The US State Department has approved a $2.68 billion sale of bombs and guidance kits to Canada to bolster its defence capabilities and NATO interoperability.
WASHINGTON: The United States has approved a $2.68 billion sale of bombs to Canada.
The State Department announced the approval on Thursday, confirming the major arms deal.
The sale includes up to 3,414 BLU-111 500-pound bombs for hitting troop formations.
It also includes up to 3,108 precision GBU-39 bombs designed for stationary targets.
More than 5,000 JDAM kits to convert unguided bombs into guided munitions are part of the package.
The State Department said the sale will improve Canada’s credible defence capability to deter aggression.
It also aims to ensure interoperability with US forces and strengthen shared continental defence.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged in August to meet NATO’s 2% of GDP defence spending target this year.
He cited growing uncertainties about the United States’ role and the prospect of Russian aggression in the Arctic.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly questioned NATO and accused allies of not carrying their weight.
Trump has often belittled Canada, previously saying it should be the 51st state. – AFP
