech firms that are creating groundbreaking solutions for military customers. Last week, Calian said that Ottawa-based Tactiql, a software company founded by military veteran Mike Nelson, will be the first partner in Calian Ventures.