What’s making waves across the Atlantic

Denmark, Greenland, Norway - Canada's Space Agency - venture capital - indigenous marine tie-up - submarines - events in France, Poland and the UK

The Canadian Governor General is currently visiting Denmark, Greenland, and Norway, a Canadian-grown favourite unveiled venture capital funding, a new indigenous marine tie-up, Canada’s Space Agency announced funding for two programs, and several Canada-European events took place.

Let’s get started.

Between three oceans

Calian Ventures announced an initial $100M collective investment to accelerate the development of sovereign defence C5ISRT capabilities - the backbone of today’s modern defence.

Calian called it a “nation-building commitment…reflects both the urgency of today’s security environment and our responsibility to act”. The move mobilizes partners, SMEs, and regional innovation labs from coast to coast to coast…the initiative will strengthen Canadian sovereignty, advance national security, and modernize military operations.

Membertou First Nation and Horizon Naval Engineering to Acquire Genoa Design International Ltd. Genoa has been involved in recent designs for Canada’s Joint Support Ship and the Polar Icebreaker. The acquisition broadens Membertou’s portfolio and grows into an important indigenous marine group.

The Canadian Space Agency | Agence spatiale canadienne announced two funding streams:

Lunar Utility Rover Complementary Technology Development

The CSA is looking to help power the next generation of lunar exploration, seeking proposals for complementary technology development aligned with specific sub-systems of our lunar utility rover, including:

- Structures; Mobility; Command and data handling; Electrical power; Thermal control
- Guidance; navigation and control; Communications; Payload/Sensors/Tools accommodation;
- Harnesses; Manipulation capability; and ground segment;

Rovers will play a key role in building a sustainable presence on the Moon, supporting transportation, logistics and scientific exploration in one of the most challenging environments imaginable.

Canada’s next-generation satellite system ground segment – concept study

Earth observation satellites provide crucial data to support disaster response, monitor the environment, and help secure borders.

The CSA is seeking proposals for concept studies on the ground segment of Canada’s next-generation satellite system. The goal is to propose a modern, flexible solution that meets the requirements of the system.

This call is open to all industries. Expertise in satellites, drones, air traffic, energy, or other complex systems is key to strengthening Canada’s leadership in space.

Speaking of leadership, Canada appeared to back the defence, security and resiliency bank (DSRB). Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne announced Canada’s interest in a post on X after hosting talks with more than 10 nations: “in the months ahead ... (we) will be working closely with international partners to lead Canada‘s contribution in advancing the DSRB”. Some articles mention Germany and the United Kingdom not showing interest in participating, as well as BDC being involved in the bank’s roll out.

Submarines

In submarines, Germany’s TKMS continued its momentum towards rolling out the full pitch for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.

Seaspan Shipyards - Canada’s largest shipbuilding, design and repair company - signed a Teaming Agreement to collaborate in support of Canada’s objective to achieve a sovereign capability for the sustainment and through-life support for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.

As the only Canadian shipyard company with deep submarine experience, the collaboration intends to leverage Seaspan’s extensive naval and submarine in-service support expertise, workforce and existing Canadian submarine supply chain, together with TKMS’ proven submarine engineering and global sustainment experience.

The TKMS Kongsberg team also released a video highlighting the arctic pitch. And officialized the order of two additional submarines for Norway.

Meanwhile, UK-headquartered Babcock lauded their 600 skilled workers and their partnership with Korea’s Hanwha, the other shortlisted contender for the submarine program, whose team released an automotive sector MOU.

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On the continent

Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon headed to Norway, Denmark and Greenland.

Quote “The Arctic is stronger when nations work together. Canada’s long-standing approach is grounded in close, constructive engagement, supporting stability, respect for sovereignty and the well-being of northern communities. My upcoming visits to Norway, Denmark and Greenland reflect our commitment to building on already strong relationships with our Arctic partners.”

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada

The UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is proud to announce a Canada Space Inward Investment Mission to the United Kingdom to explore the rapidly growing UK space sector.

