Promised NASAMS air defense system already in Ukraine - Canada's MoD

At a meeting of the House of Representatives Defense Committee, Bill Blair reported that the NASAMS missile defense system, for which Canada promised to pay $406 million nearly two years ago, is now "in the hands of the Ukrainians."

"I can't give you more information on that because of operational security, but we have been able to deliver at long last — and I think it's going to make a difference because it will enable them to protect communities," said the Canadian minister.

According to the report, the Canadian government had been trying to expedite the delivery by leveraging a larger purchase made by the United States.

The $406 million purchase was announced in January 2023, but, as the Ministry of Defense noted in September, the Canadian government only transferred the funds to Washington in March 2023 to pay for the system and begin the process.

The US was unable to begin negotiations with manufacturers until they received the funding from Canada and secured the necessary funds. Additionally, approval from Congress was expected.

NASAMS air defense system from Canada

As reported back in September, Canada planned to provide Ukraine with the modern NASAMS medium-range air defense system, with the delivery originally expected in early 2025.

However, in early November, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy adjusted the timeline for the delivery of the NASAMS air defense system from Canada. It was suggested that the system, which had been ordered back in 2023, could be delivered to Ukraine by the end of 2024.

Yesterday, Canada's Ministry of Defense confirmed the transfer of the NASAMS system to Ukraine, with the system already being located in Poland at the time.