Telesat signs co-operation agreement with Hanwha

Executive Summary

• Telesat Corp. and Hanwha Systems Co. Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on next-generation sovereign satellite connectivity solutions and user terminals compatible with Telesat's LEO network, Lightspeed.
• The agreement follows a prior letter of intent between the governments of Canada and Korea to pursue initiatives on commercial LEO satellite communications and advanced maritime platforms.
• Key collaboration areas include the Korean government's LEO communications satellite constellation (K-LEO), defense user terminals, and the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), where Hanwha intends to include Telesat Lightspeed services in its bid.

Key Details

• Parties Involved: Telesat Corp. (Global satellite operator) and Hanwha Systems Co. Ltd. (South Korean defense and ICT company).
• Agreement Type: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
• Strategic Context: Follows a letter of intent between the Government of Canada (via Canadian Commercial Corporation) and the Government of Korea (via Defense Acquisition Program Administration) for next-generation commercial LEO satellite communications.
• Collaboration Scope:
  • Joint development of next-generation, sovereign satellite connectivity solutions.
  • Development of user terminals compatible with Telesat Lightspeed.
  • Cooperation on the Korean government's LEO communications satellite constellation (K-LEO).
  • Development of defense user terminals compatible with both K-LEO and Telesat Lightspeed.
• Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP): Hanwha intends to include significant, multiyear Telesat Lightspeed services as a key strategic aspect of its bid for the CPSP, highlighting industrial and economic benefits to Canada.
• Global Defense Market: Hanwha plans to apply Telesat Lightspeed services to various platforms within its weapon systems to explore business collaboration opportunities in the global defense market.
• Leadership Commentary:
  • Dan Goldberg (Telesat CEO) highlighted the combination of Telesat's secure, high-performance architecture with Hanwha's systems expertise to support critical defense missions.
  • Jae-il Son (Hanwha Systems CEO) emphasized strengthening Hanwha's position in the global market and advancing its role as a key defense and space technology provider.

Notable Quotes

• "This collaboration brings together complementary resources and expertise to deliver next-generation, sovereign LEO communications capabilities for Canada, South Korea and our allied partners," stated Dan Goldberg, Telesat's president and chief executive officer.
• "This partnership enhances our ability to deliver secure, sovereign LEO communications for defence and maritime operations," said Jae-il Son, president and CEO of Hanwha Systems.