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

How extreme heat is disrupting aircraft operations – and what we can do about it
NATS photo of a sunset
How extreme heat is disrupting aircraft operations – and what we can do about it
Extreme heat can affect everything from take-off performance and turbulence to ground operations. As temperatures rise, airlines, airports and regulators are adapting to a hotter operating environment.
Aerospace

7 Aug 2026

GA-ASI, MBDA to integrate SPEAR weapons onto MQ-9B and Gambit 6 drones
This digital rendering shows both GA-ASI's uncrewed MQ-9B and Gambit 6 platforms launching a swarm of MBDA-built SPEAR missiles during a mission. Image: GA-ASI
GA-ASI, MBDA to integrate SPEAR weapons onto MQ-9B and Gambit 6 drones
General Atomics and MBDA have teamed up to integrate the SPEAR missile family onto uncrewed MQ-9B SkyGuardian and Gambit 6 aircraft as part of a new agreement.
Apollo agrees £5.7bn easyJet takeover deal as Castlelake walks away
easyJet Airbus A320neo taking off
Apollo agrees £5.7bn easyJet takeover deal as Castlelake walks away
easyJet’s board has backed Apollo’s £7.15-a-share proposal after Castlelake stepped aside, but shareholder, regulatory and court approvals are still required.
Aerospace Most Read

6 Aug 2026

First MEWSIC electronic warfare system delivered to the MoD as Royal Navy capability advances
An F-35B landing on HMS Prince of Wales, one of the Royal Navy wearships on which MEWSIC is set to be installed. Image: U.K. MoD © Crown copyright 2024
First MEWSIC electronic warfare system delivered to the MoD as Royal Navy capability advances
The first production MEWSIC electronic warfare system has been delivered to the UK MoD, advancing the Royal Navy's next-generation electronic warfare capability.
Defence

7 Aug 2026

RAF Typhoons scrambled 49 times during NATO Air Policing mission in Romania
A Typhoon FGR4 (serial ZK364) from the RAF's No 3(F) Squadron taxis to the runway at the 86th Air Base in Borcea, Romania, before launching for a 'Tango' QRA training scramble on 7 April 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/AS1 Ben Webb
RAF Typhoons scrambled 49 times during NATO Air Policing mission in Romania
After 49 Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) scrambles and 1,500 alert hours, British Typhoons have concluded their latest deployment in support of NATO’s enhanced Air Policing (eAP) mission in Romania.
Defence Most Read

7 Aug 2026

What UK SMEs need to know about the GCAP Tempest fighter programme
BAE Systems Tempest with loyal wingman drones
What UK SMEs need to know about the GCAP Tempest fighter programme
How the GCAP/Tempest programme seeks to harness the innovative power of hundreds of high-tech SMEs and start up companies across Britain.
Defence

7 Aug 2026

MDA Space to provide lunar landing sensors for ESA’s Argonaut mission
MDA Space secures contract for ESA Argonaut mission
MDA Space to provide lunar landing sensors for ESA’s Argonaut mission
Advanced 3D sensors from MDA Space UK are set to help the European Space Agency's Argonaut spacecraft land safely on the Moon.
Member News Space

6 Aug 2026

SSTL racks up smart storage solution
SSTL racks up smart storage solution
A smart racking solution from Altus has helped Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) integrate its materials management processes.
Member News Space

5 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

Breakthrough UK device to combat global prison drug epidemic
foster+freeman drug detection tool for prisons
Breakthrough UK device to combat global prison drug epidemic
Designed to instantly detect synthetic cannabinoids smuggled into secure facilities, the rapid detection tool - invented in Bath and manufactured in the West Midlands - is set for immediate global export.
Security

7 Aug 2026

New retail crime reporting technology helps Met Police bring shoplifters to justice
New Scotland Yard sign
New retail crime reporting technology helps Met Police bring shoplifters to justice
The Metropolitan Police have introduced new technology to help officers identify, arrest and prosecute more shoplifters.
Security

6 Aug 2026

NATO moves beyond air policing as Black Sea defence mission evolves
UK Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons tax on the runway of Borcea Air Base in Romania. The UK Royal Air Force has concluded its NATO enhanced Air Policing deployment (eAP) safeguarding NATO airspace on the Alliance's south-eastern flank.
NATO moves beyond air policing as Black Sea defence mission evolves
The completion of the RAF’s latest deployment to Romania marks more than another fighter rotation, as NATO integrates traditional air policing into a broader defensive network built to counter missiles, drones and increasingly complex threats.