GNSS/GPS-Denied Navigation and Positioning
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Calian Group Ltd. is collaborating with Tessellate Robotics to integrate, test, and scale advanced autonomous navigation technologies for demanding GPS-denied defense operations.
The collaboration is being undertaken through Calian VENTURES. It combines Calian GNSS’ precision GNSS antennas, Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) technologies, and robotic software with navigation and inspection technologies developed by Tessellate Robotics.
Together, the companies are developing a hybrid autonomous navigation capability capable of operating where satellite-based navigation systems may be degraded, unreliable, or denied, including Canada’s Arctic. The initiative also includes joint validation efforts intended to help accelerate Tessellate Robotics’ growth and path to market, while contributing to Canadian sovereign capability in autonomous systems.
Dominic Baril, CEO of Tessellate Robotics, commented, “Canada’s North presents some of the most demanding navigation challenges in the world and operating in Arctic conditions requires more than autonomy alone. By working with the right partners, like Calian and leveraging VENTURES, we can combine deep technical expertise and complementary capabilities to rigorously test, validate and ultimately deliver cutting-edge autonomous navigation systems for terrestrial and aerial platforms – supporting Canada and NATO’s defence priorities and interoperability.”
Arctic Testing & Operational Validation
Joint validation and field testing are being carried out, with the first operational deployment of the integrated system scheduled for March during Operation Nanook in the Arctic. The region presents several challenges for navigation systems, including limited satellite geometry, harsh terrain, and extreme weather, all of which make the Arctic a demanding test environment.
Chris Pogue, President, Defence & Space at Calian Group Ltd., added, “As Canada strengthens its Arctic presence and advances NORAD modernization, assured navigation in GPS-denied environments is becoming a strategic requirement. Through Calian VENTURES, we are partnering with high-potential Canadian innovators like Tessellate to accelerate the development of sovereign, deployable capability. Together, we are delivering autonomous systems that operate reliably in the North today and evolve to meet tomorrow’s defence demands.”
Assured Navigation for the Arctic
Assured PNT capabilities are becoming increasingly important for defense operations as Canada reinforces its northern sovereignty and advances modernization initiatives connected to North American Aerospace Defense Command. Modern missions are also placing greater reliance on autonomous systems that must continue operating even when satellite navigation signals are degraded or unavailable.
By combining Tessellate’s high-performance GPS-denied navigation with Calian’s advanced GNSS and resilient PNT technologies, the collaboration aims to deliver autonomous navigation systems capable of maintaining reliable operation when satellite signals are disrupted, jammed, or unavailable.
The technologies are being validated for operation in the harsh weather, winter, and low-visibility conditions typical of Canada’s Arctic. They are also designed to integrate with modern defense command, control, and digital architectures aligned with C5ISRT frameworks.
Beyond defense applications, the technologies are also intended to support operations across sectors such as energy, mining, and critical infrastructure. Together, Calian and Tessellate Robotics are advancing deployable autonomous capabilities intended to enhance situational awareness, extend operational reach, and improve resilience in strategically important environments.
