Ukraine is still awaiting the delivery of over 25 upgraded light armoured vehicles promised by Canada in September 2023, according to information obtained by CBC News. Despite the Department of National Defence sending the decommissioned vehicles to a company in Ontario for refurbishment nearly two years ago, the vehicles are currently caught up in bureaucratic and corporate delays.
The contract for the restoration project, which was acknowledged during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Ottawa and was estimated to be valued between $150 million and $250 million, has now become shrouded in secrecy. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously stated that in addition to providing new light armoured vehicles, Canada was collaborating with Canadian industry to supply refurbished Canadian Armed Forces armoured vehicles to Ukraine.
The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), a federal agency overseeing international trade agreements, included the plan in its spring 2025 quarterly report under the category of “defence vehicles” produced by a “Canadian exporter.” However, the contract with Armatec Survivability in Dorchester, Ont., has since been removed from the subsequent quarterly report.
Both the CCC and the Department of National Defence (DND) have declined to provide explanations for the delay despite multiple inquiries from CBC News. The CCC spokesperson mentioned that they are managing the file but are restricted by commercial confidentiality obligations from sharing further details.
There are speculations within the defence community that the project may have been terminated, casting doubts on Ukraine receiving the refurbished vehicles as promised. Conservative defence critic James Bezan has expressed skepticism, suggesting that the deal may have fallen through. He questioned the government’s decision to impose a non-disclosure agreement on the company and raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the contract.
Armatec, the company tasked with the refurbishment, has not disclosed the reasons for the delay, citing confidentiality, and referred all inquiries back to the CCC. The company’s president emphasized their readiness to support allies with advanced infantry fighting vehicle upgrades to enhance defence efforts.
Despite ongoing confidentiality constraints, the Defence Department affirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine with military aid. They highlighted the delivery of armoured combat support vehicles to Ukraine and emphasized the government’s efforts to expedite contracts through the Canadian Commercial Corporation to swiftly provide essential capabilities to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The fate of the contract and the delivery of the refurbished vehicles to Ukraine remain uncertain, causing apprehension among Ukrainian officials and raising questions about the government’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defence needs.
