Canada Delivers First Ordered NASAMS Air Defense System to Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, during which Trudeau confirmed Canada’s shipment of its first NASAMS  to Ukraine, On November 4.

The long-awaited defense equipment, pledged by Canada early last year, is expected to arrive by the end of 2024, according to statements from Zelenskyy.

During the call, the leaders discussed a range of defense and security topics, including Canada’s continued support for Ukraine and coordination within the G7 under Canada’s presidency in 2025. They also reviewed the battlefield situation, with a specific focus on North Korea’s involvement in supplying arms to Russia.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Trudeau and the Canadian team for their role in organizing a recent conference in Montreal, part of Ukraine’s Peace Formula initiative. The event, held on October 30-31, focused on the fourth point of the Peace Formula, addressing the release of prisoners and deported individuals.

Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine presented a Victory Plan to Trudeau on the sidelines of the conference, which he affirmed Canada would support moving forward. The next step for the Peace Formula, Zelenskyy added, is to prepare a comprehensive final document based on findings from all thematic discussions.

Additionally, the two leaders discussed plans for a second Global Peace Summit, which aims to secure broader international representation, including from countries in the Global South.

Canada initially announced its decision to supply Ukraine with NASAMS in January 2023. The arrangement stipulated that Canada would fund the complete cost of the air defense system, estimated at over $300 million, while the United States would handle the direct contract and delivery to Ukraine.