Ukraine to receive NASAMS system from Canada in early 2025
Photo: NASAMS (Getty Images)
Canada plans to transfer a modern medium-range air defense system, NASAMS, to Ukraine. This will happen early next year, stated Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair.
According to him, Canada joined the US order for the production of 10 NASAMS systems back in 2023. The weapons manufacturer, Raytheon, has promised to deliver these systems soon.
"Ours will be among that tranche of deliveries and we'll immediately get it to Ukraine," the Minister added.
NASAMS systems are expected to arrive in Ukraine in early 2025. In July 2022, the US announced the purchase of two NASAMS for Ukraine, adding six more to the order two months later.
However, complications arose. Canada paid the US government $406 million for an air defense system in March last year. A Ministry of Defense representative mentioned that the US government had signed a contract with Raytheon, the weapons manufacturer, for its production.
But Kongsberg, another company involved in creating these systems, stated that it had no contract with either the US or Canada. A Pentagon representative did not provide information, redirecting inquiries to Canadian officials instead.
NASAMS systems for Ukraine
NASAMS is a Norwegian mobile surface-to-air missile system capable of firing 72 missiles in 12 seconds. It is designed to shoot down aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles within a range of up to 40 km.
It was previously reported that Ukraine received its first NASAMS systems in November 2022, as part of the US order. In January last year, Canada’s Ministry of Defense stated that Ukraine would receive the NASAMS system purchased by Canada as soon as it was ready.
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine has already received additional NASAMS air defense systems. These systems have already been put on combat duty and will significantly bolster Ukraine’s air defense ahead of the winter.
