Canadian donations and military support to Ukraine
Military Donations
Since February 2022, Canada has committed over $1 billion in military assistance to Ukraine.
We continue to actively look at what more we can do to support Ukraine. Minister Anand remains in close contact with Ukrainian officials through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, and on a bilateral basis.
We deeply admire the bravery and courage of Ukrainians who are fighting to defend their independence and freedom, and we will continue to work closely with our Allies and partners to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and security.
Operational Support
Canada and Ukraine are close partners with a long-standing defence relationship. Operation (Op) UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) military training and capacity building mission in Ukraine, was launched in 2015 at the request of the Ukrainian government, and in 2023, was expanded and extended until March 2026.
Since the start of Op UNIFIER, the CAF has trained over 36,000 Ukrainian military and security personnel in battlefield tactics and advanced military skills. As the mission progressed, much of the direct training undertaken by CAF members transitioned to members of the Security Forces of Ukraine, with Canadians acting as advisors and mentors as well as assisting in the development of courses.
Over 300 CAF members are now deployed under Op UNIFER in various roles such as the provision and coordination of training, national command support, and the facilitation and delivery of military donations to Ukraine in coordination with Allies and Partners.
Canada's military contributions, including training, equipment, and transport, have been integral in Ukraine's counter offensive to-date, and we will continue to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to defend its sovereignty, freedom, and independence.
Since the invasion in February 2022, this has included:
- The training of approximately 3000 members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in third locations with the recommencement of large scale individual training, on both basic and specialized skills in concert with our Allies.
- The deployment of aircraft to assist with the delivery of Ukraine bound military aid not only from Canada, but from Allied and partner nations. Since March 2022, the amount of aid delivered by Air Mobility Detachment - Prestwick, has totaled over nine million pounds.
- From April to July 2022, the CAF provided assistance to Ukrainian refugees in reception centres located in Warsaw, operated by the Polish Territorial Defence Force. During this time, CAF members helped thousands of refugees with administrative support, limited medical care, mental health supports, and spiritual services.
Military Donations
| Commitment to Ukraine | Announcement Date |
Delivery | Source | Details |
Air Defence Missiles |
March 15, 2023 |
Delivered |
CAF inventory |
A new donation of 12 air defence missiles was sourced from CAF inventory. The 12 missiles are AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs). |
| May 25, 2023 | Delivered | CAF inventory |
Canada announced an additional donation of 43 AIM-9 missiles sourced from CAF inventory. This donation will help Ukraine to secure its skies in the face of ongoing Russian attacks. | |
| June 10, 2023 | In progress | CAF inventory |
Canada will provide 288 AIM-7 missiles to be repurposed in the United States for use in air defence systems, which will support Ukraine in its efforts to defend its skies. | |
A National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) and associated missiles |
January 10, 2023 |
In Progress |
Sourced from the US government for donation to Ukraine | A National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and associated munitions are being purchased from the United States, to donate to Ukraine, at a total cost of $406 million. The United States will deliver the system on Canada’s behalf, and updates on delivery will be provided in due course. A NASAMS is a short to medium range ground-based air defence system that protects against drone, missile, and aircraft attack, with a high success rate. Canada's NASAMS donation will help Ukraine strengthen its air defence systems against destructive air attacks on military sites, civilian critical infrastructure, and population centres. As other NASAM systems are already fielded in Ukraine with trained operators, any required training will be conducted by Ukrainian operators. |
Eight Leopard 2 Main Battle Tanks |
January 27, 2023 February 24, 2023 |
Delivered |
From CAF Inventory |
Canada has donated 8 Leopard 2 main battle tanks (A4 variants), including spare parts, ammunition and training, in concert with key Allies. These tanks were sourced from Edmonton, Alberta, and Gagetown, New Brunswick. Canada sent the Leopard 2A4 variant of Main Battle Tanks (MBT), which shares a baseline commonality with the donations of other Allied nations. The Leopard 2A4 is equipped with a 120mm main gun with an effective range of 4 km, making it a mobile, powerful, and precise capability that allows an army to meet an adversary head on with superior firepower. An initial allotment of 120mm ammunition, sourced from existing CAF stocks, will be provided as part of this donation. Donor nations are working together to address sustainment and spare parts. All 8 tanks were delivered via Royal Canadian Air Force CC-177 Globemaster III. A Canadian Armed Forces team of trainers are in place training Ukrainian tank crews. |
