In the ongoing effort to bolster Ukraine’s defence capabilities, the first four of 50 Armoured Combat Support Vehicles (ACSVs) constructed in Canada are set to make their way to Europe. This summer, Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) personnel will undergo training on these advanced vehicles, specifically beginning with the first 10 ambulance variants from this consignment.
“Russia’s ongoing war on Ukraine is also an attack on the right of all nations to choose their own future. Ukraine must win this war – and Ukraine can count on Canada’s support until its victory. Canada is proud to be providing Ukraine with a new fleet of state-of-the-art armoured vehicles to protect its brave military personnel. I thank all the workers in London, Ontario who built these vehicles for Ukraine’s Armed Forces,” said the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence.
Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre, represented Defence Minister Bill Blair in a visit to General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada on June 12. There, he inspected the initial shipment and expressed gratitude to the dedicated workforce behind these robust machines. The vehicles are departing from London, Ontario, destined for European deployment.
“Here in London, the hundreds of Canadian workers at General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada do incredible work to equip the Canadian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Our community is proud to contribute these vehicles to Ukraine – and we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian troops fighting bravely to defend their sovereignty,” echoed Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre.
This fleet of cutting-edge armoured vehicles is a generous donation from Canada to Ukraine. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed this initiative on September 22, 2023, during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit, highlighting Canada’s $650 million commitment over three years to supply 50 ACSVs, all produced in London, Ontario.
“In our community of London North, countless people display the Ukrainian flag on their homes, cars, and small businesses, because they understand that Ukraine’s fight to defend itself is a fight for the values that we all share. The armoured vehicles built by London workers will help Ukraine’s troops defend their territory – and ultimately, defend the international rules that keep us all safe,” added Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West.
These ACSVs are versatile assets on the battlefield, capable of transporting troops, establishing secure command posts, and facilitating medical evacuations. Already a staple in the Canadian Army, these vehicles are praised for their agility and the protection they offer to both crews and cargo.
“The Canadian Commercial Corporation is saddened by the suffering inflicted on the Ukrainian people by Russia’s invasion of their country and proud to support the Government of Canada’s assistance to Ukraine,” expressed Diane Montambault, VP of Operations, Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC).
The ambulance variants, equipped with comprehensive medical gear and optimized interiors for injury treatment, are part of the first batch. Scheduled for delivery by the fall, these vehicles will enable the AFU to conduct safe evacuations of wounded personnel from combat zones.
“General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada is proud to support Canada’s Armoured Combat Support Vehicles donation to Ukraine. General Dynamics has produced light armoured vehicles for Canada and its allies for over 47 years. These London-made vehicles sustain a cross-Canada supply chain of over 600 suppliers, and support thousands of well-paying middle class Canadian jobs,” said Jason Alejandro Monahan, Vice President and General Manager, General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada.
This contribution forms part of Canada’s extensive support to Ukraine, totaling over $14 billion since February 2022, with $4 billion allocated to military aid. Canada’s military assistance has included Leopard 2 tanks, anti-tank weapons, M777 howitzers, artillery shells, and winter gear. Additionally, Canada supports international efforts to train Ukrainian pilots and maintenance crews for F-16 fighter jets and is active in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group’s Armour, Air Force, and Drone Capability Coalitions.
Canada remains steadfast in its collaboration with global allies, ensuring Ukraine receives the military support required in its ongoing resistance against Russia’s unwarranted aggression.
