Canada plans to drastically scale up domestic drone production into the millions over the next two years, reserving a third of the output for Ukraine, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Thursday during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The announcement arrives as Kyiv grapples with an intensified Russian aerial campaign targeting energy grids ahead of winter. Carney noted that while the Canadian Armed Forces currently manage roughly 2,000 drones, newly signed contracts will immediately multiply that inventory tenfold en route to mass production.
”Importantly, one-third of all the drones we manufacture will go to support Ukraine’s defense of its homeland,” Carney said.
Zelenskyy highlighted that joint drone initiatives would bolster Ukraine’s defense funding while offering Canada valuable insights from real-world battlefield technology.
Beyond unmanned aircraft, Carney unveiled a 350-million-Canadian-dollar ($254 million) package for air-defense interceptors—channeled through the U.S.—alongside more than 430 million Canadian dollars ($312 million) in loan guarantees to help Ukraine secure natural gas for the winter.
”We need to be strong, not to be weak,” Zelenskyy emphasized, adding that Ukraine remains focused on securing a “strong and lasting peace.”
Addressing post-war security, Carney reaffirmed Ottawa’s long-term commitment, stating that Canada’s strategy following any peace agreement would focus on deterrence rather than reliance on Russian assurances.
”Ukrainians helped build Canada, and Canadians will help rebuild Ukraine,” Carney said.
Zelenskyy, who arrived in Calgary following airspace delays in Eastern Europe caused by drone activity, indicated he expects to meet with U.S. officials in New York later this month to discuss ongoing defense preparations.