Canada to allocate $44 million for Ukraine's defense
Minister of National Defense of Canada Bill Blair (Photo: flickr.com/aizsardzibas_ministrija)
Canada will allocate 60 million Canadian dollars (approximately 44 million US dollars) for the defense of Ukraine, states the Minister of National Defense of Canada, Bill Blair, at the Ramstein meeting.
Blair announces that Canada will make a new contribution of $60 million to the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) Air Force Capability Coalition.
"This donation will support the setup of a sustainable F-16 fighter aircraft capability in Ukraine. Specifically, the funds will help source vitally needed F-16 supplies and equipment such as spare parts, weapons stations, avionics, and ammunition," the statement says.
It is emphasized that this contribution will complement Canada's previously announced support for the coalition to prepare F-16s for Ukraine.
In January, Blair announced that Canada would contribute to training efforts by providing civilian instructors, aircraft, and contract support personnel through the Montreal-based company Top Aces Inc. This support is estimated at approximately $15 million and will be provided from February 2024 to 2025.
Canada also provides English language training for Ukrainian military personnel at the Canadian Forces Language School.
Canadian Assistance to Ukraine
Canada has provided military and financial assistance to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion.
On January 23, the Canadian Minister of Defense announced a new aid package for Ukraine, including 10 multi-role boats from Zodiac Hurricane Technologies. Canada also announced the start of training for Ukrainians on F-16 fighter jets.
Additionally, on February 3, it became known that Canada is considering transferring CRV7 air-to-ground missiles to Ukraine. Earlier, the Canadian government planned to dispose of them.
Furthermore, the Canadian Ministry of Defense stated that Ottawa is participating in two coalitions subordinate to the Defense of Ukraine Contact Group, namely, the armored coalition and the air force coalition.
