Today, Defence Minister Anita Anand announced that Canada will supply Ukraine with four Leopard 2 main battle tanks from the Canadian Armed Forces' (CAF) inventory. The Minister also announced that Canada will provide ammunition, spare parts, and will deploy Canadian Armed Forces members to train Ukrainian soldiers on the use of these tanks in a third country.
This donation responds to Ukraine's urgent request for tanks - a call that was reiterated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov at last week's meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany. Canada's donation is also the result of extensive coordination with Allies and partners, who are also planning to donate Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, among other Western battle tanks. Canada will work with like-minded Allies on discussions relating to tank fleet donations and a sustainment strategy for Ukraine.
The Leopard 2 is the main battle tank of the Canadian Armed Forces and of several Allies and partners. These heavily armoured and highly protected vehicles provide soldiers with a tactical advantage on the battlefield, thanks to their excellent mobility, firepower, and survivability.
The Leopard 2 is an outstanding battle tank that serves the Canadian Army well. The donation of Canadian Army Leopard 2 tanks, combined with donations by Allies and partners, will significantly help the Armed Forces of Ukraine as they fight heroically to defend their nation's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Canada has already committed well over $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine, and Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine as it fights Russia's illegal and unjustifiable war.