208 Armoured vehicles |
April 26, 2022 |
The initial 8 vehicles have been delivered. |
Procured by the Canadian Commercial |
Canada has donated 8 armoured vehicles purchased from Roshel for Ukraine. These were delivered in May 2022. Minister Anand announced in January 2023 that Canada will donate an additional 200 Senator commercial pattern armoured vehicles to Ukraine. Senators are security task vehicles that are easily maneuverable and adaptable. The vehicles offer state-of-the-art, best-in-class technology and weapons can easily be mounted on them. These vehicles allow for the safe transport of personnel and equipment, and medical evacuations. The vehicles’ armour will help shield troops when they are unable to avoid danger. Details on the Senator vehicles themselves can be found on the company’s website Roshel will be responsible for delivering the vehicles to Ukraine. Delivery is expected to be completed by summer 2023. This donation is valued at over $92 million. |
| January 18, 2023 | The delivery of the newly announced 200 vehicles is in progress. | |||
39 Armoured combat support vehicles (ACSVs) |
June 30, 2022 |
Delivered |
Procured by the Canadian Commercial |
39 armoured combat support vehicles (ACSVs), including elements for repairs and servicing, and increased armour for better protection, were donated by Canada to Ukraine. The specific variant is the Troop Cargo Vehicle (TCV). Training for Ukrainian forces began on October 10, 2022. The CCC procured the vehicles from General Dynamics Land Systems Canada. GDLS-C also provided operator and maintenance training to the AFU to support this donation. Canada continues to provide in-service support for the vehicles. The donation is valued at approximately $245 million and includes 39 ACSVs, as well as add-on armour and a radio communication system for the ACSVs, and in-service support including spare parts, maintenance services, technical manuals, and training. Additional info, including images of the TCV, can be found at this link: Armoured Combat Support Vehicle. |
1 Armoured recovery vehicle |
February 24, 2023 |
Delivered |
From CAF inventory |
A new donation of 1 Armoured recovery vehicle was sourced from CAF inventory. |
Four (4) M777 Howitzer systems, spare parts and sustainment |
April 22, 2022 |
Delivered |
Howitzers: From current CAF inventory |
In April 2022, Canada provided four M777 Howitzers from CAF inventory. CAF members also provided training to Ukrainian Forces on the use of M777 Howitzers in spring 2022, in a third location outside of Ukraine. |
| June 15, 2022 | Replacement barrels: Sourced from US government | The M777 lightweight 155mm towed howitzer is lighter and smaller, yet more powerful than any gun of its kind. The M777 provides indirect firepower capable of accurately hitting targets at a range of distances up to 30 km. Canada also donated 10 replacement barrels for the sustainment of M777 howitzer artillery guns. |
||
155mm Ammunition |
April 22, 2022 May 24, 2022 October 12, 2022 February 24, 2023 March 15, 2023 |
Delivered Delivery details are in progress. |
Sourced from the US government for donation to Ukraine, and from CAF inventory. |
A total of approximately 40,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition for the M777 Howitzers have been donated to Ukraine to date, a value of over $60 million. Approximately 20,000 rounds of ammunition were sourced from the US Government, and the rest from CAF stock. The donation of approximately 5,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition announced in February was sourced from CAF inventory. The most recent donation of approximately 8,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition was also sourced from CAF inventory. |
105mm Training Ammunition |
March 15, 2023 |
Delivered |
CAF inventory |
Canada donated approximately 1,800 rounds of 105mm tank training ammunition which will support the donation of Leopard 1 tanks announced by Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. |
76 High-Resolution Drone Cameras |
May 8, 2022 June 30, 2022 November 16, 2022 October 12, 2022 |
Delivered |
Procured by the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) |
A total of 76 specialized drone cameras, a value of over $100 million, including in-service support and repair, were procured by CCC from L3 Wescam for donation to Ukraine. |
Carl Gustaf M2 recoilless rifles and ammunition |
March 9, 2022 April 22, 2022 |
Delivered |
From current CAF inventory |
Canada donated approximately 100 anti-armour weapons systems - Carl Gustaf M2 recoilless rifles, as well as related accessories and scopes. This also includes more than 3000 rounds of 84mm ammunition. The 84 mm Carl Gustaf (Carl G) anti-armour system employed by the Canadian Army uses rocket-assisted projectiles, and is normally operated by a two-person team. The CAF employs it primarily as an anti-armour weapon – mostly effective against light-armour platforms – though it can also be effectively used for other anti-material and anti-personnel purposes. Given its relative light weight and portability, it is an exceptionally effective tool that continues to serve the CAF well. |
Rocket Launchers and hand-grenades. |
March 3, 2022 |
Delivered |
From current CAF inventory |
