Canada Allocates $1.16 Billion for Military Support to Ukraine.

On April 16, 2024, Canada announced an budget of 1.6 billion Canadian dollars (approximately 1.16 billion US dollars) in its budget to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities over the next five years. This financial commitment aims to provide both lethal and non-lethal military support as Ukraine continues to contend with the ongoing conflict with Russia.
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Leopard 2A4 tank previously transferred to Ukraine from Canada. (Picture source: Canadian MoD)

Since the beginning of the conflict, Canada has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine, providing various military equipment to aid in the country's defense. Canadian contributions have been diverse, covering multiple categories of military equipment and support systems. The Canadian plan is to provide 1.6 billion Canadian dollars over 5 years, with support that will be both lethal and non-lethal.

Regarding air defense, Canada has already promised to deliver a NASAMS battery along with 12 AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles specifically for NASAMS II systems starting in March 2023. Additionally, air-to-air missile support includes 43 AIM-9 missiles delivered in May 2023 and over 250 extended-range AIM-7 missiles, with delivery planned.

For artillery, Canada sent four M777 155mm towed howitzers as of April 2022, including an undisclosed number of GPS-guided M982 Excalibur shells. For armored warfare, Canada provided Ukraine with eight Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks in March 2023 and various engineering vehicles, such as a Bergepanzer 3 ARV and two GCS-200 remotely operated mine clearance vehicles.

Canada has also supported Ukrainian infantry mobility and personnel protection. This includes the deployment of 39 armored combat support vehicles in December 2022 and 208 Roshel Senator infantry mobility vehicles in multiple deliveries throughout 2022 and 2023. Additionally, 50 unspecified model armored vehicles are set to be delivered over three years.

Drone technology support includes the planned delivery of 800 Aeryon SkyRanger R70 drones in the spring of 2024. Furthermore, Canada provided Ukraine with 76 forward-looking infrared Wescam MX-15D turrets over several months in 2022, enhancing the capabilities of the Bayraktar TB2 UAVs.

In the realm of anti-tank and light weapons, Canada has provided comprehensive assistance. This includes 100 Carl Gustaf M2 recoilless rifles, over 4,200 M72 LAW anti-tank weapons, and 7,000 anti-tank rockets, all supplied beginning in 2022. Deliveries of light weapons have also been substantial, with 700 C8 carbines, over 200 light and medium machine guns, and a variety of sniper rifles delivered during the same period. Additionally, plans are in place to deliver additional 7.62mm machine guns and a significant number of 5.56mm assault rifles starting from June 2023.

These contributions underscore Canada's continued commitment to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, reflecting a strategic investment in regional stability and support for Ukraine's defense. It remains to be seen what exactly this 1.6 billion Canadian dollars will consist of, so this is a situation to monitor closely.