Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Canada has sent its first NASAMS air defense system to Ukraine, marking a significant development in military support amid the ongoing conflict.
Worth $406 million
Zelensky indicated that Ukraine expects to receive the system by the end of the year.
The commitment to send NASAMS, a cutting-edge defense system, came after Trudeau’s announcement in January 2023 that Canada would fund the purchase for Ukraine.
Costing approximately $406 million, the system was paid for in the spring, though logistical delays have pushed the delivery timeline.
NASAMS, or the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, is a high-tech, short-to-medium range defense system developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and RTX Corporation.
An Increase in Military Assistance
It is designed to effectively intercept a range of airborne threats, including drones, helicopters, cruise missiles, and various types of fixed-wing aircraft.
The U.S. first provided NASAMS systems to Ukraine in November 2022 as part of a broader effort to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses amid intensifying Russian aerial assaults targeting critical infrastructure.
With this contribution, Canada joins a growing list of international partners bolstering Ukraine's defenses.
President Zelensky noted that Ukraine has recently seen an increase in military assistance focused on artillery and other critical defense capabilities.
As Ukraine continues to face aggressive air strikes, securing advanced air defense systems like NASAMS has been a high priority in Kyiv’s international appeals. These systems are expected to help shield Ukraine’s cities and infrastructure from future attacks, offering a crucial layer of protection as the conflict enters another winter.
