Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand announced on January 10, 2023, that Ottawa would buy the NASAMS air defense system from the United States and transfer it to Ukraine.
Source: The Minister of Defense of Canada Anita Anand
This is the first Canadian donation of an air defense system to Ukraine.
“This donation, valued at approximately $406 million, comes from the additional $500 million in military aid to Ukraine that Prime Minister Trudeau announced on November 14, 2022,” explained the Minister of Defense of Canada Anita Anand.
Canada’s NASAMS donation to Ukraine will strengthen Ukraine’s air defense systems against Russian missile attacks on civilian critical infrastructure.
“Canada stands in solidarity with Ukrainians as they fight heroically against Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion. We have committed over $1 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, and today, we are moving forward with the first Canadian donation of an air defense system to Ukraine. Canada will continue to collaborate with the United States, as well as other Allies and partners, to address Ukraine’s defense priorities in the short and long term – including with high-capability equipment such as the NASAMS,” concluded Anita Anand.
The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his help in protecting Ukrainian skies.
“Dear Justin Trudeau, your true leadership in standing for democracy and human rights has been vividly proven again. Thank you for helping us to protect our sky. NASAMS procured for us by Canada will be a strong shield for our cities and citizens,” tweeted Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
See also: US President and Prime Minister of Canada discussed further support for Ukraine
