21 February, 2024
The Government of Canada is close to providing funding for the purchase of artillery shells from countries outside the NATO bloc for Ukraine.
This was reported by the CBC.
The country is ready to support the initiative of the Czech Republic, which, at the opening of the Munich Security Conference, reported that it found more than 800,000 artillery shells in countries outside the NATO.
According to Czech President Petr Pavel, other countries should also join this initiative, since additional funding is needed for implementation.
155mm shells at a factory in Tarbes, France. Photo credits: Getty Images
According to sources at the Ministry of Defense of Canada, the government is preparing to support a $30 million proposal for the purchase of these shells.
Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair confirmed the discussion with representatives of the Czech Republic on this issue, but noted that the details will be reported later.
“I’ve entered into the memorandum of understanding with one of our European allies, the Czech Republic, with respect to perhaps acquiring munitions that they currently have in their possession that will enable us to … make them available more rapidly to Ukraine as we ramp up our own production,” the minister said.
It should be noted that some countries fear that Canada, due to funding for the purchase of artillery shells outside NATO, will not continue increasing the production of artillery ammunition on its territory in the future.
155mm artillery shells. Photo credits: Elbit Systems
Today, Canada produces about 5,000 artillery shells on a monthly basis, which are a licensed copy of the American M107 for use with M777 howitzers.
As Militarnyi reported, the Czech Republic found about 800,000 artillery shells of NATO and Soviet caliber, which could be sent to Ukraine in a few weeks.
According to the Czech president, representatives of the country managed to find abroad about 500,000 artillery shells of 155mm caliber and 300,000 shells of 122mm caliber.
Petr Pavel noted that the Czech Republic would appeal to partners from the USA, Germany, Sweden, and other countries who would be able to contribute financially to this effort.
It’s a no-brainer! But in the EU, effing Macron prevented imports and insisted on domestic production instead, I’ve read. Because of this idiocy, he has blood on his hands now. 🙁
Yes, that’s right. He thinks that Europe can produce enough ammo. It can, but it will take ten years. He’s a damned fool.
Just where will Canada obtain these shells from? The only non NATO countries that use them are Israel, India, South Africa, Serbia and Singapore. Many other countries produce 155mm shells, but they are not NATO compatible.
Sshhh, Foccusser! Better not to make this public or else Russia will try to apply pressure on the sellers. This has happened before, concerning fighter jet parts, in India, I guess.
Most of the countries mentioned are already allies of mafia land.
Ally, shmally, that won’t necessarily keep them from making a fast buck on the side. 😕
As far as I understand it, they are funding the ammo that the Czech Republic found. I don’t know where they are. There are also 122mm shells available.
Why NATO has no 800.000 shells on the shelves…………………..In 70 years peace you can produce them, right?
Veth, it’s NATO. That should answer your question.
I had read a different article that said the 800,000 shells would cost $2 billion and according to this article Canada MAY contribute $30 million????
Until the last year or so the US consistently for decades was funding 75% plus of all of the Nato countries’ defense spending. For over 30 years Nato countries were free loading off of the American taxpayer and the vast majority are still refusing to step up and provide any real help (other than rhetoric and hot air) to Ukraine.
Sad but true.
Indeed, it’s both sad and true.