Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Canada last week to sign a Joint Declaration on a 100-Year Partnership between the two nations. While the framework currently exists as a declaration, a formal agreement is expected to be finalized in December 2026. This marks Ukraine’s second such long-term partnership framework, following a similar agreement signed with the United Kingdom in 2025.
The partnership aims to deepen defense and security cooperation, building on Canada’s existing support for Ukraine. Canada has provided armored vehicles, drones, and has been an advocate for the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. During the visit, Canada announced over $2 billion in new support for Ukraine, including more than $1 billion in defense assistance. This includes approximately C$350 million (roughly US$253 million) allocated to the JUMPSTART program, a U.S. mechanism that allows partners to finance the procurement of American-made weapons for Ukraine.
A central component of the cooperation is the development of uncrewed systems. Canada has launched several initiatives, including the Uncrewed Systems Defence Innovation Secure Hub (UxS DISH), the Defence Drone Initiative (DDI), and the Defence Drone Initiative Marketplace (DDIM). These efforts are designed to accelerate the production and procurement of drone technologies. Canada has also awarded contracts worth up to C$50 million to expand its current fleet of approximately 2,000 drones.
Joint production efforts are already underway. In May, a partnership was announced between Ukrainian firm Airlogix and Canada’s Sentinel Research & Development. A second partnership, involving General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada and the Ukrainian company Green Tech Harvest, was announced during the President’s visit. Additional collaborations involving companies such as Ratel Robotics and Skyfall are reportedly under negotiation.
Beyond drone technology, Canada has committed to contributing to the European FREYJA anti-ballistic missile program and has extended Operation UNIFIER, a training mission for Ukrainian military personnel, until 2029. President Zelensky also visited the International Test Pilots School in Canada, where Ukrainian pilots are receiving training for F-16 and Gripen fighter jets.
The 100-year partnership has received positive reception in Ukraine, though some observers, including former Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Valeriy Chaly, noted that the declaration remains broad. Chaly expressed hope that the future formal agreement will include more concrete commitments regarding trade, economic relations, and other sectors.
Security experts have also highlighted areas for potential growth. Marcus Kolga, a human rights and disinformation expert, suggested that Canada should further support Ukraine by pressing allies to allow the sale of surface-to-air missiles and by designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. Additionally, national security expert Wesley Wark noted that Canada previously provided synthetic aperture radar satellite imagery to Ukraine through the Radarsat constellation mission, a program that was reportedly discontinued after approximately one year.
Article source: kyivpost.com | Image credit: factsmtr – Substack
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