TSAMTO, January 25th. Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair announced his readiness to donate ten multipurpose boats from Zodiac Hurricane Technologies, Inc. (ZHT) to Ukraine.
B. Blair virtually took part in the 18th meeting of the Contact Group on Support for Ukraine, which was held on January 23 under the leadership of U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. At a meeting where representatives of more than 50 countries gathered, the Canadian minister announced the donation of 10 multipurpose boats from Zodiac Hurricane Technologies with an estimated cost of $ 20 million.
As stated in a press release from the Canadian government, "these rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIB) will help the Ukrainian Navy in conducting various maritime operations, including search and rescue, transportation of troops and cargo, surveillance and reconnaissance." Each boat will be equipped with a sophisticated sensor, navigation and communication system. The donation includes training of Ukrainian operators on commercial contracts. It is expected that the supply of boats and crew training will be completed by the end of spring 2024.
Blair also said that starting next month, in support of Canada's membership in the F-16 Training Coalition for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ottawa will provide civilian instructors, aircraft and support personnel hired under a contract with Montreal-based Top Aces Inc. This support is estimated at about $15 million. The training will begin in February 2024 and continue until 2025.
Canada also provides English language training to Ukrainian Air Force personnel at the Canadian Armed Forces Language School, which is an important contribution to the mission to equip the AFU with F-16 fighters.
Since February 2022, Canada has provided military assistance to Ukraine in the amount of more than $2.4 billion. This includes Leopard 2 main battle tanks, armored evacuation vehicles, armored support vehicles, anti-tank vehicles, small arms, M-777 howitzers and related ammunition, high-resolution drone cameras, winter clothing and more. Canada has trained almost 40,000 Armed Forces personnel.
As it reminds Navyrecognition.com Zodiac Hurricane inflatable boats, known for their small size and high maneuverability, are manufactured by Zodiac Milpro in France. The boats are versatile and can be adapted for various missions, including special operations, law enforcement operations and search and rescue teams.
New multi–purpose boats (MRB - multi-role boats) with two diesel engines, propellers, shock-absorbing seats and an integrated platform were developed by Zodiac Hurricane Technologies to perform tasks of intercepting intruders and boarding.
As part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy of Canada (NSS), the Office of Public Services and Procurement of Canada (PSPC) signed a contract on behalf of the Canadian Navy for the purchase of 30 MRB boats in March 2020. The contract will take about 4 years to complete. The new boats are designed to be operated from the Canadian Navy's Halifax-class warships.