Canada’s future military and public-safety operations will depend on one critical asset: the ability to move information securely, seamlessly, and at speed. With threats evolving across every domain—from the Arctic to cyberspace—the nation’s communications backbone must be resilient enough to withstand disruption, interoperable enough to bind agencies together, and innovative enough to keep pace with global technological change.

That spirit of modernization is at the heart of a new partnership unveiled in Ottawa on November 18, 2025, as Ericsson Canada, Saab, and Calian signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly explore advanced, secure, and resilient communication solutions for Canada. The agreement marks a timely convergence of strengths from three leaders in global networks, defence technology, and systems integration—each bringing deep experience and Canadian footprint to the table.

“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.”

Squaring Up to a New Era of Complexity

The global landscape is becoming more contested and technologically complex, placing new pressures on Canada’s command, control, and communications (C3) environment. Whether responding to strategic threats or managing domestic emergencies such as natural disasters, decision-makers and first responders must be connected to accurate information at the moment it matters most.

This challenge is pushing nations to rethink how data flows across land, sea, air, space, and cyber. It requires unified systems that are secure, agile, and capable of linking multiple agencies and mission environments. For Canada, that means moving beyond siloed communications toward a true “system of systems” that can evolve alongside emerging technologies.

“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.”

A Partnership Built on Complementary Strengths

Ericsson, Saab, and Calian are joining forces to explore exactly that future. With the agreement now in place, the three companies will evaluate collaborative opportunities in areas such as dual-use solutions, advanced networking, and secure, interoperable systems. The aim is not only to strengthen Canada’s defence modernization, but also to enhance the nation’s technological competitiveness in global markets.

Each partner brings distinct capabilities to the collaboration:

  • Ericsson contributes world-leading expertise in global network infrastructure and next-generation communications technologies.
  • Saab brings its advanced defence, surveillance, and mission-system heritage—designed to meet the demands of modern security environments.
  • Calian adds deep integration experience across critical systems, ensuring complex technologies work cohesively in real-world operations.

Together, they plan to explore how data-driven technologies can modernize C3 systems and securely connect operators with the information they need—when and where they need it.

“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.”

Toward a Secure, Interoperable System of Systems

At the centre of the collaboration is a shared ambition: bridging existing and emerging communication networks into a secure, interoperable, and resilient whole. Such a system would tie together everything from defence platforms to public-safety agencies, enabling faster coordination and more informed decision-making during high-pressure events.

For Canada, the potential impacts are profound. This type of innovation could drive new R&D activity, support high-value jobs across the country, and position Canadian capabilities at the forefront of dual-use technology development.

And in a world where operational readiness depends on secure data exchange across every domain, the partnership between Ericsson, Saab, and Calian represents a forward-looking investment in Canada’s resilience, competitiveness, and long-term security.