Canada is donating another $35 million worth of military equipment to Ukraine as Eastern European nations meet to discuss future needs and a full-scale Russian invasion approaches two years later.
Defense Minister Bill Blair, who attended a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) via video link, said Canada is providing 10 Zodiac Hurricane Technologies multi-purpose boats worth about $20 million. .
Rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) are used by Canadian special forces in commando operations. The Department of Defense (DND) says it can also be used for search and rescue, troop and cargo transport, surveillance and reconnaissance.
The ministry said in a media statement that each boat is equipped with advanced sensors, navigation and communication systems. This cost includes commercial training for Ukrainian operators and spare parts.
Prime Minister Blair also announced that Canada will pay for civilian instructors from Montreal-based Top Ace to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16s donated by Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands. .
Canada does not operate the U.S.-made F-16, but it is used by Top Ace, a private company that provides extensive fighter instruction. Prime Minister Blair said the use of top ace aircraft for training was included in a $15 million training package.
The first Canadian-sponsored classes will begin next month and last for a year.
Canada is also donating English training to members of the Ukrainian Air Force at the Canadian Forces Language School.
At this time, it is unclear what other members of UDCG are contributing.
For the first time since Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin established the international group to support Ukraine in April 2022, the United States is hosting monthly meetings without making any contributions.
The Pentagon has run out of money and is unable for the time being to send the ammunition and missiles Ukraine needs to repel Russian forces.
As it waits for Congress to pass a budget that could authorize more funding for the fight against Ukraine, the United States will look to allies to fill in the gaps.
“I am committed to providing Ukraine with ground-based air defense systems and interceptors that will save more lives,” Austin said in his opening remarks, which were broadcast from his home where he is still recuperating after surgery for prostate cancer. We strongly urge them to dig deeper.”
Canada’s contribution came on the same day that NATO announced the signing of a major new investment agreement to produce artillery ammunition.
The US $1.2 billion contract for tens of thousands of rounds is aimed at replenishing dwindling stocks as NATO allies supply ammunition to Ukraine.
According to NATO’s support and procurement agency, the contract will enable the purchase of 220,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition, the most sought-after artillery shell. This would allow the allies to backfill their arsenals and provide more ammunition to Ukraine.