Approximately 4200, M72A5-C1 rocket launchers have been donated to Ukraine. These are High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) Self Contained Weapons. The M72, is a short-range, single-shot, fire and throw away, weapon that can be used to defend against light armoured vehicles and structures. Specifications:
All M72 that Canada is providing are in accordance with established policies on shelf-life. Canada has also donated over 7000 C13 hand grenades. The total value of this donation is more than $7 million. |
Winter Clothing and Equipment |
October 12, 2022 |
Delivered |
Procured by the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) and from CAF inventory |
Canada is providing more than 500,000 pieces of winter clothing for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Approximately $25 million has been provided to source critical winter gear from Canadian industry. This includes 400,000 pieces of gear procured by the CCC from Canadian companies such as Kamik Boots, Royer boots, Stanfields, Solidwear, Mooseknuckles, Wuxly, Canada Goose and Superior Glove. This includes winter boots, parkas, thermal layers, gloves, socks and headwear (hats, balaclavas, neck warmers). This donation also includes generators, energy storage devices, sleeping bags and thermal blankets. An additional 100,000 pieces of winter clothing has been donated from CAF inventory. The winter clothing was delivered between October and December 2022, and deliveries of other equipment is almost complete. |
| November 16, 2022 | Delivered | |||
Commercial Satellite imagery |
March 3, 2022 May 8, 2022 November 16, 2022 |
Ongoing |
Purchased |
Canada has funded approximately $22M to give Ukraine one year of access to high-resolution, modern, satellite imagery from commercial satellite imagery providers. This is being done through a multilateral program that enables the rapid collection and dissemination of commercial satellite imagery to select partners. Through this program, Ukraine will receive imagery from commercial satellite imagery providers This imagery will help Ukraine to identify the location and composition of Russian forces based on their priority intelligence requirements. |
Satellite Communications Service to the Ukraine Government |
October 12, 2022 |
In Progress |
Purchased |
Canada has funded approximately $2 million for this project. This project provides dedicated and reliable satellite communications services to Ukraine government and non-government partners, including critical infrastructure, through a joint project between the DND/CAF, Communications Security Establishment and Telesat. |
Small Arms and Ammunitions |
February 14, 2022 |
Delivered |
Procured by the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) and from current CAF inventory |
Canada has donated more than $10 million in small arms and ammunition, and other munitions, including:
This equipment also includes carbines, 1.5 million rounds of ammunition, and various related equipment. This equipment was all delivered in March 2022. |
| April 11, 2023 | Partially completed | On April 11, 2023, Canada announced that it would donate additional small arms and ammunition to Ukraine, sourced from Colt Canada, valued at approximately $59 million. This package includes 21,000 5.56mm assault rifles, 38 7.62mm machine guns, and over 2.4 million rounds of ammunition to support these weapons as well as small arms already in use by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Accessories and spares for these small arms are also included in this package. | ||
| April 21, 2023 | Delivered | On April 21, 2023, Canada announced that it would donate 40 sniper systems (.50 cal) with ammunition, sourced from PGW Defence Technologies. | ||
Other Non-Lethal Aid |
February 4, 2022 February 27, 2022 |
Delivered |
Procured by the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) and from current CAF inventory |
Canada has donated a range of non-lethal equipment. This includes more than 10,800 pieces of personal protective equipment such as ballistic helmets, night vision wear, gas masks and body armour, totaling more than $15 million. This also includes medical supplies and nuclear protective equipment. This was all delivered in March 2022. Other PPE such as fragmentation vests and helmets have been provided from CAF inventory. |
Individual Meal Packs |
March 1, 2022 |
Delivered |
From current CAF inventory |
National Defence has donated more than 640,000 individual meal packs from CAF inventory. |
| NATO Ukraine Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) Trust Fund | April 21, 2023 | In progress | Purchased | On April 21, 2023, Canada announced that it contributed $34.6 million contribution to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ukraine Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) Trust Fund. This donation will:
|
| 105mm Artillery Ammunition | June 10, 2023 | In progress | CAF inventory | Canada will provide 10,000 rounds of 105mm ammunition to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. |
| Leopard 2 Tank Maintenance Centre | June 10, 2023 | In progress | N/A | Canada will be contributing to the Leopard 2 Tank Maintenance Centre in Poland set up to support the maintenance and sustainment of Leopard 2 tanks donated by Allies and partners to Ukraine. |
| F-16 Pilot Training | June 10, 2023 | In progress | N/A | Canada will contribute to multinational efforts to train pilots, and maintain and support Ukraine’s F-16s, leveraging Canadian expertise in these areas. |
