Canada, Ukraine forge 100-year pact built on drones and defence | CBC News

Wide-ranging partnership to cover trade, investment, energy and critical minerals

Canada and Ukraine were bound together more tightly on Thursday with the signing of a long-term strategic and political partnership that lays the foundation for the construction of millions of drones to defend both countries.

The two nations kickstarted the partnership with a series of contracts involving drone production and defence industry investments.

He also acknowledged the heavy toll Russia's stepped-up missile and drone campaign is having on Ukraine, especially Kyiv which has been under relentless bombardment.

Canada ready to support Russia-Ukraine ceasefire where U.S. can play 'decisive role': Carney

"Canada will always stand in solidarity with Ukraine," Carney said alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Calgary.

Ripping a page out of Ukraine's wartime experience, Canada plans to create its own drone marketplace where individual military units can reach out to companies to quickly fulfil their needs.

At the moment, the Canadian military has only 2,000 drones — of all types — in its inventory.

Canadian Armed Forces holds drone testing event with manufacturers in Ottawa Valley

Canada has awarded contracts worth up to $50 million that will increase the number of drones currently deployed by the Canadian Armed Forces tenfold. This initial wave is intended to procure intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance drones as well as uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) and involves six firms in New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan.

"As a result, Canadian industry will learn from the most battle-tested developers on Earth," Carney said.

Carney, Zelenskyy sign 100-year pact, pledge to build millions of drones