Canada to purchase NASAMS air defense system for Ukraine

Read also: Air force tells how drones were shot down by NASAMS air defenses during night attack

“The Prime Minister informed the (U.S.) President that Canada will purchase a U.S.-manufactured National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) for Ukraine,” the message on the government’s website says.

Trudeau met with U.S. President Joe Biden at a summit in Mexico City on Jan. 10. They discussed bilateral cooperation and global challenges, and agreed a Biden state visit to Canada, slated for March 2023.

The White House said that Biden and Trudeau “reaffirmed their commitment to stand up for our shared values around the world, including supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Russia’s brutal aggression.”

Read also: Canada to confiscate $26 million from Abramovich for reconstruction of Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Canadian PM for his leadership.

“Thank you for helping us protect our skies,” Zelenskyy said in a Twitter post.

“NASAMS, bought for us by Canada, will become a strong shield for our cities and citizens.”

According to Ukrainian Defense Ministry, the first NASAMS systems arrived in Ukraine on Nov. 7, 2022, and have since been instrumental at defensing against repeated Russian air strikes on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure.

Read also: US hopes increased military aid will help Ukraine counterattack before Russian offensive

Two NASAMS systems were part of an $820 million military aid package for Ukraine, announced by the United States on July 1, 2022.

On Aug. 24, 2022 – Ukraine’s Independence Day – the Pentagon announced a new aid package worth nearly $3 billion, which included six more NASAMS systems.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine