Telesat , one of the world’s largest and most innovative satellite operators, and Hanwha Systems , a leading Korean corporation of the Hanwha Group, announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding  to jointly collaborate on next-generation, sovereign satellite connectivity solutions, as well as user terminals that will be compatible with Telesat’s Low Earth Orbit network, Telesat Lightspeed.

The MOU follows the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Government of Canada through the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) and the Government of Korea through the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to pursue a structured initiative on next-generation commercial Low earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications and advanced maritime platforms.

Hanwha and Telesat will explore a range of cooperative programs, notably the Government of Korea’s LEO communications satellite constellation (K-LEO) and defense user terminals that are compatible with K-LEO and Telesat Lightspeed. Additionally, the companies are cooperating on the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), where Hanwha intends to include significant, multi-year Telesat Lightspeed services as a key strategic aspect of its bid in its Industrial and Economic Benefits to Canada Proposal Annex. Hanwha will also look to apply Telesat Lightspeed services to various platforms within its weapon systems as a means of exploring potential business collaboration opportunities throughout the global defense market.

“This collaboration brings together complementary resources and expertise to deliver next‑generation, sovereign LEO communications capabilities for Canada, South Korea, and our allied partners,” stated Dan Goldberg, Telesat’s President and CEO. “The secure, high‑performance Telesat Lightspeed architecture—paired with Hanwha’s advanced systems expertise—positions us to support critical defense missions and national priorities with unmatched reliability.”

“This partnership enhances our ability to deliver secure, sovereign LEO communications for defense and maritime operations,” said Jae-il Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Systems. “By expanding partnerships with trusted global leaders, Hanwha Systems will continue to strengthen its position in the global market and advance its role as a key defense and space technology provider,” he added.