Canada sendingout more devices to Ukraine as major war with Russia nears 2-year mark

Murray Brewster · CBC News

· Posted: Jan 23, 2024 2: 56 PM EST | Last Updated: 3 hours ago

Canada is contributing another $35 million worth of military devices to Ukraine as the embattled Eastern European nation’s allies fulfill to talkabout its future requires, and as Russia’s complete intrusion edges towards the two-year mark.

Defence Minister Bill Blair, who tookpart in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) conference bymeansof video link, stated Canada is offering 10 Multirole Boats from Zodiac Hurricane Technologies, valued at around $20 million.

The stiff hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) are a preferred of Canadian Special Forces for taskforce operations. The Department of National Defence (DND) states they likewise can be utilized for search and rescue, troop and freight transportation, security and reconnaissance.

Each boat has a advanced sensingunit, navigation and interactions system, the department stated in a media declaration. The expense consistsof business training for the Ukrainian operators, as well as spares.

Blair likewise revealed that Canada will pay for civilian trainers from Montreal-based Top Aces Inc. to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16s being contributed by Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands.

Canada does not run the U.S.-manufactured F-16 but they are utilized by Top Aces, a personal business that uses a broad variety of fighter jet direction. Blair stated the usage of Top Aces’ airplane for training is consistedof in the $15-million training bundle.

The veryfirst Canadian-sponsored classes start next month and will last for a year.

Canada is likewise contributing English language training to Ukrainian Air Force workers at the Canadian Forces Language School.

It’s not understood at this time what other members of the UDCG are contributing.

For the veryfirst time consideringthat U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin developed the global group to assistance Ukraine in April 2022