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

Why the UK has so few domestic flights outside London
Why the UK has so few domestic flights outside London
With fewer regional routes, strong competition from rail and airlines favouring more profitable international services, flying outside London has become increasingly difficult.
Aerospace

15 Nov 2026

UK flights impacted by US nationwide ground stop as knock-on effects continue
Heathrow Airport
UK flights impacted by US nationwide ground stop as knock-on effects continue
The US Transportation Secretary blamed ageing infrastructure and overloaded TDM routers for the nationwide FAA ground stop.
Aerospace Security

14 Nov 2026

Why technical expertise alone will not win aerospace business
Scott Pendry, ADS Head of Aerospace Business Development and International Trade
Why technical expertise alone will not win aerospace business
Technical capability opens doors, but aerospace buyers also need confidence in quality, delivery and capacity, explains ADS’s Scott Pendry.
Aerospace Insights

14 Nov 2026

The history of the Blackburn Buccaneer: from Royal Navy service to the Gulf War
Blackburn Buccaneer
The history of the Blackburn Buccaneer: from Royal Navy service to the Gulf War
Few British aircraft enjoyed a second act quite like the Buccaneer, which proved its worth from the Cold War to Operation Granby.
Defence

14 Nov 2026

UK faces 41% rise in Russian naval activity as undersea threat grows
The Russian Navy's Neustrashimy-class guided-missile frigate is shadowed by an 815 NAS-operated Wildcat HMA2 as it transits the English Channel on 10 October 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
UK faces 41% rise in Russian naval activity as undersea threat grows
Russian naval activity around the UK has increased by 41% this year, prompting fresh warnings over threats to UK security, undersea cables and critical infrastructure.
Defence

13 Nov 2026

New facilities opened for Air C2 Force at RAF Leeming
The new Single Living Accommodation building at RAF Leeming.
New facilities opened for Air C2 Force at RAF Leeming
Delivered under the MoD’s Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio, the opening of new sustainable infrastructure at RAF Leeming will allow the Air C2 (Command and Control) Force to complete their move to the station.
Defence Member News

13 Nov 2026

Protecting satellites is not enough to keep the UK’s critical services running
Steve Knibbs, director, Vodafone business
Protecting satellites is not enough to keep the UK’s critical services running
Protecting satellites alone cannot guarantee continuity. Steve Knibbs argues for resilience across the infrastructure supporting the UK’s critical services.
Insights Space

15 Nov 2026

Serco acquires QinetiQ’s US business
Satellite orbiting earth
Serco acquires QinetiQ’s US business
It was announced today that Serco's acquisition of QinetiQ’s US business has been agreed, substantially expanding the defence capabilities of Serco, whilst strengthening QinetiQ's balance sheet and enabling it to concentrate its resources on the UK, European, NATO and key allied defence and security markets.
Defence Member News Space

12 Nov 2026

UK military satellite Titania reaches orbit as MoD trials space-threat sensors
Titania Satellite
UK military satellite Titania reaches orbit as MoD trials space-threat sensors
The UK's second ISTARI military satellite, Titania, reaches orbit as trials launch for a three-site sensor network to monitor potential threats to spacecraft.
Defence Space

9 Nov 2026

UK flights impacted by US nationwide ground stop as knock-on effects continue
Heathrow Airport
UK flights impacted by US nationwide ground stop as knock-on effects continue
The US Transportation Secretary blamed ageing infrastructure and overloaded TDM routers for the nationwide FAA ground stop.
Aerospace Security

14 Nov 2026

Smiths Detection to supply Norwegian Customs with advanced mobile screening systems
Norwegian Customs
Smiths Detection to supply Norwegian Customs with advanced mobile screening systems
Advanced mobile vehicle screening systems from Smiths Detection will enable Norway to enhance its capability to inspect goods traffic across key border and customs locations.
Member News Security

13 Nov 2026

NCSC warns UK businesses of scams following global Microsoft outage
Laptop user pressing Windows key
NCSC warns UK businesses of scams following global Microsoft outage
Cybercriminals could exploit the global Microsoft outage, warns the NCSC, as an AI expert urges UK businesses to have a Plan B when systems fail.
Security

13 Nov 2026