Canada Boosts Ukraine Defenses with Surplus Rockets and German Weapon Stations

Canada is set to provide Ukraine with 2,000 surplus unarmed rockets and other weaponry, according to Defence Minister Bill Blair. This includes German-made weapon stations and 130,000 rounds of small arms ammunition. Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, Canada has committed over C$14 billion in various forms of assistance to Ukraine.

Canada soon plans to start sending a total of about 2,000 surplus unarmed rockets to Ukraine as well as a selection of other weapons, Defence Minister Bill Blair said on Thursday. Canadian specialists have spent the last few months ensuring the safe operation of the rockets, which do not have warheads, he said in a statement.

Canada does plan to eventually ship some warheads to Ukraine, a spokeswoman for Blair said separately via email, but did not give details. Canada is also sending 29 German-made remotely controlled weapon stations that can be attached to a variety of armored vehicles as well as 130,000 rounds of small arms ammunition.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Canada has committed over C$14 billion ($10.2 billion) in total assistance to Kyiv, including C$4 billion in military aid. ($1=$1.37 Canadian)