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

Open Cosmos plans 192-satellite ConnectedCosmos LEO constellation by 2030
Open Cosmos will build a core constellation of 192 low Earth orbit satellites by 2030
Open Cosmos plans 192-satellite ConnectedCosmos LEO constellation by 2030
Open Cosmos will build a core network of 192 ConnectedCosmos satellites by 2030, as it expands its secure low Earth orbit (LEO) communications network following a €300 million funding round.
British Army trials tactical drone warfare skills in first “Drone Wars” competition
Tpr Harvey Chilman, Queen's Royal Hussars, flew his FPV drone to strike an enemy position during 'Drone Wars' competition. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/British Army
British Army trials tactical drone warfare skills in first “Drone Wars” competition
Held at Sandhurst, the competition showcased how drones are being integrated into reconnaissance, targeting and support roles as the Army adapts to emerging battlefield technologies.
Aerospace Defence

6 Oct 2026

Ontic opens dedicated MRO facility in Tewkesbury
Ontic opens dedicated MRO facility in Tewkesbury
Ontic opens dedicated MRO facility in Tewkesbury
As part of its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) expansion plans, Ontic has opened a new 72,000sq ft facility in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.
Aerospace Member News

6 Oct 2026

Industry urged to back 30% growth in UK Cadet Forces by 2035
Defence Talks podcast - cadet week episode
Industry urged to back 30% growth in UK Cadet Forces by 2035
The ambition to add 40,000 more cadets over the next decade will require new volunteers, modern facilities, digital tools and stronger employer partnerships.
Defence

7 Oct 2026

Inside Strike Warrior 26: British Commandos launch from German submarine off Scotland
British Commandos from 148 Battery prepare to board a German submarine during SW26 on 29 September 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/LPhot Hutchins
Inside Strike Warrior 26: British Commandos launch from German submarine off Scotland
British Commandos have deployed from a German Navy submarine during Exercise Strike Warrior 2026, testing NATO’s ability to deliver integrated effects from sea to shore.
Defence

7 Oct 2026

SubSea Craft appoints Chris White as Managing Director of SubSea Craft Australia
SubSea Craft Australia's facility
SubSea Craft appoints Chris White as Managing Director of SubSea Craft Australia
In a move set to strengthen its Australian presence and its capability to support programmes such as AUKUS, SubSea Craft has appointed Chris White as Managing Director of SubSea Craft Australia.
Defence Member News

7 Oct 2026

Excelerate Technology to build UK CNI robotic security solution
Satellite in Earth orbit
Excelerate Technology to build UK CNI robotic security solution
In a project co-funded by the European Space Agency Business Applications and Space Solutions (ESA BASS) and supported by the UK Space Agency, Excelerate Technology will build and demonstrate how space-enabled assets can provide innovative safety and security solutions, including protection of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) at a site in the UK.
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

Cyacomb launches counter-terrorism platform to identify terrorist content on digital devices
Digital security.
Cyacomb launches counter-terrorism platform to identify terrorist content on digital devices
A new counter-terrorism capability developed by Edinburgh-based Cyacomb can help investigators rapidly identify known terrorist material on digital devices, as online radicalisation creates new challenges for law enforcement services.
Member News Security

7 Oct 2026

RAF Barnham future uncertain as police seek to retain training facility
RAF Barnham
RAF Barnham future uncertain as police seek to retain training facility
Norfolk and Suffolk Police are fighting to retain former RAF Barnham after the government marked the MoD-owned site to accommodate asylum seekers.
Defence Security

7 Oct 2026

Excelerate Technology to build UK CNI robotic security solution
Satellite in Earth orbit
Excelerate Technology to build UK CNI robotic security solution
In a project co-funded by the European Space Agency Business Applications and Space Solutions (ESA BASS) and supported by the UK Space Agency, Excelerate Technology will build and demonstrate how space-enabled assets can provide innovative safety and security solutions, including protection of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) at a site in the UK.