**Disclaimer: this content was last updated on June 27, 2023. Please note that some details may change between updates.
Military Operational Support
| Operation | Number of Personnel | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Operation UNIFIER – UK | Approx. 170 personnel | Recruit Training
|
| Operation UNIFIER - Poland | Approx. 50 CAF personnel | Combat Engineer Training
|
| Approx. 25 CAF personnel | Tank Operator Training
|
|
| 12 CAF Medical Technicians and Medical Assistants | Combat Medic Training
|
|
| Operation UNIFIER-Latvia | Approx. 12 | Junior Officer Leadership Development Training
|
**Disclaimer: this content was last updated on May 30, 2023. Please note that some details may change between updates.
Relevant News Releases
- Defence Minister Anita Anand announces military aid for Ukraine at the twelfth meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (May 25, 2023)
- Defence Minister Anita Anand announces approximately $39 million military aid package for Ukraine (April 21, 2023)
- Defence Minister Anita Anand announces additional military donations to Ukraine at Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting (March 15, 2023)
- Canada deploys medical trainers to Operation UNIFIER and extends engineer training in Poland (March 7, 2023)
- Supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes (February 24, 2023)
- Defence Minister Anita Anand announces that Canada will supply Ukraine with Leopard 2 battle tanks, training and sustainment (January 26, 2023)
- Defence Minister Anita Anand visits Kyiv, meets with Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov, and announces donation of 200 additional armoured vehicles (January 18, 2023)
- Defence Minister Anita Anand announces air defence system donation to Ukraine (January 10, 2023)
- Minister Anand announces additional Canadian military aid to Ukraine at Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting (November 16, 2022)
- Prime Minister announces additional military assistance for Ukraine and additional sanctions against Russia (November 14, 2022)
- Minister Anand announces new Canadian military aid to Ukraine at Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting (October 12, 2022)
- Defence Minister Anita Anand visits Poland to strengthen defence cooperation and announces new training for Ukrainian personnel (October 11, 2022)
- Defence Minister Anita Anand Announces Enhancements to RCAF Mobility Capabilities to Support Ukraine and Other Global Missions (September 26, 2022)
- Defence Minister Anita Anand announces deployment of Canadian Armed Forces to train Ukrainian soldiers in the United Kingdom (August 4, 2022)
- Prime Minister and NATO Leaders strengthen transatlantic security (June 30, 2022)
- Minister Anand Announces Further Military Aid for Ukraine (June 15, 2022)
- Defence Minister Anita Anand announces additional military aid for Ukraine (May 24, 2022)
- Prime Minister visits Kyiv, Ukraine (May 8, 2022)
- Canada announces artillery and other additional military aid for Ukraine (April 22, 2022)
- Minister Anand announces the immediate deployment of Canadian Armed Forces Personnel to Poland in response to the Ukrainian Refugee Crisis (April 14, 2022)
- Defence Minister Anand and Chief of the Defence Staff conclude visit to Europe (March 9, 2022)
- Defence Minister Anand announces additional military support to Ukraine (March 3, 2022)
- Canada sending additional $25M military aid to support Ukraine (February 28, 2022)
- Canada commits lethal weapons and ammunition in support of Ukraine (February 14, 2022)
- Canada sends non-lethal military aid to further support Ukraine (February 4, 2022)
Imagery
Images and videos of the loading, transportation and delivery of various donation items is available through CAF imagery pages:
- Canadian Aid to Ukraine | Flickr
- Op REASSURANCE – Air Task Force Prestwick | Flickr
- Op REASSURANCE – Task Force Poland/Force opérationnelle (Pologne) | Flickr
- CF Combat Camera FC Vimeo (B-roll)
- Royal Canadian Air Force Smug Mug:
Note that media are free to use this content. Please credit the Canadian Armed Forces.
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