Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, participated in the 19th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, hosted by United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. The meeting brought together representatives from more than 50 countries, who reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine and continued discussions on coordinating military aid for Ukraine now and into the future.
At today's meeting, Minister Blair announced that Canada will make a new contribution of $60 million to the UDCG Air Force Capability Coalition. This donation will support the setup of a sustainable F-16 fighter aircraft capability in Ukraine. Specifically, the funds will help source vitally needed F-16 supplies and equipment such as spare parts, weapons stations, avionics, and ammunition.
This contribution builds on Canada's previously-announced support for the F-16 Training Coalition for Ukraine. Last month, Minister Blair announced that Canada will contribute to training efforts by providing civilian instructors, planes, and support staff contracted from Montreal-based Top Aces Inc. This support is valued at approximately $15 million, and will last from February 2024 into 2025. Canada is also providing English language training to Ukrainian Air Force personnel at the Canadian Forces Language School.
Canada's latest contribution is part of the $500 million in new funding for military assistance for Ukraine announced in Kyiv, Ukraine by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in June 2023.
At last month's UDCG meeting, Canada announced that it will participate in two UDCG Capability Coalitions, namely the Air Force Capability Coalition and the Armour Capability Coalition.
Canada continues to work with allies and partners to ensure that Ukraine has the military support it needs to defend itself.
