Brussels/CMEDIA: An announcement was made on June 15 by Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of National Defence, during her participation in the United States-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, hosted by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, that Canada would provide military aid valued at approximately $9 million to Ukraine with 10 replacement barrels to enable the sustainment of M777 howitzer artillery guns.
“Russia’s unprovoked, unjustifiable and illegal invasion of Ukraine is an attack on the freedom and independence of the Ukrainian people…through forums like the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and conversations with my Ukrainian counterpart, Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov …will continue to work around the clock to provide Ukraine with the comprehensive military aid that it needs to defend its sovereignty and security,” said Anand in the news release.
This military aid complements Canada’s previous donation of M777 howitzers, over 20,000 rounds of compatible artillery ammunition, and the Canadian Armed Forces’ training of Ukrainian forces in the use of this equipment.
This announcement was also discussed by Anand during a bilateral meeting today with Ukraine’s Defence Minister, Oleksii Reznikov, with whom she remains in regular contact to address Ukraine’s most pressing defense needs.
Expanding on the military aid that Canada has pledged to Ukraine since February 2022, this military assistance includes the contribution of M777s from Canadian Armed Forces stocks and a commitment to financing over 20,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition sourced from the United States.
This support of approximately $9 million purchase of 10 immediately-available replacement barrels to ensure M777 howitzers maintain their distance range and accuracy, as worn barrels require regular replacement aligns with the sustainment of a critical capability provided to Ukraine by Allies and partners.
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