Minister McGuinty announces new support for Ukraine at the 32nd Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting
Press Release
December 16, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, participated in the 32nd Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, co-hosted by Germany and the United Kingdom. The meeting brought together more than 50 countries to discuss Ukraine’s urgent requirements and progress on key multilateral initiatives.
During the meeting, Minister McGuinty announced that Canada will donate an additional $50 million to the Drone Capability Coalition (DCC), building on previous contributions of $37 million. Through the DCC, continues to explore ways to expand these contributions towards Canada supports Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces.
These contributions complement Canada’s provision of advanced capabilities, including over $296 million in optical and infrared imaging and targeting systems committed since 2022. To date, 140 units have been delivered, with 18 more expected in the coming months.
Canada will continue donating surplus Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) equipment, including AIM-7 and AIM-9 motors and ancillaries, with deliveries to Ukraine starting in early 2026.
Minister McGuinty also highlighted Canada’s contribution of $200 million toward a United States-sourced package of critical military capabilities under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL). This package, valued at approximately $500 million (USD), delivers air defence systems, ammunition, and other priority capabilities identified by Ukraine.
At this pivotal moment for Euro-Atlantic security, Canada remains committed to working closely with NATO Allies and international partners to deliver and coordinate comprehensive military assistance to Ukraine while strengthening the Alliance’s resilience.
Quotes
“Canada remains steadfast in our commitment to Ukraine, but we cannot meet these challenges alone. By working alongside our Allies and partners through multilateral initiatives, we can address Ukraine’s most urgent needs and strengthen its defence capabilities. Together, we are committed to advancing security and stability in the region through 2026.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
Quick facts
UDCG is a forum of over 50 countries, including all 32 North Atlantic Treaty Organization Allies. It was established by former United States Secretary of Defense Austin in April 2022 to provide a mechanism for identifying Ukraine’s critical equipment needs and gaps.
Since February 2022, Canada has committed nearly $22 billion in overall multifaceted aid to Ukraine, including over $6.5 billion in military assistance.
Previous Canadian military donations include Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks, commercial pattern armoured vehicles, armoured combat support vehicles, high-resolution cameras, drones, a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, satellite imagery and communications, artillery systems and ammunition, missiles, small arms and ammunition, medical supplies, winter clothing, and other high-priority equipment.
Canada contributes to four Capability Coalitions under the Ukraine Defense Contact Group: Air Force Capability Coalition, Armour Capability Coalition, DCC and Information Technology Capability Coalition.
Canada formally joined the DCC in 2024, contributing $87 million to joint procurements through the DCC Common Fund, and invested $190 million in Ukraine’s domestic drone industry via the Danish Model.
Canada further contributes to Ukraine’s security through Operation (Op) UNIFIER, the CAF's military training and capacity building mission in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).
Since 2015, the CAF has trained over 47,000 members of the AFU under Op UNIFIER. CAF members are deployed under Op UNIFIER in various roles, including to provide and coordinate training, and to facilitate and deliver military donations to Ukraine in coordination with Allies and partners.
Canada also contributes personnel, including to key leadership positions to NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine, the NATO command that coordinates the provision of military equipment and training to Ukraine.