Telesat Secures $1.6B Contract for Arctic Military Satellite Communications

• •Telesat awarded a C$2.3 billion contract for Arctic military satellite communications.
• •The contract expands the Lightspeed satellite network from 156 to 225 satellites.
• •Services will begin in 2028, enhancing secure connectivity for the Canadian Armed Forces.

Canada’s Defense Investment Agency awarded Telesat a C$2.3 billion ($1.6 billion) contract to enhance military satellite communications in the Arctic. The contract will expand Telesat's Lightspeed network from 156 to 225 satellites, providing secure Ka-band connectivity to the Canadian Armed Forces. Services are set to begin in 2028, with the contract spanning 15 years, including options for additional service. The project aims to strengthen Canada's Arctic sovereignty and address communication challenges due to harsh weather and rugged terrain. The expansion will be funded through milestone payments starting in Q3 2026, creating thousands of jobs in Canada. Telesat's network is expected to support interoperability with allied forces and meet future operational requirements.