OTTAWA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Canada's National Defence said on Thursday that its troops deployed to NATO's Canada-led Battle Group in Latvia will soon have two new air defensive capabilities.

According to a news release from the ministry, Canada is investing 227.5 million Canadian dollars (169 million U.S. dollars) in an Air Defence capability for Canadian Armed Forces members in Latvia.

Canada has finalized contracts with Saab Canada Inc. to procure the RBS 70 NG short-range Air Defence System, which will provide tactical air defence protection to Canadian troops in Latvia, the release said, adding that this capability will enable the troops to defend themselves against fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters within its range, close air support aircraft, class 1 small Uncrewed Aerial Systems, and larger Uncrewed Aerial Systems.

Canada is also investing 46 million Canadian dollars (34 million U.S. dollars) to acquire new counter-drone equipment. The two new defensive capabilities are expected to be delivered later this year, the release said.

Canadian troops are currently participating in NATO's Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024. This is the largest NATO exercise in decades and will serve to rehearse NATO's Deterrence and Defence plans to counter threats to the Euro-Atlantic area, the release said. Enditem

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