The Norwegian company signed a memorandum of understanding with MDA Space covering potential space and defence projects across several technical areas. It also signed a letter of intent with Telesat LEO to evaluate the integration of the Telesat Lightspeed low Earth orbit satellite network.
The Telesat cooperation is intended to support secure, resilient and low-latency military communications for Canada, Norway and allied countries. The planned work would combine Kongsberg’s defence systems with Telesat’s satellite communications infrastructure.
The agreements were announced during Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre’s official visit to Ottawa. They follow the Strategic Cooperation Agreement signed by Canada and Norway earlier this year and reflect closer bilateral ties in defence, space and Arctic security.
“Signing this MOU today responds to the strategic partnership between Norway and Canada announced in March,” said Camilla Kiss, President, Kongsberg Discovery and Executive Vice President, Kongsberg. “Kongsberg is already present in Canada, and we look forward to strengthening our collaboration.”
Canada and Norway are founding members of NATO and members of the Arctic Council. Kongsberg said its expanded Canadian presence would support the two countries’ security, sovereignty and military readiness in the High North.
“Kongsberg’s work in Ottawa directly strengthens the security, sovereignty, and readiness of both Canada and Norway,” said Jordan Freed, President, Kongsberg Geospatial. “These new agreements with Canada’s two premiere space companies reinforce our commitment to supporting Canada’s defence and security industries across every operational domain – from deep sea to outer space.”
MDA Space and Kongsberg will explore areas where their technologies and industrial capabilities could support allied defence and security requirements. The Canadian company specialises in satellite systems, space robotics and geointelligence.
“This MOU is a reflection of the immediate opportunities for global industry leaders to work together to meet the defence and security needs of trusted partners and allies,” said Mike Greenley, CEO, MDA Space. “We look forward to working with KONGSBERG to ensure that military and security forces have the space and defence capabilities needed for their mission critical work.”
Telesat Lightspeed is being designed as a software-defined low Earth orbit network operating in commercial and military Ka-band spectrum. Its architecture is intended to provide secure broadband connectivity for government, defence, aviation, maritime and commercial customers.
“This collaboration reflects the strength of the Canada-Norway strategic relationship and our shared commitment to advancing sovereign and allied defence capabilities,” said Dan Goldberg, President and CEO, Telesat. “The combination of Kongsberg’s advanced defence platforms and systems with the secure, resilient and low-latency capabilities of the Telesat Lightspeed network would create the opportunity to enhance mission-critical communications and deliver greater operational effectiveness for Norway, Canada and allied nations.”
Kongsberg has operated in Canada for 50 years and is seeking a wider role as Ottawa increases defence spending and modernises the Canadian Armed Forces. The agreements extend that presence into closer industrial cooperation with two of Canada’s leading space companies.
