Canada will transfer to Ukraine more than 800 SkyRanger R70 multi-purpose drones worth more than $95 million.
This was announced by Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair.
These drones were purchased from Teledyne FLIR. They are equipped with automated and autonomous navigation systems that enable them to carry various camera systems and payloads for target detection and identification.
SkyRanger R70 drone
It is said that this will help the Ukrainian military to recognize people, vehicles and any heat sources at a long distance, especially in conditions of darkness and bad weather.
According to the Canadian government’s website, this drone is one of the best in the world and can lift up to 3.5 kg, including ammunition. Drones can be used for surveillance and intelligence gathering, and for transporting cargo.
Currently, Canada and Ukraine are developing a plan to train the Ukrainian military to operate such drones. Delivery is planned to start in the spring.
These UAVs are part of military aid from Canada in the amount of $500 million, which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced during his visit to Kyiv in June 2023.
Aid to Ukraine from Canada
– As we approach the second anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion, Canada firmly stands by Ukraine in defense of freedom and democracy. In coordination with our allies and partners, we will continue to provide Ukraine with the military assistance it needs to fight and win this war, – said Bill Blair, Minister of National Defense of Canada.
Since February 2022, Canada has allocated more than $9.7 billion to Ukraine, including $2.4 billion in military aid. Also, the Canadian government continues to actively study the issues of Ukraine’s needs.
Earlier it was reported that federal conservatives in Canada demand that the government hand over tens of thousands of air-to-ground CRV7 missiles to Ukraine , which they plan to dispose of.