Canada Announces Funding to Increase Production of 155 mm Shells to Support Ukraine.

At a conference in support of Ukraine held in Paris, France, on February 26, 2024, attended by European leaders and officials, Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair outlined Canada's commitment to strengthening its defense manufacturing capabilities. Canada has pledged 4.4 million Canadian dollars (3.3 million US dollars) to boost the production of 155 mm artillery shells, a NATO standard munition highly sought after by Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. The initiative aims to meet the urgent need for these munitions by accelerating production at IMT Defence in Ingersoll, Ontario, and at two General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems facilities in Quebec.
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Canada has pledged 4.4 million Canadian dollars (3.3 million US dollars) to boost the production of 155 mm artillery shells. (Picture source: US DoD)

During the Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence, Minister Blair highlighted ongoing collaborations with the defense industry to increase munitions production in Canada. Although a precise timeline for the production increase was not provided, the announcement reflects Canada's proactive stance in supporting Ukraine's defense efforts against Russian aggression.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov had earlier in the year highlighted the critical issue of munitions shortage, describing it as a "shell hunger" that poses a significant challenge for the Ukrainian forces, now two years after Russia's large-scale invasion.

But Canada's support for the Ukrainian forces on the front does not stop there; Canada has also announced its participation in a Czech initiative aimed at providing Ukraine with 155 mm shells sourced from outside Europe, such as South Korea, Japan, and others. The Czech Republic, with financial support from 18 countries including Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, and Norway, has collected 800,000 artillery shells for Ukraine. This action aims to address the acute shortage of munitions in Ukraine. The delivery of the shells, including 500,000 of 155 mm caliber and 300,000 of 122 mm caliber, could begin in the coming weeks, depending on how quickly the Czech Ministry of Defense can finalize procurement documents.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) also signed a contract worth 1.1 billion euros (1.2 billion dollars) in January to supply hundreds of thousands of 155 mm artillery shells. Part of these shells is destined for Ukraine, with the first deliveries expected by the end of 2025, marking a significant step in international efforts to provide military aid to Ukraine.

Besides strengthening its production, Canada is also participating in other projects aimed at either supporting the Ukrainian war effort or bolstering its own 155 mm munition production capacity. This production capacity has become a critical issue with the evolution of Ukraine's conflict and military doctrines, and Canada seems to be keeping pace.