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Canada to provide Ukraine with night vision equipment, allocate nearly $30 million for shell initiative

Canada will donate a package of night vision devices worth approximately $5.5 million to assist the Ukrainian Armed Forces in nighttime operations.

byIryna Voichuk

19/03/2024

2 minute read

Soldier with a night-vision device. Credit: Twenty20 Insight Inc/X

Canada to provide Ukraine with night vision equipment, allocate nearly $30 million for shell initiative

Canada will provide Ukraine with advanced night vision equipment and allocate nearly $30 million for a Czech-led initiative to supply artillery shells to Ukraine, Bill Blair, Canadian Minister of Defense, announced at the 20th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting in Ramstein, Germany, on 19 March.

The meeting, which saw participation from representatives of approximately 50 countries, focused on addressing the acute shortage of ammunition in the Ukrainian Armed Forces and exploring ways to enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, including air defense systems and missiles.

The Czech-led initiative aims to deliver about 800,000 artillery ammunition to Ukraine, addressing one of the country’s most pressing defensive requirements. The commitment follows the recent signing of the Canada-Czechia Defense Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding, which establishes a framework for defense cooperation between the two nations, particularly in support of Ukraine.

“During our discussions, Ukrainian officials have been clear that they need more artillery ammunition, rapidly. As we advance work to increase the domestic production of 155 mm with our Canadian industry partners, we are also committed to meeting Ukraine’s urgent needs as quickly as possible,” Blair said.

Canada also will donate a package of night vision devices to assist the Ukrainian Armed Forces in nighttime operations, the Canadian government confirmed. Valued at approximately $5.5 million, the devices will be sourced from Canadian company Twenty20 Insight Inc.

In addition to these contributions, Minister Blair confirmed Canada’s official participation in the UDCG’s Drone Coalition, co-led by Latvia and the UK. The coalition aims to scale up drone production with the collective goal of delivering one million drones to Ukraine. Canada’s initial contribution includes more than 800 drones from Teledyne, with the first delivery expected to arrive in Ukraine this spring.

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