On January 9, 2025, at the 25th Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, Defence Minister Bill Blair has unveiled a robust $440 million military aid package to Ukraine. This commitment underscores Canada’s unwavering support as Ukraine continues its fight.
A key component of this assistance focuses on addressing Ukraine’s pressing need for ammunition. Minister Blair detailed a substantial $200 million allocation to support Czechia’s initiative aimed at procuring and delivering large-calibre ammunition to Ukraine. This new funding builds on a previous contribution of over $53 million, which had already facilitated the delivery of about 11,500 rounds of large-calibre ammunition. Additionally, another $50 million has been earmarked to procure various calibres of ammunition directly from Canadian suppliers.
“The military assistance announced today provides Ukrainians with resources needed to resist Russian aggression. The UDCG, through the leadership of Secretary Austin, has been vital in ensuring that the military aid we’re collectively providing Ukraine is comprehensive, well-coordinated, and meets the country’s most pressing needs. Canada remains strongly committed to working with our Allies and partners to support Ukraine until victory,” assured the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence.
In another notable initiative, Minister Blair announced a $100 million investment in the Danish Model to enhance the production of military drones within Ukraine’s own defence industry. Drones have become pivotal in modern warfare, and Ukraine’s domestic industry is rapidly advancing in innovation and experimentation. This new contribution follows Canada’s earlier donation of $3 million in April 2024 and the provision of 900 SkyRanger drones manufactured by Teledyne FLIR in Waterloo, Ontario, 560 of which have already reached Ukraine.
Further augmenting this package, Minister Blair revealed additional donations, including $30 million for essential winter gear such as sleeping bags, boots, and thermal clothing, with several shipments delivered in December 2024. Another $64 million has been invested in high-resolution drone cameras, which were sent to Ukraine in November and December 2024.
These newly announced contributions are part of a broader $500 million military assistance package declared during the 2024 NATO Summit, complementing the $1.6 billion outlined in Budget 2024. Collectively, these efforts have brought Canada’s total military aid to Ukraine to an impressive $4.5 billion since the onset of Russia’s extensive invasion.
Minister Blair also provided updates on ongoing support efforts. He noted the December 2024 delivery of approximately 1,300 CRV-7 rocket warheads, which followed the earlier shipment of over 2,000 CRV-7 rocket motors in September 2024. Furthermore, the initial batch of Armoured Combat Support Vehicles arrived in the fall of 2024, with all necessary training now completed. An additional 40 vehicles are slated for delivery between May and December 2025.
Canada’s commitment to Ukraine remains steadfast, as illustrated by this latest round of military assistance, designed to bolster Ukraine’s defence capabilities in its ongoing struggle.
