The federal government is spending more than $273 million to purchase new military equipment for the NATO battle group led by Canada in Latvia.

This includes $227.5 million for a short-range air defense system from Saab Canada Inc, aimed at defending against fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and drones, and an additional $46 million for anti-drone equipment.

Minister of Defense Bill Blair said this is the first time the Canadian Armed Forces have had an air defense capability since 2012.

He added that the equipment will be acquired "urgently" and is expected to be delivered later this year.

Blair made this announcement in Brussels, where he is attending a NATO defense ministers meeting, highlighting Canada’s steadfast support for the military alliance.

The ministers are meeting days after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced he would encourage Russia to "do whatever the hell it wants" to any NATO member that falls short of defense spending targets.

Canada is far from meeting NATO’s guideline of spending 2 percent of GDP on defense.

Blair said at the summit on Wednesday when asked about Trump’s remarks: "I have lived next to the United States for a long time. I mostly tend to ignore some of the political rhetoric that occurs during their elections."

"We cannot divert our attention from the importance of our collective responsibility for the national security and defense of our countries and our alliances."

He added that Canada, in turn, must judge the U.S. only on the basis of its "long history and proven record of standing for global peace."

Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said earlier this week that NATO is "more united than ever" and that Blair’s trip will ensure Canada "continues to have a strong voice at the table."

Canada currently has about 1,000 troops on the ground in Latvia and expects to increase that number to 2,200 troops deployed continuously by 2026.