Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that the government is committed to providing up to CAD 389 million ($285 million at current exchange rates) to improve the training of Ukrainian F-16 pilots through the Air Force Coalition within the framework of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
According to a statement on the Canadian Prime Minister’s website, Trudeau promised to provide further assistance so that Ukraine can continue to defend its freedom.
In particular, the Canadian support includes the allocation of up to CAD 389 million to improve the training of F-16 pilots.
“These funds, allocated as part of previously announced military funding, will support pilot training in the Ukrainian armed forces, as well as provide critical equipment to ensure the safe operation of the F-16 in Ukraine,” the statement said.
According to the press service, this will be a multi-year contribution to the Air Force Capability Coalition (up to $389 million over five years). This support builds on more than $75 million provided to the Air Force Coalition for maintenance instructors in Denmark, aircraft and pilot instructor training in France, critical equipment and ammunition for the F-16, and English language training at the Canadian Forces Language School.
“These activities are a multi-year program that will be carried out using previously allocated funding announced in February 2024,” the statement said.
The prime minister’s office also recalled the allocation of an additional CAD 500 million for military assistance to Ukraine announced earlier at the NATO summit as part of NATO’s promise of long-term security assistance to Ukraine. This includes almost $444 million to National Defence Canada to cover the cost of military equipment, assistance and training for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as more than $56 million for the NATO Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) trust fund for Ukraine to help rebuild Ukraine’s security and defense sector and facilitate Ukraine’s transition to full interoperability with NATO. Canadian funding through CAP also provides equipment for women in the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
“These additional funds are in addition to Canada’s existing military assistance to Ukraine totaling $1.1 billion this year,” the statement said.
