Canada’s donation of new air defence system arrives in Ukraine
News release
November 22, 2024 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, has announced that Canada’s donation of a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) has arrived in Ukraine.
This donation will help Ukraine strengthen its air defence systems against destructive air attacks on military sites, civilian critical infrastructure, and population centres. Canada has also donated more than 300 air defence missiles from Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) inventory since February 2022.
In addition to Operation UNIFIER, Canada’s current training mission to Ukraine, this donation builds on previous deliveries of armoured vehicles, artillery, drone cameras, winter clothing, and ongoing efforts by the Royal Canadian Air Force to transport Ukraine-bound military aid donated by Canada, Allies, and partners.
Canada remains committed to providing Ukraine with the military aid that it needs to defend itself from Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable attacks, including intensifying Russian air raids.
Quotes
“This ground-based air defence system will help Ukraine protect itself against destructive air attacks. Canada's support for Ukraine is steadfast and we will continue to step up and build on our contributions to Ukraine in their fight against Russia’s invasion. We thank the United States, as well as our partners in Norway, for their collaboration and ensuring the safe arrival of Canada’s donation of this NASAMS to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”
The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence
Quick facts
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A NASAMS is a short to medium range ground-based air defence system that protects against drone, missile, and aircraft attack, with a high success rate.
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This high-priority donation was purchased by Canada from the United States, and is a new build from Raytheon in partnership with Kongsberg.
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This donation, valued at approximately $406 million, comes from the $500 million in military aid to Ukraine that Prime Minister Trudeau announced on November 14, 2022.
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Since February 2022, Canada has committed $4.5 billion in total military assistance to Ukraine. The Prime Minister announced an additional $500 million at the NATO Summit in July 2024.
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Since late March 2022, the RCAF has been transporting Ukraine-bound military aid donated by Canada, Allies, and partners. To date, the RCAF has transported over 22 million pounds of military donations.
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Currently, over 350 CAF members are supporting ongoing training missions in the United Kingdom, Poland and Latvia while facilitating the delivery of military donations to Ukraine.
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Since the launch of Operation UNIFIER, the CAF has trained more than 43,000 members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Canada extended this mission until March 2026.
Associated links
Contacts
Simon Lafortune
Press Secretary and Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 343-549-0778
Email: simon.lafortune2@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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