Canada to send $25M in military aid to Ukraine, including armored vehicles and EW kits
Photo: Canada to provide Ukraine with Coyote armored vehicles (flickr.com/cfcombatcamera)
The Canadian Defense Ministry has allocated a new military aid package to Ukraine worth more than $25 million. The package includes armored vehicles and electronic warfare systems.
The decision followed Defense Minister David McGuinty's participation in the latest Ramstein meeting. It marked his first trip to Europe since assuming office.
What's included in the aid package:
- Coyote and Bison armored vehicles, as well as new equipment and ammunition from Canadian defense companies worth nearly $22 million;
- Electronic warfare anti-jammer kits from Canadian companies are worth over $3 million.
"During the meeting of NATO Defence Ministers, Canada reaffirmed unwavering support to Ukraine as its citizens fight for their freedom, and we look forward to working closely with Allies to strengthen our collective security," Canada's Defense Minister said.
Details about armored vehicles
The Coyote is a Canadian armored reconnaissance vehicle. It has been in service since 1996 and is designed for light reconnaissance missions.
Photo: Canadian Coyote armored vehicle (flickr.com/cfcombatcamera)
The Coyote is equipped with a 25mm M242 Bushmaster automatic cannon and two 7.62mm C6 machine guns. Its armor protects against small arms fire, mines, and shrapnel. Additional armor panels can be added for enhanced protection.
The Coyote is being gradually phased out and replaced with newer models, including the LAV-6 Bison and the TAPV.
The Bison is an armored personnel carrier developed in Canada on the LAV-25 platform. It entered service in 1990. Initially intended for reserve units, it was soon integrated into regular forces.
Photo: Canadian Bison armored personnel carrier (wikimedia.org / Amqui)
Thanks to its modular design, the Bison can be adapted for various roles without major structural changes. Variants include command posts, ambulances, repair and recovery vehicles, as well as platforms for electronic warfare and reconnaissance.
The Bison has been widely used in peacekeeping and combat operations, including missions in Yugoslavia, Somalia, and Afghanistan.
As previously reported, Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said the country is set to receive €1.3 billion this year for the development of artillery, drones, and missiles. Part of that funding will come from partner countries using proceeds from frozen Russian assets.
