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Canada Proposes Major Increase in Defense Spending, Including Military Aid for Ukraine
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
The Canadian government has submitted a proposal to parliament requesting an additional 8.6 billion Canadian dollars (approximately 6.3 billion US dollars) in defense-related spending, with a significant portion allocated to military support for Ukraine and the expansion of international defense cooperation.
According to the proposal on June 9, the Canadian government plans to allocate CA$8.2 billion (about 6 billion US dollars) to the Department of National Defense as part of its expanded defense spending. The funding is intended to reinforce several strategic priorities. This includes CA$2.1 billion (almost $1.53 billion US dollars) to support recruitment, retention, and welfare programs for members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
An additional CA$2.1 billion (about $1.53 billion US dollars) would be directed toward defense research, development initiatives, and bolstering Canada’s domestic defense industry. Military assistance to Ukraine and efforts to enhance international defense partnerships are set to receive CA$2.0 billion (approximately 1.46 billion US dollars).
A further CA$1.0 billion (about $730 million US dollars) would be used to strengthen strategic military capabilities, while CA$833.7 million (US$608.6 million) is earmarked for upgrading both new and existing military equipment and infrastructure.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion. The planned aid includes the procurement of drones, combat armored vehicles, pilot training, and the delivery of ammunition, small arms, transport vehicles, and other military equipment.
The funding will also be used to enhance cooperation with international partners in military training, defense policy, and intelligence sharing.
Earlier, Ukrainian military intelligence had received a rare Sikorsky S-76A medevac helicopter, valued at up to $1.5 million, through a charitable initiative. The aircraft was delivered from Canada with the support of Helijet International, the Maple Hope Foundation, and the Ukrainian World Congress, specifically for use by Ukrainian intelligence operatives.
