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

Enhanced aviation programme to help college students into airport careers
TSCG and MAG aviation course launch 08.10.2026
Enhanced aviation programme to help college students into airport careers
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) is building on its partnership with Trafford & Stockport College to bring industry insights into the classroom and enable young people to get hands-on experience relevant to today's aviation sector.
Aerospace

13 Oct 2026

3 innovative technologies selected for trial at Glasgow Airport
Glasgow Airport with Edelweiss aircraft
3 innovative technologies selected for trial at Glasgow Airport
The companies selected are part of an initiative supporting the development and adoption of new technologies across the UK’s aviation sector.
Aerospace

13 Oct 2026

UK blames Iran’s Revolutionary Guards for RAF Fairford ‘bomb plot’
Boeing B-52H Stratofortress USAF at RAF Fairford
UK blames Iran’s Revolutionary Guards for RAF Fairford ‘bomb plot’
UK government accuses Iran's Revolutionary Guards of directing a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford, following seven arrests.
Aerospace Defence Security

13 Oct 2026

MI5 warns UK defence businesses to strengthen security
Sir Ken McCallum, MI5 chief giving annual threat update at Thames House
MI5 warns UK defence businesses to strengthen security
Defence suppliers and critical infrastructure operators must strengthen protection against sabotage, cyber attacks and drone threats, MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum has warned.
Defence Security

13 Oct 2026

UK firm MARSS wins £370m Kuwait counter-drone contract, creating 100 jobs
MARSS signs £370 million contract for nationwide counter-drone defence of Kuwait
UK firm MARSS wins £370m Kuwait counter-drone contract, creating 100 jobs
MARSS will deploy a nationwide AI-enabled counter-drone network for Kuwait under a £370m contract, creating around 100 skilled jobs in the UK.
Defence

13 Oct 2026

UK blames Iran’s Revolutionary Guards for RAF Fairford ‘bomb plot’
Boeing B-52H Stratofortress USAF at RAF Fairford
UK blames Iran’s Revolutionary Guards for RAF Fairford ‘bomb plot’
UK government accuses Iran's Revolutionary Guards of directing a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford, following seven arrests.
Aerospace Defence Security

13 Oct 2026

UK and Germany back SaxaVord in new European space launch deal
SaxaVord Spaceport, Shetland
UK and Germany back SaxaVord in new European space launch deal
The UK and Germany have agreed to deepen space launch cooperation, with Scotland's SaxaVord Spaceport securing European access to orbit.
Aerospace Defence Space

9 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

MI5 warns UK defence businesses to strengthen security
Sir Ken McCallum, MI5 chief giving annual threat update at Thames House
MI5 warns UK defence businesses to strengthen security
Defence suppliers and critical infrastructure operators must strengthen protection against sabotage, cyber attacks and drone threats, MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum has warned.
Defence Security

13 Oct 2026

Two in five UK workers lack training on AI-powered cyber threats
Cyber security being done by a man on a computer
Two in five UK workers lack training on AI-powered cyber threats
Adding AI to the already complex business of cyber security has the potential to make attacks more sophisticated and harder to spot.
Security

13 Oct 2026

UK blames Iran’s Revolutionary Guards for RAF Fairford ‘bomb plot’
Boeing B-52H Stratofortress USAF at RAF Fairford
UK blames Iran’s Revolutionary Guards for RAF Fairford ‘bomb plot’
UK government accuses Iran's Revolutionary Guards of directing a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford, following seven arrests.
Aerospace Defence Security

13 Oct 2026