Canada has joined the Ukrainian drone coalition to further strengthen Ukraine's capabilities in the field of combat unmanned aerial vehicles.
What is known about Canada joining the Ukrainian drone coalition
To further strengthen Ukraine's drone capabilities, Minister Blair pledged that Canada would join the Defence Contact Group for Ukraine's drone capabilities coalition, co-led by Latvia and Great Britain. As a member of this coalition of capabilities, Canada will continue to look for ways to increase Ukraine's capabilities in the field of drones, the message says.
Canada has significantly contributed to strengthening Ukraine's drone capabilities; more than 100 specialised cameras for drones manufactured in Canada have been transferred.
Minister Blair also announced last month that more than 800 drones from Waterloo-based Teledyne FLIR will receive additional assistance.
Canadian soldiers can come to Ukraine
According to the head of the Canadian Defense Department, a limited number of military personnel are available to train Ukrainian troops on Ukrainian territory.
Official Ottawa's main condition is that all this happens far from the front line, and its troops will perform a clear, non-combat role.
I do not want to place Canadian Armed Forces personnel anywhere near a theatre of operations where it might appear that we are taking on some component of a combat role.
Bill Blair
Canada MOD chief
It is essential to understand that this statement is also consistent with the security agreement between Canada and Ukraine signed last weekend, which states that Canada can resume military training activities in Ukraine "when conditions permit."
It is also worth reminding that the Canadian military was engaged in preparing the Ukrainian army for a full-scale invasion as part of the Operation Unifier program, which was then transferred abroad.
