Des Nedhe Group Defence and Actagon AB Sign MOU to Advance Canada-Sweden Defence Industrial Collaboration
Date Published
PARIS, FRANCE - Des Nedhe Group (DNG) Defence and Actagon AB have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore new defence, security, infrastructure, technology, workforce, industrial, and investment pathways between Canada and Sweden.
The agreement was signed during Eurosatory 2026, one of the world’s leading defence and security exhibitions, held in Paris, France.
Under the MOU, DNG Defence and Actagon will work together to advance Canada-Sweden defence and security ties while supporting key Canadian priorities, including supply chain resilience, trusted allied partnerships, technology transfer, Indigenous economic participation, and long-term sovereign capability.
An initial focus of the partnership will be DNG Defence's defence manufacturing and innovation campus in Saskatchewan, which includes CellCore Technologies nitrocellulose production facility as the anchor tenant. The Indigenous-led campus is intended to support advanced manufacturing & production, research, testing, training, commercialization, and the development of a stronger domestic defence industrial base.
“This MOU is about building real capability in Canada with the right partners,” said Sean Willy, President and CEO of Des Nedhe Group. “For Des Nedhe Group Defence, the opportunity is not only to participate in Canada’s defence sector, but also to help build it in a way that strengthens Indigenous ownership, supports Canadian sovereignty, and creates long-term value for First Nations, Saskatchewan, and Canada.”
The parties will also assess areas where Swedish technology, industrial expertise, capital networks, and innovation ecosystems can contribute to Canadian-led projects, including future export potential for defence goods, services, and intellectual property developed in Canada.
“Actagon brings access to Swedish industrial, technology, and investment networks that are highly relevant to Canada’s defence priorities,” said Grant Oliver, President of DNG Defence. “Our focus is on turning that alignment into practical opportunities – strengthening resilient supply chains, supporting workforce development, accelerating innovation, and building Canadian-controlled industrial capacity with meaningful Indigenous participation.”
“Des Nedhe Group represents a powerful vision of Indigenous leadership, entrepreneurship, and long-term nation-building. We are honored to enter this partnership and to combine our respective networks, expertise, and ambitions in support of sustainable industrial growth, innovation, and economic opportunity across Saskatchewan, Canada, and the broader Arctic and High North region. Together, we aim to build meaningful partnerships that strengthen strategic industries, support the development of Indigenous SMEs, and create lasting value for future generations” said Andreas Skinnars, Chairman & Partner, Actagon AB.
The MOU is intended to align with Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, Indigenous economic reconciliation objectives, and the Canada-Sweden Strategic Partnership.
About Des Nedhe Group Defence
Des Nedhe Group Defence is an Indigenous Nation-owned Canadian defence and security platform under the Des Nedhe Group, the economic development arm of English River First Nation. DNG Defence is focused on expanding Indigenous equity ownership, investment, and participation, as well as sovereign operational capability, workforce development, infrastructure delivery, and supply chain resilience across Canada’s defence, security, critical infrastructure, and industrial sectors.
About Actagon AB
Actagon AB is a Sweden-based strategic advisory and investment facilitation firm focused on connecting industrial, technology, infrastructure, capital, and innovation networks. Through its relationships across Sweden and Europe, Actagon supports strategic partnerships that advance defence, security, industrial development, and international collaboration.
Media Contact
Brett Bradshaw
Director, Communications & Community Engagement
[email protected]
+1-306-491-7073