"Up to an additional 460 members of the Canadian armed forces" will be deployed in Europe, Trudeau said, in addition to the deployment of an extra frigate and maritime patrol aircraft.
We’re also deploying up to an additional 460 members of the @CanadianForces to strengthen NATO. This involves more troops to Latvia, as well as the deployment of an additional frigate and maritime patrol aircraft.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 23, 2022
Canada currently has around 800 military personnel in Europe, of which around 540 are at the Canadian-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia. They will be reinforced with a battery of M777 artillery guns with forward observers and an electronic warfare troop.
"Canada also plans to deliver the HMCS Halifax frigate and the CP-140 Aurora patrol aircraft to Latvia. The promised help in Latvia could be expected by the end of March," a Canadian government release said.
In addition, approximately 3,400 Canadian Armed Forces personnel are authorized to deploy to the NATO Response Force should they be required by NATO.
Anita Anand, Canada's Minister of National Defence said: “At this pivotal time for the security of Ukraine, Europe, and the world, Canada will continue to step up and do its part, in close collaboration with our NATO Allies. To reinforce our deterrence measures in Europe, Canada is deploying an even greater contingent to NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia, and will contribute more troops and assets to bolster NATO forces in the Euro-Atlantic area. We will continue to work with our allies and partners to defend the rules-based international order that has kept us safe since the end of the Second World War.”
As part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence, Canada has assumed a leadership role as one of four Framework Nations and is leading the multinational NATO enhanced Forward Presence battle group in Latvia. Canada’s current 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 just outside Rīga.
The Canadian armed forces include an electronic warfare regiment whose task is "to provide tactical Electronic Warfare Support to the Canadian Armed Forces deployed on international operations."
“Russia’s recent actions are a blatant attack on Ukrainian sovereignty, as well as a serious threat to the security and stability of the region and the international rules-based order. The sanctions and the additional military support we are announcing today is the first step Canada will take to stop Russia’s unwarranted aggression. There will be serious consequences for Russia’s actions, and together with our allies and partners, we will continue to take decisive action to support the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Ukraine,” Trudeau said.
