Today, Defence Minister Anita Anand attended a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Extraordinary Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, to discuss Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

“Canada continues to condemn the Russian leadership’s unprovoked and unjustifiable actions. The discussions I had while at NATO reinforce the shared commitment of Allies and partners to supporting Ukraine and the need to adapt the Alliance’s deterrence and defence posture. In the face of the current security situation, NATO Allies have demonstrated the strength and resilience of the Alliance as we stand up for the rules-based international order.”

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

• NATO is a cornerstone of Canada’s international security policy. Canada believes in and steadfastly supports NATO’s principle of collective defence and is providing direct support to NATO missions and operations. 

• Currently, Canada is:

  • Leading the multinational NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia;
  • Periodically deploying CF-18 fighter aircraft to conduct surveillance and air policing activities in Europe;
  • Providing a Halifax-class frigate on a persistent, rotational basis to a Standing NATO Maritime Group, in support of maritime operations and to conduct deterrence and assurance activities. HMCS Montreal is currently deployed with Standing NATO Maritime Group Two;
  • Supporting training and capacity building efforts in the Middle East under Operation IMPACT, including through NATO Mission Iraq; and
  • Deploying personnel to NATO’s Kosovo Force.

• As part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence, Canada has assumed a leadership role as one of four Framework Nations and is leading a robust multinational NATO battle group in Latvia. Canada’s contribution of up to 540 personnel, vehicles and equipment includes a headquarters element, a mechanized infantry company, and combat service support based at Camp Ādaži.  

• The Canadian Armed Forces is deploying up to 460 additional personnel to the approximately 800 currently deployed in Europe in support of NATO. These additional contributions include:

  • A battery of M777 artillery guns with forward observers and an electronic warfare troop to bolster the Canadian-led enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia;
  • A second frigate, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Halifax, with an embarked maritime helicopter, will be re-tasked to participate in NATO’s Standing Naval Forces (HMCS Montreal is currently deployed with Standing NATO Maritime Group Two); and
  • The re-tasking of a CP-140 Aurora long range patrol aircraft to operate in the Euro-Atlantic Area under NATO command and control. 

• In addition, Canada has up to 3,400 troops on high readiness to deploy to the NATO Response Force, if requested by NATO.

  Canada has donated $82.8 million in military equipment since the crisis in Ukraine began.

Associated links

• Canada and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
• Canada’s Engagement in Ukraine
• Canada’s response to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
• Operation REASSURANCE
• Operation IMPACT
• Operation KOBOLD
• NATO Mission Iraq
• Operation UNIFIER

Daniel Minden
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Email: Daniel.Minden@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca