Canada-Ukraine forge drone production deal with Hamilton firm
Defence ministers sign agreement to co-produce military drones in Canada for Ukraine's armed forces.
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Canadian and Ukrainian defence ministers signed an agreement this week to co-produce military drones in Canada for Ukraine's military, marking an expansion of Canada's role in supporting Ukraine's defence.
The deal pairs Ukrainian drone maker Airlogix with Hamilton-based Sentinel R&D to manufacture drone systems in Canada. Both companies will produce under the joint venture, with drones destined for Ukraine's armed forces.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the CANSEC defence trade show in Ottawa. It builds on a letter of intent Canada and Ukraine signed last fall to co-produce defence technology in both countries.
Drone technology has become central to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, with unmanned systems accounting for the majority of casualties on both sides. The rapid evolution of drone warfare over the past two years has made the technology a priority for Ukraine's military planners.
The partnership positions Canadian manufacturing as part of Ukraine's warfighting capability while creating defence sector jobs domestically. It's one of several defence collaborations Canada has expanded since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.