On 10 May, Canadian Minister of National Defense Bill Blair announced that Canada will contribute C$76 million ($55.5 million) to Germany’s Immediate Action on Air Defense (IAAD) initiative in support of Ukraine. He said it during his meeting with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in Ottawa, according to the Canadian Government's press release.
Initiated by Germany in April 2024, this effort aims to collect international funds and resources to rapidly acquire and deliver air defense systems for Ukraine, vital in safeguarding against intensified Russian aerial assaults that have targeted power plants, industry, hospitals, residential buildings, causing significant civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction.
"Through Canada’s investment in Germany’s Immediate Action on Air Defense Initiative, we are working together to provide Ukraine with the crucial air defense systems that it needs to protect its people,” Blair said.
The press release notes that Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel are presently stationed in Germany as part of the Security Assistance Group - Ukraine. Their tasks include facilitating aid transfers, aligning future donations with Ukrainian needs, and planning immediate and long-term training for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
- Since February 2022, Canada has committed over C$14 billion ($10.2) in total support to Ukraine, including C$4 billion ($2.9) in military assistance, including Leopard 2 main battle tanks, armored combat support vehicles, anti-tank weapons, M777 howitzers, artillery ammunition, drones, and more.
- Canada is contributing to multinational efforts to train pilots and maintain and support Ukraine’s F-16s.
- Since March 2022, the Royal Canadian Air Force has transported over 7,250 tons of military aid to Ukraine, donated by Canada, Allies, and partners.
Read also:
- Romania open to discussions on sending Patriot system to Ukraine
- Canada becomes the second country to commit to funding Ukrainian weapons production
- Rheinmetall sending prototypes of 100km shells to Ukraine
- Canada to provide Ukraine with over $ 2.3 mn for drone production
- Canada to provide Ukraine with night vision equipment, allocate nearly $30 million for shell initiative
- Polish FM: Much better to spend the money on protecting Ukraine than on then having to rebuild it
Read Also
-
Lithuania’s armed forces chief says patrols on the Kaliningrad border have practically doubled as the troop mission runs into mid-November
-
Ukraine has identified nearly 46,000 foreigners from 151 countries in Russia’s army—and says Moscow is on pace to meet its 2026 hiring plan
-
Two Germans charged in absentia over Bulgaria’s Starlink fire, one of three recent attacks on satellite links Ukraine relies on against Russia
