Canada has released details of the transfer of heavy artillery to Ukraine and said that it is preparing to supply armored vehicles.
This was reported by CBC News.
The publication recalls that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier this week announced a plan to send heavy artillery to Ukraine, but did not provide details.
Three defense sources - who spoke to CBC News on condition of anonymity - said they were talking about 4 155-mm M-777 howitzers. Canada has a total of 37 such howitzers - they were purchased during the war in Afghanistan.
According to CBC News sources, the big guns came from the inventory of the 1st Regiment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Artillery.
The shipment of howitzers was later acknowledged by Canadian Defence Minister Anita Anand. However, she did not name their number, noting only that "a number of M-777 howitzers" had been sent to Ukraine "in conjunction with our American allies."
It is worth noting that this week, the U.S. approved a new $800 million military aid package to Ukraine, which includes, among others, 72 155mm howitzers and 144,000 pieces of artillery ammunition; as well as 72 tactical vehicles to tow these howitzers. It is possible that Canada and the United States are transferring the same type of weapons to Ukraine. Earlier, Canada claimed that the decision on the howitzers would depend on the final decision of the United States.
The Canadian Defence Ministry also noted that a certain amount of ammunition was sent to Ukraine together with the howitzers.
CBC News sources specify that they are talking about the Excalibur precision-guided shells, which were left over from the war in Afghanistan.
At the same time, the Canadian Defense Ministry adds that they are in the process of finalizing contracts for "several armored vehicles of commercial design, which will be sent to Ukraine as soon as possible.
Ottawa has contracted to maintain and repair specialized drones, which Canada has already delivered to Ukraine.
"As Ukrainians fight to defend their sovereignty, freedom and independence, Canada remains committed to continuing to provide Ukraine with the military equipment it needs to fight and win this war," notes Canada's defense minister.
