Canada reinforces its commitment to Ukraine by providing additional military support, including medical trainers, missiles and ammunition, in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Canadian Minister of National Defense Anita Anand and Chief of Defense Staff General Wayne Eyre participated via videoconference in the 12th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting hosted by the Secretary of Defense of the United States, Lloyd J. Austin III.
The meeting served as a platform for Allies and partners to discuss the current battlefield situation in Ukraine and reiterate their support by providing military assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Minister Anand made important announcements during the meeting regarding the expansion of Canada’s presence in Poland under Operation UNIFIER.
He also announced Canada’s donation and shipment of 43 AIM-9 missiles from the CAF inventory to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. This contribution will contribute to helping Ukraine secure its skies amid continued Russian attacks.
James Marques, GlobalData aerospace, defense and security analyst, said: “AIM-9s are short-range, infrared-guided missiles for shooting down other aircraft. But Ukraine would need much longer-range radar missiles to bridge the capability gap that separates them from Russian fighters.
This could be an option to replenish stocks of IR missiles, but I don’t expect them to have a serious impact.”
Anand recognized the work being carried out by the Royal Canadian Air Force detachment in Prestwick, Scotland, highlighting the combined efforts of Canada, the Allies and European partners.
They have sent more than 9 million pounds ($11.1 million) of military aid destined for Ukraine, demonstrating their collective dedication to supporting the Ukrainian defense.
Since early 2022, Canada has committed more than C$8 billion (US$5.8 billion) in aid to Ukraine, of which more than $1 billion has been dedicated to military assistance.
According to a GlobalData report, “Canada Defense Market 2022-2027”, donations from Canada have included M777 howitzers, M72 anti-tank weapons, 39 armored support vehicles, various light weapons and complementary equipment such as medical aid and rations.
The commitment of the more than 300 Canadian Armed Forces members deployed under Operation UNIFIER reflects a dedication to providing training, supporting the national command and facilitating the delivery of military donations.
The US Air Force received its 10,000th AIM-9X Sidewinder missile in 2016, demonstrating its popularity as an air-to-air missile. The AIM-9X is a joint program of the United States Navy and Air Force led by the Navy, with Raytheon as the prime contractor.
harry McNeil
