Canada Increases Military Aid to Ukraine with M113 and Coyote armored combat vehicles.

At the 24th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, held at Ramstein Air Base on September 6, 2024, and chaired by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Canada significantly expanded its military support for Ukraine. Canadian Minister of National Defence, Bill Blair, made several key announcements, underlining Canada’s ongoing commitment to aiding Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. Blair confirmed that Canada will donate decommissioned military equipment, including the chassis of 29 M113 armored personnel carriers and 64 Coyote light armored vehicles (LAVs).
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A Canadian soldier on a Coyote Armored Vehicle during Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE. (Picture source: Canada MoD)

M113 and Coyote armored vehicles, previously part of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) inventory, have been retired from service and will be provided to Ukraine to be repurposed for operational use or as a source of spare parts for the Ukrainian military.

The Coyote is a light armored vehicle (LAV) used by the Canadian Army, primarily designed for reconnaissance and surveillance missions. It is based on the LAV-25 platform and serves a different purpose than traditional infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), focusing on intelligence gathering rather than direct combat. The Coyote is equipped with advanced sensors, including radar and long-range cameras, making it effective for battlefield observation and long-range patrols. Its design allows for high-speed maneuverability, enabling it to cover large areas quickly while providing critical intelligence to commanders in the field.

In terms of armament, the Coyote is outfitted with a 25mm M242 Bushmaster chain gun, which is effective against light armored targets and infantry. It also features two 7.62mm C6 machine guns, offering additional firepower. While its primary role is reconnaissance, these weapons provide the Coyote with a level of defensive capability, ensuring it can engage enemy forces if necessary. Though no longer a frontline vehicle in the Canadian Armed Forces, it remains a valuable asset for support and intelligence-gathering missions.

Further bolstering its support for Ukraine, Blair also announced a significant development in pilot training for Ukrainian forces. The Canadian government is taking over leadership of the fighter-lead-in-training (FLIT) component under the UDCG Air Force Capability Coalition (AFCC). Backed by a $389 million investment over the next five years, this initiative will focus on advanced pilot training for Ukrainian personnel, including the operation of F-16 fighter jets. Ukrainian pilots have already arrived in Canada to begin the training program, which is seen as a critical step in building Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.

Canada will also supply critical equipment and infrastructure support to Ukrainian air bases and fleets as part of the training program. This marks a significant Canadian contribution to the AFCC, which aims to enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend its airspace against continued Russian aerial assaults.

In addition to training and armored vehicle support, Minister Blair announced the donation of 80,840 additional CRV-7 rocket motors and 1,300 warheads to Ukraine. This follows an earlier delivery of 2,160 rocket motors. The CRV-7s, once used by Canada’s CF-18 fighter jets, are set to be shipped to Poland and will soon reach Ukraine’s frontlines. These rocket motors provide enhanced firepower to Ukrainian forces in their ongoing efforts to repel Russian advances.

The military aid package also includes the donation of surplus small arms from the CAF’s inventory. Canada will provide Ukraine with 970 surplus C6 machine guns and 10,500 surplus 9mm pistols. These weapons are intended to enhance the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ ground capabilities, offering crucial support in the face of Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Blair emphasized that these donations represent Canada’s continued resolve to support Ukraine for as long as necessary. The announcements come as Ukraine faces intensified military operations, and the additional resources provided by Canada are expected to significantly bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

As the UDCG (Ukraine Defense Contact Group) continues to coordinate international military aid, Canada’s contributions stand out as both a symbol of solidarity and a tangible boost to Ukraine’s ongoing war effort. The commitment of advanced training, air defense support, and vital equipment underscores Canada’s crucial role in the coalition supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.