Telesat has received its largest contract to date after Canada awarded the company a long-term agreement valued at 2.3 billion Canadian dollars to strengthen military communications across the Arctic. The contract, issued through the Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar initiative, will provide the Canadian Armed Forces with secure Military Ka-band satellite connectivity beginning in 2028. Optional extensions could raise the total contract value to approximately 2.7 billion Canadian dollars. To meet program requirements, Telesat will expand its Lightspeed low Earth orbit satellite constellation by adding 69 satellites, increasing the total network to 225 spacecraft. Built by MDA Space and launched using SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets, the expanded system will deliver secure, low-latency communications throughout Canada’s northern regions while supporting interoperability with NATO and allied forces. Additional infrastructure, including terminals, ground stations, and training, will be procured under separate agreements.
