Canada has promised Ukraine more than $1.5 billion in military aid. Here’s what we know
Canada has pledged more than $8 billion to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, including more than $1.5 billion in military aid.
That imprecise number — trumpeted in Department of National Defense press releases with any promise of weapons, vehicles or ammunition — ticked up to “more than $1 billion” in June after months. (For reference, Canada’s 2022-2023 defense budget is about $36 billion a year, the department says.)
The Kiel Institute for the World Economy, which keeps a tracker for Ukraine’s aid, actually estimates Canada’s contribution at $1.63 billion US, or more than $2 billion Cdn. They say they consider “upper bounds” when trying to figure out the value of in-kind support.
Here’s a look at where Canada’s money has gone just as a major summit of NATO leaders kicks off where military funding is sure to be a topic of discussion.
NASAMS + associated missiles
Bee $406 millionthis is the largest price tag of the more than $1.5 billion sent to Ukraine.
The Department of National Defense (DND) announced in January that Canada would purchase the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and its ordnance from the United States and donate it to Ukraine.
The ground-based air defense system, with a range of 30 to 50 kilometers, isn’t just brand new – it’s not even in Canada’s arsenal.
“In the face of Russia’s relentless airstrikes against Ukraine, this air defense system will help protect Ukrainian population centers and critical infrastructure from drone, missile and aircraft attacks,” Defense Minister Anita Anand said.
Although Anand told CBC News in early April that “we are doing everything we can to get it out there as soon as possible,” the system has not been delivered.
Delivery deadlines are “still evolving” with the US, DND said last week.
Ukraine is getting advanced air defense systems from Canada and more armored vehicles from other Western allies ahead of a much-anticipated Ukrainian offensive.
Air defense missiles
Canada donated three types of missiles from its inventory: 288 AIM-7s, 43 AIM-9s and 12 AIM-120s. AIM stands for “air intercept missile”.
The AIM-7 “Sparrow” is a radar-guided air-to-air missile that DND said would be sent to the US to be reused for surface-to-air use. The AIM-120 “AMRAAM” is a later generation improvement over the AIM-7. The AIM-9 “Sidewinder” is a heat-seeking air-to-air missile, though Defense Intelligence Agency Janes says it could be used in a surface-to-air system.
As of late June, AIM-7 deliveries are listed as “in progress” on the Canadian government’s website. The other missiles are delivered.
Citing safety concerns, DND would not disclose the number of missiles remaining in Canada’s inventory. The value of the rocket donations is unknown, but is likely to be in the tens of millions of dollars.
A spokesperson for the department said it is difficult to value used military hardware for several reasons, including depreciation, inflation and prices that fluctuate depending on the quantity purchased. In addition, the original purchase cost often includes delivery costs, parts and maintenance.
tanks
Canada announced earlier this year that it would send eight Leopard 2 main battle tanks from Edmonton and Gagetown, NB, to Ukraine. They have been delivered.
The Canadian government says the tank has mobility, strength and precision that “allows an army to face an opponent with superior firepower.” An ammunition allocation was also part of the donation, and a team from the Canadian Forces trained the Ukrainian crews.
A major appeal of the German-made tanks is their sheer numbers: Canada’s contribution was part of a larger pack of tanks sent by a number of allies. The Canadian Army has 82 main battle tanks after the donation.
The Leopard 2s are generally considered by military experts to be better than most Russian tanks, providing better protection, fire control (ability to hit a target), and agility. For example, Leopard 2s can reverse quickly.
“Imagine a boxer who cannot move freely in the ring, but only in one direction,” says Ralf Raths, director of the Panzer Museum in Münster, Germany. “The other boxer, who can go either way, has a big advantage and that is the case with the Leopards.”
As with the missiles, it’s hard to put a dollar value on the donation. Canada purchased 100 used Leopard 2s from the Netherlands in the mid-2000s for $6.5 million each. Germany recently ordered some brand new Leopard 2s for about $38 million each.
Armored vehicles
Not counting the tanks, Canada has sent 248 armored vehicles to Ukraine.
- 39 armored combat support vehicles: These eight-wheeled vehicles were manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, of London, Ont. They were originally intended for the Canadian Army. DND said the donation is appreciated $245 millionincluding extra armor, a radio system, spare parts and training.
- 208 armored vehicles: Canada announced in January that it would pay $90 million for 200 Senator armored personnel carriers made by Roshel in Mississauga, Ontario, having delivered eight shortly after the invasion began. The company bills the Senator APC as a multi-purpose vehicle intended for law enforcement or border patrol. CBC News spoke to Ukrainians in January through the senators at the Belarus-Ukraine border: They said they like it.
- 1 armored recovery vehicle: The Leopard 2 Armored Recovery Vehicle Canada, or ARV CAN, has been removed from the Army’s existing inventory. It’s like a tank crossed with a tow truck; instead of a turret and gun, it has a hydraulic crane and winch, as well as cutting and welding equipment.
Canada is supplying 200 Senator APCs, armored personnel carriers made by Mississauga, Ont.-based Roshel, to Ukraine.
Howitzers
Canada sent four of its M777 howitzers to the Ukrainian army in the weeks following the invasion.
Three defense sources told CBC News at the time that four of the 37 howitzers Canada purchased during the Afghan war were destined for shipment.
The big guns came from the inventory of the 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, stationed in Shilo, Man., the confidential sources said.
The M777 is a 155 millimeter towed howitzer. Although it fires large shells, it is designed as an ultra-light gun suitable for mobile warfare and can be easily transported by air. However, “ultralight” is a relative term: the M777 weighs 4,200 kilograms and has a crew of eight.
DND says it can hit targets 30 kilometers away.
Although the department did not value the howitzers, replacement barrels sent to Ukraine were budgeted $9 millionand 40,000 ammunition deployed for the war was over estimated $60 million.
Other weapons and ammunition
Canada’s donation of smaller arms and ammunition includes:
- About 100 Carl Gustaf anti-armour weapon systems, rocket-assisted projectiles intended for use against light armour. National Defense has not specified a value.
- Approximately 4,200 M72 rocket launchers and 7,000 C13 shells worth more than $7 million.
- Small arms and ammunition with a value of more than $69 million. That includes sniper rifles, machine guns, pistols, anti-tank missiles and millions of ammunition.
Various help
Canada’s other notable contributions to Ukraine:
- 76 specialized drone cameras from L3Harris Wescam of Hamilton, worth more than $100 million, including ongoing maintenance.
- More than half a million pieces of winter clothing, worth approx $25 million.
- Access to high-resolution satellite imagery from commercial providers, purchased for $22 million.
- Non-lethal equipment, including helmets, night vision goggles and respirators, valued at more than $15 million.
