Telesat Partners With The Government Of Canada And MDA Space To Develop And Deliver Multi-Frequency, Arctic Military Satellite Communications Capability To Canadian Armed Forces

Telesat (TSX:TSAT), one of the world's largest and most innovative satellite operators, today announced a strategic partnership agreement among the Government of Canada, Telesat Corporation and MDA Space to develop and deliver a multi-frequency, Arctic military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) capability to the Canadian Armed Forces.

Leveraging over 55 years of satellite engineering and operations excellence, Telesat will play a pivotal role in delivering a state-of-the-art MILSATCOM architecture for Canada's Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar (ESCP-P). The narrowband and wideband solution will strengthen and safeguard Canada's Arctic sovereignty while bolstering Canada's NORAD and NATO commitments.

The execution of the ESCP-P procurement is being led by the newly formed Defence Investment Agency (DIA), leveraging a strategic partner model that will harness industry and government expertise in the design, development and delivery of advanced defence programs on a meaningfully accelerated timeline.

The strategic partnership agreement follows an extensive industry engagement process – anchored by Requests for Information (RFI) submissions – and reflects the government's confidence in Telesat's engineering excellence and decades-long track record in supporting mission-critical Arctic connectivity for the Canadian Armed Forces.

The ESCP-P project represents a multi-billion dollar investment by Canada and will act as a catalyst for significant investment, job creation and economic growth in Canada through its world-class space supply chain.

Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy will apply to ESCP-P, ensuring the project advances innovation, strengthens Canada's domestic defence and space sectors, and creates high-value jobs for Canadians. By applying the ITB Policy, this partnership will bring together stakeholders across Canada's space sector, including small and medium-sized businesses. This collaboration will increase economic benefits and further strengthen Canada's capabilities in space and defence.