In a positive turn of events for Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, Canada’s procurement of National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) is showing signs of advancement following earlier setbacks. The $406 million purchase, initially announced in January 2023, is now on track for delivery in early 2025, marking a significant step forward in bolstering Ukraine’s defensive arsenal.
Photo: Raytheon
Defence Minister Bill Blair recently provided an optimistic update on the situation, highlighting that despite initial delays in fund transfer, the procurement process is now moving ahead steadily. The minister emphasized that the four-month lag between the announcement and the execution of funds did not materially impact the overall timeline for delivery.
The procurement strategy, which involves Canada joining a larger U.S. order, is proving to be an effective approach. Ten NASAMS units, part of this joint procurement effort, are expected to be delivered by Raytheon and Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace by the end of this year. This development signals a positive momentum in the international effort to support Ukraine’s air defense needs.
Industry experts note that while the average production time for a new NASAMS is approximately two years, there have been instances of rapid deployment. The first systems provided to Ukraine arrived within an impressive 71 days of contract signing, showcasing the potential for expedited delivery when leveraging existing inventory. These initial units have demonstrated a remarkable 100% success rate in intercepting Russian drones and cruise missiles, underscoring the critical importance of these systems in the ongoing conflict.
Thomas Withington, an analyst at the Royal United Services Institute, points out that despite production challenges, the increased demand for air defense systems is driving innovation and capacity expansion in the defense industry. “This surge in demand is pushing major missile manufacturers to reevaluate and potentially expand their production capabilities,” Withington explained, suggesting a positive outlook for future procurement timelines.
The progress in Canada’s NASAMS procurement aligns with a broader shift in air defense strategies among NATO countries. Canada’s recently updated defence policy now includes provisions for acquiring ground-based air defence systems to protect domestic critical infrastructure, signaling a proactive approach to evolving security needs.
As the procurement moves forward, it represents not just a significant contribution to Ukraine’s immediate defense needs but also marks the beginning of a larger initiative to enhance air defense capabilities across NATO allies. Minister Blair indicated that domestic air defense systems are now among Canada’s top purchasing priorities, potentially opening new opportunities for aerospace and defense contractors in the coming years.
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