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

HAV and Defentia enter strategic collaboration
Airlander
HAV and Defentia enter strategic collaboration
Bedford based Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), developer of lighter-than-air dual-use hybrid aircraft Airlander, is exploring new opportunities in Spain with Defentia, a systems integrator of civilian and military applications.
UK airports improve accessibility as assistance demand hits record high
CAA passengers at airport
UK airports improve accessibility as assistance demand hits record high
UK airports achieved their best-ever accessibility ratings as 5.9 million passengers requested assistance in 2025, the UK Civil Aviation Authority reports.
CAA explores future for BVLOS drone ops
Amazon PrimeAir MK30 drone
CAA explores future for BVLOS drone ops
A new report from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) outlines a vision for enabling routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) commercial drone operations alongside existing UK airspace users.
Aerospace Security

3 Aug 2026

UK Defence Training Estate receives £4.4m investment for added realism
UK Defence Training Estate receives £4.4m investment for added realism
More than £4.4 million has been invested in new trench training infrastructure across the Defence Training Estate, enhancing the UK armed forces’ ability to train in realistic and contemporary battlefield environments.
Defence

4 Aug 2026

MoD selects CORVUS for British Army’s surveillance capability
MoD selects CORVUS for British Army’s surveillance capability
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has chosen TEKEVER's CORVUS to deliver the British Army's new surveillance capability.
Defence Member News

4 Aug 2026

Royal Marines host first UK special forces drills with South Korean commandos
42 Commando during Op Highmast
Royal Marines host first UK special forces drills with South Korean commandos
How the Royal Navy is carrying on from 2025's Op Highmast and training with their Korean counterparts in England.
Defence Most Read

4 Aug 2026

Seraphim Space deploys first capital from £137m C share raise
Seraphim Space deploys first capital from £137m C share raise
The investments have been made in businesses involved in key areas that are driving the next phase of growth within the space sector.
Member News Space

4 Aug 2026

AccelerComm underpins Eclipse Space’s 5G physical layer for satellite constellations
UK From Space-Telecom
AccelerComm underpins Eclipse Space’s 5G physical layer for satellite constellations
Flight-proven 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) tech from Southampton based AccelerComm, is supporting a scalable direct-to-device and broadband architecture from Starlink veterans behind Eclipse Space.
Member News Space

31 Jul 2026

ALL.SPACE releases Hydra MAX wideband platform for multi-orbit ops
Hydra on Defender
ALL.SPACE releases Hydra MAX wideband platform for multi-orbit ops
ALL.SPACE has released Hydra MAX, designed to unlock next-generation wideband Ka networks with multi-orbit connectivity.
Defence Space

28 Jul 2026

CAA explores future for BVLOS drone ops
Amazon PrimeAir MK30 drone
CAA explores future for BVLOS drone ops
A new report from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) outlines a vision for enabling routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) commercial drone operations alongside existing UK airspace users.
Aerospace Security

3 Aug 2026

UK SMEs given support to commercialise proven solutions
Connected Places Catapult
UK SMEs given support to commercialise proven solutions
A new programme of tailored support is set to help UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with proven transport and construction solutions, to commercialise at scale.
Aerospace Security

3 Aug 2026

QinetiQ equips young people with cyber skills
CyberFirst Advanced at Lancaster University
QinetiQ equips young people with cyber skills
Hundreds of youngsters have been given the opportunity to equip themselves with real-world cyber skills.