Canada has announced a major expansion of its defence cooperation with Ukraine, including a C$350 million package for air-defence interceptors as Kyiv faces intensified Russian missile and drone attacks. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the package after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Calgary.

The assistance is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to protect civilians and critical infrastructure. The interceptors are expected to be obtained through a U.S. programme that allows partner countries to procure weapons for Ukraine, although Canada has not yet disclosed the exact delivery schedule.

Canada is also planning a major expansion of its domestic drone industry. Ottawa and Kyiv have agreed to develop long-term cooperation covering uncrewed systems, counter-drone technology and priority ammunition, combining Ukrainian battlefield experience with Canadian manufacturing, software and artificial intelligence capabilities.

Prime Minister Carney said Canada aims to reach production capacity of millions of drones within two years, with a significant share intended for Ukraine. The partnership is also expected to create opportunities for Canadian workers in manufacturing, engineering, skilled trades and computer science.

Alongside military assistance, Canada announced nearly C$435 million in new loan guarantees aimed at supporting Ukraine’s energy security, particularly ahead of the winter season. Ottawa says its total multifaceted commitments to Ukraine have now exceeded C$26 billion since 2022.

The announcements come as Canada itself faces pressure from an increasingly difficult relationship with the United States over trade. Prime Minister Carney has indicated that Ottawa intends to focus on protecting Canadian economic interests while keeping negotiations with Washington open.