Canada and Ukraine solidified their partnership on Thursday by signing a long-term strategic and political agreement that paves the way for the production of millions of drones for defense purposes. This declaration marks the beginning of a 100-year partnership encompassing defense, security, trade, investment, energy, and critical minerals.
Speaking in Calgary alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine. Carney highlighted Ukraine’s resilience in the face of Russian aggression, noting the significant impact of Russia’s intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, particularly on the capital city of Kyiv.
Taking inspiration from Ukraine’s wartime experiences, Canada unveiled plans to establish its own drone marketplace, enabling military units to efficiently acquire drones from companies to bolster their capabilities. Carney outlined a strategic initiative to ramp up drone production capacity in Canada, aiming to manufacture millions of drones within the next two years, a significant increase from the current inventory of 2,000 drones across various types.
Furthermore, the governments of Canada and Ukraine are set to collaborate on joint ventures to develop unmanned systems, counter-drone technologies, munitions, and artificial intelligence solutions. This partnership will facilitate knowledge exchange between Canadian and Ukrainian companies, with Carney emphasizing the opportunity for Canada to learn from battle-tested developers in Ukraine.
In a bid to support Ukraine’s energy security, Canada announced contributions to the Ukraine Energy Security Fund to enhance energy infrastructure, boost storage capacity, and fortify hospitals. Additionally, Canada pledged over $430 million in loan guarantees for gas purchases to assist Ukrainians during the winter season. Moreover, Canada allocated $350 million toward an air defense package, aiming to address the shortage of air defense missiles caused by global conflicts, such as the U.S.-Israeli tensions with Iran, which have directly impacted Ukraine.
Zelenskyy hailed the partnership as a crucial development that will positively impact the lives of Ukrainians, expressing gratitude for the support extended by Canada towards Ukraine’s sovereignty and well-being. The signing of this agreement signifies a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts between Canada and Ukraine in bolstering their defense capabilities and strengthening bilateral ties.