Calian VENTURES and Tessellate Robotics Advance Autonomous Navigation for Arctic Defence

Executive Summary

• Calian Group Ltd. and Tessellate Robotics announced a new collaboration under Calian VENTURES to integrate, test and scale next‑generation autonomous navigation technologies for defence operations in the Canadian Arctic.
• The partnership will combine Calian’s precision GNSS/PNT hardware and software with Tessellate’s GPS‑denied LiDAR‑based navigation systems, targeting deployment during Operation Nanook this March.
• The joint effort aims to strengthen Canadian sovereign capability in autonomous systems for defence, as well as dual‑use applications in energy, mining and critical infrastructure.

Key Details

• Collaboration Scope: Integration of Calian’s precision GNSS antennas, positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) technologies with Tessellate’s advanced navigation and inspection solutions to create a hybrid, defence‑ready autonomous capability.
• First Deployment: Operational field testing scheduled for March 2026 during Operation Nanook in the Arctic, a GPS‑degraded environment with harsh terrain and extreme weather.
• Strategic Rationale: Supports Canada’s northern sovereignty, NORAD modernization, and NATO defence priorities by providing assured navigation where satellite signals are degraded, jammed or denied.
• Key Benefits Highlighted:
• Assured navigation in GPS‑denied environments.
• Arctic‑ready performance validated under extreme conditions.
• Compatibility with C5ISRT (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting) architectures.
• Dual‑use flexibility for defence, energy, mining and critical infrastructure sectors.
• Quotes:
• Dominic Baril, CEO of Tessellate Robotics – emphasized the need for robust autonomous navigation in Arctic conditions and the partnership’s role in delivering cutting‑edge systems for Canada and NATO.
• Chris Pogue, President, Defence & Space, Calian Group – highlighted assured navigation as a strategic requirement for Canada’s Arctic presence and NORAD modernization, and described Calian VENTURES’ role in accelerating sovereign capability development.

Notable Quotes

• “As Canada strengthens its Arctic presence and advances NORAD modernization, assured navigation in GPS‑denied environments is becoming a strategic requirement.” – Chris Pogue, President, Defence & Space, Calian Group
• “By working with the right partners… we can combine deep technical expertise … to rigorously test, validate and ultimately deliver cutting‑edge autonomous navigation systems for terrestrial and aerial platforms.” – Dominic Baril, CEO, Tessellate Robotics