The donation, valued at approximately $406 million, is part of a broader $500 million military aid package announced by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in November 2022. This delivery adds to the over $4.5 billion in total military assistance that Canada has committed to Ukraine since February 2022.
“This ground-based air defence system will help Ukraine protect itself against destructive air attacks,” said Bill Blair, Canada’s Minister of National Defence. “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 NASAMS system, newly manufactured by Raytheon in partnership with Kongsberg, provides short to medium-range air defence against drones, missiles, and aircraft. Alongside the NASAMS, Canada has also donated over 300 air defence missiles sourced from Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) inventories since February 2022.
In addition to the NASAMS system, Canada’s military assistance to Ukraine includes armoured vehicles, artillery, drone cameras, and winter clothing. Since March 2022, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has transported over 22 million pounds of Ukraine-bound military aid donated by Canada, its allies, and partners.
Canada’s support extends to training initiatives under Operation UNIFIER, which has prepared over 43,000 members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces since its launch. The mission, recently extended to March 2026, is part of Canada’s long-term commitment to Ukraine’s defence. More than 350 CAF personnel are currently deployed across the United Kingdom, Poland, and Latvia to provide training and assist in delivering military aid.
Source: the Government of Canada.
