Canadian satellite operator Telesat announced Monday it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with South Korean defence and ICT company Hanwha Systems to collaborate on next-generation, sovereign satellite connectivity solutions, as well as user terminals, that will be compatible with Telesat’s low Earth orbit (LEO) network, Telesat Lightspeed.
The MOU follows the recent signing of a letter of intent between the Canadian government through the Canadian Commercial Corporation and the South Korean government through the Defense Acquisition Program Administration to pursue a structured initiative on next-generation commercial LEO satellite communications and advanced maritime platforms.
Under the MOU, Telesat and Hanwha will explore a range of cooperative programs, notably the South Korean government’s LEO communications satellite constellation (K-LEO) and defence user terminals that are compatible with K-LEO and Telesat Lightspeed, a Telesat press release said. In addition, the companies are cooperating on the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, “where Hanwha intends to include significant, multi-year Telesat Lightspeed services as a key strategic aspect of its bid in its Industrial and Economic Benefits to Canada Proposal Annex,” the press release said.
Furthermore, Hanwha will also look to apply Telesat Lightspeed services to various platforms within its weapon systems as a means of exploring potential business collaboration opportunities throughout the global defence market, the release added.
“This collaboration brings together complementary resources and expertise to deliver next-generation, sovereign LEO communications capabilities for Canada, South Korea, and our allied partners,” Dan Goldberg, Telesat’s president and CEO, said in the Monday release. “The secure, high-performance Telesat Lightspeed architecture — paired with Hanwha’s advanced systems expertise — positions us to support critical defense missions and national priorities with unmatched reliability.”
“This partnership enhances our ability to deliver secure, sovereign LEO communications for defense and maritime operations,” said Jae-il Son, president and CEO of Hanwha Systems, in a statement. “By expanding partnerships with trusted global leaders, Hanwha Systems will continue to strengthen its position in the global market and advance its role as a key defense and space technology provider.”
