Canada Considers Joint Military Production Partnership with Ukraine

Canada is actively exploring multiple bilateral agreements with Ukraine to jointly produce military equipment, including drones, following examples set by European countries like Denmark and France. Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty highlighted Ukraine's significant advancements in drone technology and noted that Canada is considering models where production could take place in both Ukraine and Canada, potentially benefiting Canadian industry. The Ministry of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces are studying the best mechanisms for such cooperation, including the possibility of Canadian funding and joint ventures. Concurrently, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly indicated that a security assurances agreement with Ukraine could be finalized in the coming weeks. These developments coincide with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's announcement of a substantial increase in defense spending and a $2 billion military aid package for Ukraine. The Canadian government is engaging with European defense companies to shape its military-industrial strategy amid ongoing support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.