Canada and Ukraine expand partnership on drone production and air-defence aid

Canada and Ukraine announced an expanded partnership to build up drone production and strengthen Kyiv’s air-defence capabilities after a joint appearance in Calgary on September 11, 2026.

At a joint press conference Canadian prime minister Mark Carney and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said the agreement will combine investments and technology to scale up manufacturing and military support.

Scope and industrial plan

Carney said the cooperation will cover the full drone supply chain, “from critical metals and minerals to technical development.” Ottawa set a national objective to create production capacity over the next two years sufficient for “millions of drones.” According to Carney, Canada currently fields about 2,000 drones.

“Today Canada and Ukraine have officially confirmed a new partnership that will equip the Canadian Armed Forces with world-leading drone capabilities, create jobs across Canada and will support Ukraine in its struggle for a just and lasting peace,” Carney said.

Beyond drones, Carney announced further military support for Ukraine, including interceptor missiles for air-defence systems and wider assistance to strengthen Ukraine’s security architecture. Zelensky clarified that the package includes munitions for Patriot air-defence systems, ammunition for F-16 combat aircraft and backing for expanded drone production.

According to Zelensky, Canada pledged one billion dollars in military aid (about 620 million euros) plus an additional one billion dollars for protection of energy supplies and joint projects. Some 21 Ukrainian fighter pilots are currently training in Canada, and Ottawa said that with the newly announced investments the total value of support provided to Ukraine since 2022 has exceeded 26 billion dollars. Zelensky also thanked Canada for its willingness to take part in development of the European Freyja missile-defence system.

Photo: press material from the event