Canada and Ukraine cemented their partnership on Thursday through the signing of a long-term strategic and political agreement aimed at bolstering both nations’ defense capabilities. The agreement spans over a century and covers various aspects such as defense, security, trade, investment, energy, and critical minerals. The initial phase of the partnership involves contracts related to drone production and defense industry investments.
During a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Calgary, Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine. Carney highlighted the significance of Ukraine’s struggle for freedom, democracy, and sovereignty, stating that Canada stands in solidarity with these values.
In a move inspired by Ukraine’s experiences in warfare, Canada plans to establish a marketplace for drones where military units can quickly acquire customized drone solutions from companies. Carney outlined Canada’s ambition to ramp up drone production, aiming to manufacture millions of drones within the next two years, significantly expanding on the current inventory of 2,000 drones across all types in the Canadian military.
Furthermore, Canada has awarded contracts worth up to $50 million to enhance its drone capabilities by tenfold. The contracts involve procuring intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance drones, as well as uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs), from six firms located in New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Additionally, Canada and Ukraine are set to collaborate on joint drone production projects, leveraging the expertise of battle-tested developers.
General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada and Green Tech Harvest have formed a partnership to develop and produce drones and related technologies. This collaboration builds on a previous agreement between Airlogix LLC and Sentinel Research & Development. The two nations are also planning to jointly produce uncrewed systems, counter-drone technologies, munitions, and artificial intelligence technology.
Amid the evolving landscape of drone technology, Canada faces challenges in keeping pace with Ukraine, where drone technology evolves rapidly, necessitating constant adaptation in tactics and equipment. Lt.-Gen. Darcy Molstad noted that Ukraine’s expertise in drone technology provides valuable lessons for Canada, emphasizing the need to create a scalable industrial base to meet evolving demands.
Carney announced significant investments to enhance Ukraine’s defense and security, including funds for critical air defense interceptors and energy security initiatives. Canada will provide financial support for rehabilitation programs for Ukrainian veterans and their families, further solidifying the partnership between the two nations.
