General Atomics

Calian appoints new regional VP of Defence for Europe, UK and NATO

Calian Group Ltd. has announced the appointment of Major-General (Ret.) Roch Pelletier to the role of Regional Vice President (RVP) Global Defence & Security.

Image courtesy Calian

This newly created role addresses the growth of Calian’s defence business, driven by increased global military spending, geopolitical instability and the rising demand for advanced technologies.

This appointment will advance Calian’s strategic business development, strengthen relationships with stakeholders, and provide operational support to drive growth and efficiencies within the region.

In his 36 years of service with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Major-General Pelletier (above) held senior command roles, including Commander of the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre (CADTC) and the 5th Canadian Division. He also served as Director General of Intelligence, Operations and Plans for the Canadian Joint Operations Command. During his military tenure he gained extensive expertise in national defence strategy, operational planning and international collaboration and has demonstrated an ability to navigate complex and challenging environments and deliver results.

“Major-General Pelletier’s role underscores our commitment to growing our European and UK footprint and strengthening our support for NATO customers with mission-critical solutions,” said Kevin Ford, Calian CEO. “His record of leadership, deep understanding of defence and global security challenges will be instrumental in advancing our mission and delivering future-proof solutions as we expand our services throughout Europe and the UK.”

In the RVP role, Major-General Pelletier will expand and strengthen international collaborations in support of advancing Calian’s IT, cybersecurity and advanced training capabilities, addressing the growing demand for scalable solutions that enhance operational readiness and resilience in defence. This aligns with global priorities on defence modernisation and collaboration across NATO allies to safeguard critical assets.

Related

McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
Integral to Rolls-Royce's £140 million investment at its Derby site, the new facility will support future growth of the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector and strengthen its aerospace and sovereign defence capability.
Manchester Airport opens new hi-tech sensory zone for autistic and neurodivergent passengers
Manchester Airport hi-tech sensory zone in T2
Manchester Airport opens new hi-tech sensory zone for autistic and neurodivergent passengers
The new Sunflower Room provides sensory and quiet spaces designed to support autistic and other neurodivergent passengers, as well as people with non-visible disabilities and additional assistance needs.
Aerospace

5 Oct 2026

Certo Aerospace raises £5m to accelerate Capstone heavy-lift UAS
Capstone heavy-lift uncrewed aircraft
Certo Aerospace raises £5m to accelerate Capstone heavy-lift UAS
Certo Aerospace has secured £5m to expand operations in Somerset and Wiltshire and move its Capstone heavy-lift UAS closer to service.
Aerospace Defence

5 Oct 2026

McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
Integral to Rolls-Royce's £140 million investment at its Derby site, the new facility will support future growth of the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector and strengthen its aerospace and sovereign defence capability.
Certo Aerospace raises £5m to accelerate Capstone heavy-lift UAS
Capstone heavy-lift uncrewed aircraft
Certo Aerospace raises £5m to accelerate Capstone heavy-lift UAS
Certo Aerospace has secured £5m to expand operations in Somerset and Wiltshire and move its Capstone heavy-lift UAS closer to service.
Aerospace Defence

5 Oct 2026

US withdraws B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford amid “new threats”
USAF B-1B Lancer at RAF Fairford
US withdraws B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford amid “new threats”
The US has withdrawn its B-1B Lancer bombers from RAF Fairford amid security concerns following an alleged Iran-linked plot targeting the base.
Defence

5 Oct 2026

World Space Week: How British technology will help ESA return to the Moon
ESA Argonaut
World Space Week: How British technology will help ESA return to the Moon
As Europe prepares to return to the Moon, British-developed LEIA LiDAR technology will help ESA's Argonaut lander autonomously identify safe touchdown zones on the lunar surface.
Space

5 Oct 2026

Airbus delivers first next-generation satellites for OneWeb constellation
OneWeb satellites in transport container at Airbus
Airbus delivers first next-generation satellites for OneWeb constellation
A new generation of OneWeb spacecraft is heading for launch, helping Eutelsat sustain and expand its low Earth orbit connectivity network for governments, businesses and institutions worldwide.
Member News Space

5 Oct 2026

Serco’s NadirEO to provide operational insights from Earth Observation data
Serco’s NadirEO to provide operational insights from Earth Observation data
The new NadirEO platform turns Earth Observation data into operational insight, bringing together multiple data sources, analytics and specialist partners to help organisations assess risk, monitor assets and make evidence-based decisions.
Member News Space

4 Oct 2026

New report names UK as Europe’s most targeted country for state-backed cyberattacks
Lockheed martin cybersecurity
New report names UK as Europe’s most targeted country for state-backed cyberattacks
Microsoft’s latest Digital Defence Report warns that AI is accelerating cyber threats, while hostile states increasingly target critical infrastructure and essential services across the UK.
Security

5 Oct 2026

HMP Addiewell becomes first Scottish prison to launch secure digital learning for prisoners 
James Tweed
HMP Addiewell becomes first Scottish prison to launch secure digital learning for prisoners 
The introduction of digital learning at HMP Addiewell makes it the first prison in Scotland to provide secure Coracle laptops and tech training to prisoners.
Member News Security

5 Oct 2026

Cohort appoints Richard Mills as Group Strategy Director
Richard Mills
Cohort appoints Richard Mills as Group Strategy Director
Former Boeing executive Richard Mills will lead the growth strategy of Cohort and its seven subsidiaries which specialise in defence and security technology across the UK, Germany, Portugal and Australia.