Canada buys NASAMS air defense systems for Ukraine

Canada buys the NASAMS air defense systems for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Militarny reported about this.

The purchase of NASAMS air defense systems was announced by Anita Anand, the Minister of National Defense of Canada, during a conversation with Oleksii Reznikov, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine.

“I spoke with Ukrainian Defense Minister this morning and heard it directly: air defense systems are Ukraine’s top priority. That’s why Canada is purchasing a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) from the United States to donate to Ukraine,” Anita Anand wrote on Twitter.

I spoke with Ukrainian Defence Minister @OleksiiReznikov this morning and heard it directly: air defence systems are Ukraine’s top priority. That’s why Canada is purchasing a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) from the United States to donate to Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/33bdHmcldb

— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) January 10, 2023

According to Militarny, Ukraine already had two NASAMS air defense systems passed down from the US as part of international military aid in October.

Anita Anand didn’t specify when the ‘Canadian’ NASAMS would be transferred to Ukraine. Taking into account her statement that these systems will be manufactured at Raytheon Technologies from scratch, the manufacturing process can be delayed.

Recall, the Pentagon signed a $1.2 billion contract with Raytheon Technologies to produce the additional six NASAMS air defense systems for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The $1.216 billion deal includes the production of SAM launchers, related equipment, spare parts, the training of Ukrainian military personnel who will operate the NASAMS systems, and other services.

The U.S. Department of Defense mentioned the work will be carried out with an estimated completion date of November 28, 2025.

Thus, in total, Washington intends to supply Ukraine with eight such air defense systems.

Previously, the Head of the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin, reported that the air defense systems provided by the United States showcased their effectiveness in intercepting Russian missiles during the Russian missile strikes on Ukraine on November 15.

“As an example of how important our donations are, we can cite the NASAMS air defense systems already operating in Ukraine. Yesterday, they showcased 100% success in intercepting Russian missiles during the brutal bombardment by the Kremlin,” Austin said.