Canada will also donate four Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine
“These four tanks are combat ready and will be deployed in the coming weeks,” the Canadian government said, adding that the number of tanks provided by Canada could increase.
Canada announced Thursday that it will provide Ukraine in the coming weeks with four German-made Leopard 2 tanks and will train Ukrainian soldiers in the use of these main battle tanks.
Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand said during a press conference that the number of Leopard 2 tanks donated to Ukraine could increase in the future after talks with other allied countries.
In response to Ukraine's urgent request for tanks, I announced today that Canada is sending four combat-ready Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine in the coming weeks. This announcement also includes ammunition, spare parts, and the deployment of @CanadianForces trainers. pic.twitter.com/qNx04LFAVA
— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) January 26, 2023
Anand highlighted the complexity of the Leopard 2, noting that just as important as the donation of the tanks is that the Ukrainian armed forces have the ammunition and parts necessary to make them work.
“We are working closely with our partners to gather ammunition and parts for repairs. Today I am going to speak with my colleagues from Germany, Finland, Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands to discuss how we can collaborate to make our donations effective in the long term”, Anand explained.
Since the start of 2023 alone, Canada has announced the donation to Ukraine of 200 Senator armored personnel carriers, as well as a US-made NASAM air defense system.