The Canadian government is planning to significantly increase funding for military aid to Ukraine, alongside efforts to enhance international defense cooperation.
A formal request to amend the national budget has been submitted to Parliament.
The proposed budget increase totals $8.6 billion, with $8.2 billion earmarked specifically for the Department of National Defence.
Additional new spending by the Department of National Defence is for:
- recruitment, retention and support programs for the Canadian Armed Forces ($2.1 billion);
- defence research and development and support for the Canadian defence industry ($2.1 billion);
- military aid to Ukraine and to expand defence partnerships ($2.0 billion);
- strategic military capabilities ($1.0 billion); and
- new and existing Canadian Armed Forces equipment and infrastructure ($833.7 million).
The government emphasized that Canada would continue to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine in their fight against the Russian invasion.
The aid will be directed towards the acquisition of drones, combat armored vehicles, pilot training, supply of ammunition, small arms, vehicles, and other equipment.
This funding will also be used to expand cooperation with international partners in military training, defense policy, and intelligence.
As previously reported, the Department of National Defence of Canada announced a new military assistance package that will include the transfer of armored vehicles.
First of all, Canada’s Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty announced the transfer of armored vehicles to Ukraine from the Canadian army, including LAV 2 armored reconnaissance vehicles, which are known as Coyotes in the Canadian army.
The transfer of armored personnel carriers based on the LAV 2 – Bison was also announced. The difference between these vehicles is that the LAV 2 is equipped with a two-seat turret with a 25 mm cannon, while Bison has only machine guns and a landing compartment for transporting eight soldiers.
In addition to armored vehicles, the military aid package includes the supply of new equipment, ammunition and other gear to be supplied by Canadian companies. In addition, $5 million of this package will be allocated for electronic warfare kits, which will also be manufactured by Canadian companies.
In June, it was announced that the Canadian armored vehicle manufacturer Roshel had expanded its production operations to Ukraine.
