Canada to provide $24.5 million to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense

17 September, 2023 NASAMS air defense missile launch. Photo from open sources Canada will contribute £24.5 million to a British-led partnership that is buying air defense equipment for Ukraine.

Bill Blair, Canadian Defense Minister, announced this assistance, according to Reuters news agency. Blair stated that the contribution was part of the C£500 million worth of military aid for Kyiv that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in June. In addition to Canada and the United Kingdom, the partnership includes the United States, the Netherlands, and Denmark.

The partnership aims to buy hundreds of short- and medium-range air defense missiles and associated systems.

Launch of a PAC-3 missile from the Patriot launcher. Photo from open sources

In this way, the countries want to help Ukraine defend against Russian missile attacks and drones. As Militarnyi previously reported, Belgium will hand over Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles purchased from Germany to Ukraine.

In addition, the German government announced the transfer of anti-aircraft missiles to the Patriot system. In turn, the Norwegian government announced the transfer of Iris-T missiles to the Iris-T SLS system.

IRIS-T SLS SAM. Photo from open sources

Canada is actively assisting Ukraine in the defense sector.

As part of the "aviation coalition", Canada will develop infrastructure for Western fighter jets in Ukraine.

In July, Canada announced a new military aid package to support Ukraine and strengthen transatlantic security.

This contribution will support NATO's provision of non-lethal practical assistance to Ukraine through donations of material, including fuel, bridging equipment, rations, and first aid.