On its way to Ukraine: Canada's Defense Ministry confirms NASAMS delivery
Photo: Canadian Department of National Defense confirmed the transfer of NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine (gagadget com)
Canadian Department of National Defense has confirmed the delivery of a NASAMS air defense system to Ukraine. The system is already in Poland, according to Canada's Minister of National Defense, Bill Blair.
"We have been working closely with the Americans and Raytheon, the manufacturer, to assemble and deliver this system. It is currently in Poland and will soon cross the border," Blair said.
The Minister also recalled that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during their phone call that NASAMS would arrive soon.
Blair added that they are working with the Ukrainians to deliver this system, purchased by Canada for Ukraine, as quickly as possible, and expected to share more information soon.
What is NASAMS
NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) is a medium-range ground-based air defense system developed by Norway's Kongsberg and the US Raytheon companies.
The system was designed to replace the MIM-23 Hawk Surface-to-Air Missile System previously used by Norway's armed forces.
NASAMS was the first ground-based system using AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles and the first Western missile system to feature radar-guided targeting.
Canada's delivery of NASAMS to Ukraine
In September, reports indicated that Canada planned to provide Ukraine with a modern NASAMS medium-range air defense system, with an initial timeline set for early 2025.
However, in early November, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy named the new delivery date. According to the updated information, the system, ordered in 2023, could be delivered to Ukraine by the end of 2024.