Details of the mission and steps to apply, applications close February 6th. applications close February 6th.

Frontex (European Border and Coast Guard Agency) is looking for document security companies (6) to present their innovative solutions that help fight document fraud. Canadian companies are eligible. Apply by Feb 15.

France

Canada’s embassy in France held a call for companies in the BIM, digital twin, data, AI, or IoT solutions for the building, infrastructure, or rail sectors that are looking to explore opportunities in France and Europe.

As part of 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝘄𝗶𝗻 | 𝗕𝗜𝗠 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, the Trade Commissioner Service of Canada in Paris is organizing a Canadian trade mission March 30 to April 2. It includes a welcome seminar and targeted meetings.

The Embassy of Canada in France | Ambassade du Canada en France also held a “Succeed in Canada” workshop at CCI Occitanie. It was the first in a series that will include Paris, Nantes and Lyon.

Poland

Canada’s embassy in Poland had a day of engagements in Warsaw with Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A., CAE, Airbus, Magdalena Sobkowiak‑Czarnecka, Poland’s SAFE Plenipotentiary, Undersecretary Konrad Gołota and WB GROUP for a discussion on how Canada and Poland can deepen cooperation under the EU’s SAFE program.

Both countries look to work together to strengthen mutual security, accelerate defence modernization, create sustainable industrial partnerships and build the next chapter of Canada-Poland defence industrial cooperation.

With Canada’s accession to #SAFE, there is no better time to develop and deepen partnership between both countries and industries - and continuing this work through upcoming Industry Days, #CANSEC and MSPO.

European Listings

Czech arms maker CSG soared on its trading debut and hit $35B valuation. CSG‘s is the largest Amsterdam listing since KKR Private Equity Investors raised $5B in 2006, according to Dealogic. The Franco-German tankmaker KNDS is also set to ⁠list this year.

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The criticals

In a major Canadian mining deal, Zijin Gold (Chinese-owned) agreed to acquire Allied Gold, a Toronto gold producer listed on the TSX: AAUC in a transaction valued at approx $5.5B. The agreement, announced by Allied Gold from Toronto on Jan 26th is expected to close by April, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.

Canada will lose a major mid-tier producer with an important footprint in Africa - removing corporate scale and mining muscle from Canada’s ecosystem.

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Your next bound:

Canadian defence events:

• If you prefer Ships, Vanguard’s annual Shiptech forum takes place the following month, 24 Feb, in Ottawa.

• CDA’s annual Ottawa conference will be 5-6 Mar, 2026. The high-level event is already 70% sold out.

• Registration ends soon for CADSI’s CAF Outlooks 7-9 April in Ottawa.

• Registration opens in March for CANSEC - May 27-28, Ottawa.

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European defence events:

• This week:

  • Navy Tech and Seabed Defence Navy Tech Overview - Navy Leaders 3-5 Feb in Sweden.

  • Danish Defence Annual Conference (DDAC) takes place in Copenhagen.

• A save-the-date was issued for the European Defence Fund Info Days 10-11 Mar in Brussel.

• ITEC 2026, Europe’s largest defence training technology exhibition and technical conference Mar 25-27.

• Undersea defence technology (UDT) takes place Apr 14-16 in London (United Kingdom).

• Europe’s largest land domain conference, Eurosatory, is planned in Paris, 15-19 June.

• The largest airshow takes place in England, Farnborough International Airshow | Farnborough International Airshow 20-24 July, 2026.

• Canada is the lead nation at Poland’s MSPO - 34th International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO ‹ Targi Kielce S.A. 8-11 Sept 2026. MSPO is Canada’s second largest defence presence internationally and a gateway to Ukraine.

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Critical Minerals:

• PDAC is planned in Toronto Mar 1-4.

• The Critical Minerals Institute Summit: Building the New Critical Minerals Economy will be held May 13-14 in Toronto.

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P.S. we’re inviting contributors, recommendations, and ideas to make this a community-driven resource for people working in this transatlantic crosswind.