On October 12, 2022 at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in Brussels, Belgium, Defence Minister Anita Anand announced that Canada will provide over $47 million in new military aid to assist Ukraine as it fights for its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
This new military aid package includes:
- $15.2 million in equipment from the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) inventory, including 155mm NATO-standard artillery rounds, fuses, and charge bags compatible with M777 howitzer artillery guns. Canada has previously provided M777 howitzer artillery guns to Ukraine and trained Ukrainian personnel in their use;
- additional specialized drone cameras with a value of $15.3 million;
- approximately $2 million to provide satellite communications services to Ukraine government and non-government partners, including critical infrastructure, through a joint project between the DND/CAF, Communications Security Establishment and Telesat; and
- 400,000 pieces of winter clothing for a total of $15 million. This critical winter equipment includes jackets, pants, boots, gloves, and parkas sourced from Canadian companies through the Canadian Commercial Corporation. An additional 100,000 pieces will come from CAF inventory.
The announcement builds on approximately $600 million in military equipment that Canada has donated or committed since February 2022. Canadian military assistance to Ukraine also includes:
- The upcoming deployment of approximately 40 CAF combat engineers to Poland under Operation UNIFIER, announced yesterday by Minister Anand in Warsaw. Canadian combat engineers will train Ukrainian sappers on engineer reconnaissance, the use of explosives for demolition work, and de-mining.
- Canada’s ongoing training mission for new Ukrainian recruits in the United Kingdom, announced in August 2022.
- Canada’s training of Ukrainian personnel in the use of M777 howitzers in a third country.
- Canada’s ongoing training of Ukrainian personnel in the use of armoured combat support vehicles manufactured in, and donated by Canada.
- Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) efforts to transport Ukraine-bound military aid donated by Canada, Allies, and partners. Last month, Minister Anand announced the expansion of Canada’s air mobility operations based in Europe with a third CC-130J Hercules aircraft and additional support personnel based at the RCAF hub in Prestwick, Scotland – thus expanding Canada’s ability to deliver Ukraine-bound military aid.
- Ongoing cybersecurity support.
Canada remains committed to supporting Ukraine to help ensure that its forces are well-equipped, prepared, and able to continue defending their independence against Russia’s invasion.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
