May 29, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
This week, at the Canada's leading defence, security & emerging technology (CANSEC) event, the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine signed an arrangement to support the production of Ukrainian uncrewed aerial systems in Canada. This arrangement advances commitments made by Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Minister of National Defence, David J. McGuinty, to strengthen partnerships between Canadian and Ukrainian defence industries.
It establishes a new partnership, Airlogix‑Sentinel, between Airlogix, a Ukrainian defence technology company, and Sentinel Research and Development, a Canadian manufacturer of uncrewed aerial systems. With support from the Governments of Canada and of Ukraine, the partnership will combine the companies’ expertise to manufacture Ukrainian drone systems in Canada for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
This project reflects ongoing efforts to implement the Prime Minister’s August 2025 commitment to invest in drones, counter‑drone capabilities, and electronic warfare, including through partnerships between Canadian and Ukrainian industry. The Airlogix‑Sentinel partnership demonstrates how this funding is being put into action by accelerating the delivery of critical equipment to Ukraine while strengthening Canada’s defence industrial capacity.
This initiative marks an important evolution in Canada’s security partnership with Ukraine. Through close cooperation with Ukraine and industry partners, Canada is helping accelerate the delivery of equipment urgently needed by the Armed Forces of Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression.
Defence production partnerships with Ukraine create opportunities for Canada by expanding domestic manufacturing capacity for critical technologies, advancing the objectives of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, strengthening national resilience, and generating economic benefits for Canadians.
Canada also recognizes the growing importance of uncrewed and autonomous systems in modern warfare and national security, as well as Ukraine’s operational expertise in this area. Canada will continue to pursue joint development and co-production opportunities that support the security interests of both countries.
Quotes
“Canada is proud to deepen its defence partnership with Ukraine through this new project arrangement. By supporting joint ventures like Airlogix‑Sentinel, we are helping deliver the critical capabilities Ukraine needs while supporting high‑value Canadian jobs and strengthening Canada’s industrial base. This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting Ukraine while driving economic growth and resilience here at home.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“Since day one, Sentinel R&D has believed that we must collaborate and build with Ukraine in order to earn the privilege of learning from this highly capable and resilient ally. Canada, and Sentinel’s approach to this project is rooted in a position of support, humility, and a genuine desire to make a difference to this war. Today, we take the first step with an incredible partner, Airlogix, to jointly deliver critical capabilities to Ukraine. Slava Ukraini!”
Kath Intson, CEO, Sentinel R&D
"Our main intention is to provide effective systems as fast as possible to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We are optimistic that this joint venture is in line with that goal."
Dmytro Piatrin, Chief Commercial Officer, Airlogix
Quick facts
Since February 2022, Canada has committed more than $25.5 billion in total assistance to Ukraine, including $8.5 billion in military assistance.
On February 24, 2026, marking four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion, Minister McGuinty announced the renewal of Operation UNIFIER for an additional three years, extending the mission to 2029.
On the same date, Minister McGuinty announced approximately $2 billion in military assistance for fiscal year 2026–27, reinforcing Canada’s sustained support to Ukraine.
Noah Note: This kind of agreement is the first of what has been many years of negotiations and back and forth. If one remembers, one of the first people then new Prime Minister Carney spoke with was President Zelensky. During that time, cooperation in the defence sector, including in UAS production was a focal point.
Sentinel takes the lead, but they are far from the only one. Volatus is working on similar partnerships, and if I can tease from CANSEC, there are more similar deals coming that I sadly can't speak on…
But this is a positive first step. If anything, more support to Ukraine is always better. If we can get somw domestic work out of it? Even better.
Great news for a variety of reasons. I wonder if we will learn what type of drone(s) will be manufactured in Canada for Ukraine?