Calian and Cohere Partner to Bring Sovereign AI to Defence Industry

Calian Group Ltd. (TSX: CGY) and Cohere have formed a partnership to evaluate and integrate sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) solutions tailored for defence applications. The initiative focuses on applying Cohere’s secure AI platform, North, within controlled Canadian defence environments to improve decision-making speed, training outcomes, and operational readiness for the Canadian military, allied forces, and small to mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) via Calian VENTURES. The collaboration will combine Cohere’s enterprise-grade generative AI capabilities with Calian’s expertise in defence operational readiness and next-generation training. The goal is to assess how AI can enhance mission planning, decision support, training effectiveness, and operational workflows while addressing data sensitivity, scalability, and adoption challenges. Dave Ferris, Vice President of Global Public Sector at Cohere, emphasized the need for trusted AI in sovereign defence environments. He stated that the partnership pairs Cohere’s AI platform with Calian’s defence experience to transition from evaluation to real-world implementation, enabling defence forces to operate with greater clarity, precision, and efficiency. The initiative also aims to expand opportunities for Canadian SMEs through Calian VENTURES, allowing them to access and evaluate AI capabilities. This supports innovation, accelerates adoption, and strengthens Canada’s sovereign intellectual property and defence industrial base. Chris Pogue, President of Defence and Space at Calian, highlighted the practical integration of trusted AI in defence environments. He noted that the collaboration improves decision-making, accelerates learning, and enhances preparedness for complex operational scenarios. As demand for secure, sovereign AI grows across defence and government sectors, the partnership positions Calian and Cohere to develop interoperable solutions. These solutions will support Canada’s defence capabilities, bolster allied readiness, and reinforce sovereign innovation.