At the 24th Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) meeting held at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Canada once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing defence efforts. Minister of National Defence, Bill Blair, alongside General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, attended the meeting, hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. The event marked another pivotal moment in international military cooperation.
In a major announcement, Minister Blair revealed that Ukrainian pilots have arrived in Canada to begin advanced fighter-lead-in-training (FLIT), a crucial step in equipping the Ukrainian Air Force for modern warfare. Canada has taken a leading role in this initiative under the UDCG’s Air Force Capability Coalition (AFCC). This project is backed by a significant Canadian investment of $389 million over the next five years, which will provide F-16 pilot training for Ukrainian forces. Beyond training, Canada will supply essential equipment to support Ukraine’s air bases and fleets, ensuring the sustainability of these efforts.
“The UDCG is a testament to the unity and commitment of Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with the crucial capabilities it needs to fight for its sovereignty and security. What happens in Ukraine will help determine the trajectory of global security. Canada’s support for Ukraine remains unwavering and we will continue to do what it takes to help Ukraine win this war,” stated the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence.
In addition to the training program, Canada is ramping up its contributions with the donation of critical military equipment. Blair announced the shipment of 80,840 additional CRV-7 rocket motors, accompanied by 1,300 warheads, to Ukraine. These come as part of a follow-up to an earlier delivery of 2,160 rocket motors. The decommissioned rocket motors, which were previously utilized by the Royal Canadian Air Force on CF-18 aircraft, will be transported to Poland in the coming months, ensuring Ukraine has access to this vital hardware. Along with the rocket motors, Canada is also donating 970 surplus C6 machine guns and 10,500 surplus 9mm pistols.
In response to Ukraine’s specific requests, Minister Blair also disclosed that Canada will be providing decommissioned chassis from 29 M113s and 64 Coyote LAVs. Though no longer operational for the Canadian Army, these vehicles will be repurposed by Ukrainian forces for either spare parts or frontline operations.
Minister Blair further provided updates on previously pledged Canadian support. Among them, the first set of Canadian-built Armoured Combat Support Vehicles has already arrived in Europe, with training underway for Ukrainian personnel. These vehicles, including 10 ambulances scheduled for delivery in September, will be followed by 40 more troop/cargo vehicles starting in spring 2025. Canada is also advancing its support with the donation of Teledyne FLIR Skyranger drones, training for which is set to begin in Ukraine this month. Additionally, approximately $200,000 worth of IT equipment was delivered in August to bolster Ukraine’s cyber defenses.
During his visit to Germany, Minister Blair took time to meet with Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and U.S. officers at the Security Assistance Group – Ukraine (SAG-U) in Wiesbaden. SAG-U, now transitioning into the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), represents a collaborative NATO effort involving approximately 700 personnel from allied nations, further solidifying international support for Ukraine.
Since the start of the war in 2022, Canada has contributed $4.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine, underscoring its unwavering dedication to supporting the country’s defense. As Minister Blair affirmed, Canada remains resolute in its commitment to helping Ukraine achieve victory in its fight for sovereignty.