Canada and Ukraine solidified their bond on Thursday by signing a long-term strategic and political partnership aimed at collaborating on the production of millions of drones for defense purposes. The agreement spans over a century and covers various aspects such as defense, security, trade, investment, energy, and critical minerals. Detailed plans and implementations of this partnership will be outlined in the upcoming months.
The initiation of this partnership saw both nations engaging in contracts related to drone manufacturing and defense industry investments. Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the critical juncture in Ukraine’s conflict, noting the advancement of unmanned systems penetrating deep into Russian territory. He also highlighted the severe impact of Russia’s intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, particularly in Kyiv.
Carney reaffirmed Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine during a joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Calgary. He underscored the shared values of freedom, democracy, and sovereignty, declaring Canada’s commitment to standing in solidarity with Ukraine without reservation.
Taking inspiration from Ukraine’s wartime experiences, Canada aims to establish a drone marketplace where military units can swiftly connect with companies to meet their drone requirements. Carney disclosed plans to ramp up drone production capacity significantly within the next two years, citing the current inventory of only 2,000 drones across all types in the Canadian military.
Moreover, Canada has inked contracts totaling up to $50 million, set to boost the deployment of drones by the Canadian Armed Forces tenfold. These contracts will focus on procuring intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance drones, as well as uncrewed ground vehicles from firms located in different Canadian provinces.
Furthermore, General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada and Green Tech Harvest from Ukraine have joined forces to develop drones and related technologies. The partnership aims to leverage the expertise of battle-tested developers to enhance industrial capabilities.
In a bid to bolster defense capabilities, Canada and Ukraine plan to collaborate on producing uncrewed systems, counter-drone technologies, munitions, and artificial intelligence. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the partnership, emphasizing its significance in shaping the lives of Ukrainians.
The rapid evolution of drone technology poses a challenge for Canada, given the need to stay abreast of advancements and tactical changes on the battlefield. Canadian military officials underscored the importance of building a flexible industrial base capable of scaling production to meet evolving demands.
Carney announced substantial investments to enhance Ukraine’s defense and security, including funds for critical air defense interceptors and energy security initiatives. Additionally, Canada pledged financial support for rehabilitation programs for Ukrainian veterans and their families.