Canada pledges 350 million Canadian dollars for Ukraine air defense and signs 100-year partnership

Air defense funding and interceptor procurement

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on 10 September 2026 that Canada will allocate 350 million Canadian dollars (218 million euros) to provide air defense equipment to Ukraine. The interceptor missiles will be delivered to Kyiv through a United States procurement program open to international allies funding the Ukrainian war effort. Ukrainian authorities had issued urgent appeals for air defense systems after Russian forces intensified ballistic missile strikes against the Ukrainian capital. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Canada to secure additional funding and military resources to sustain the country's defensive operations. The two leaders met in Calgary in western Canada, where Carney confirmed the assistance during a joint press appearance.

Zelensky spoke to journalists about the air defense decision during the conference in Calgary.

It is a very important air defense package and it is crucial, because it is an element sorely lacking in this war.

Long-term drone production pact

Alongside the air defense package, the two governments established a long-term industrial partnership dedicated to unmanned aerial systems. The agreement encompasses joint production for both combat drones and anti-drone defense systems designed to counter aerial strikes. Speaking alongside Zelensky, Carney confirmed that one third of all drones manufactured under this bilateral initiative in Canada will be sent directly to Ukraine for the defense of its territory. The pact establishes a dedicated industrial link between Canadian manufacturing facilities and Ukrainian frontline operational needs.

Winter energy aid and gas loan guarantees

The Calgary discussions also addressed Ukraine's energy requirements and civilian heating infrastructure ahead of the approaching winter season. Carney announced that Canada will provide more than 430 million Canadian dollars (268 million euros) in loan guarantees to finance Ukrainian natural gas purchases. The credit mechanism is structured to help Ukrainian authorities procure the fuel reserves necessary to maintain municipal heating and power grids throughout the winter.

Zelensky acknowledged the Canadian financial and energy support alongside Carney during their joint address.

We are grateful for your energy support. And for the air defense, I know the decision. I am so grateful. I will not reveal it, it's your decision.

Century-long security and economic pact

The bilateral meetings concluded with Carney and Zelensky signing a joint declaration committing Canada and Ukraine to a 100-year strategic partnership. The declaration establishes a formal bilateral framework covering national security, defense production, and economic cooperation over the next century. The pact represents the second such century-long agreement for Ukraine, following an identical 100-year bilateral partnership signed with the United Kingdom in January 2025. The Calgary document formalizes long-term Canadian commitments to Ukraine across diplomatic, economic, and defense sectors.