Ukraine is still waiting for over two dozen renovated light armored vehicles that Canada pledged to provide to the country in September 2023, according to information obtained by CBC News. The vehicles are currently facing delays due to bureaucratic and corporate obstacles, despite the fact that the Department of National Defence transferred the decommissioned vehicles to a company in Ontario for refurbishment almost two years ago.
The contract for the refurbishment, which was acknowledged during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Ottawa and estimated to be valued between $150 million and $250 million, is now shrouded in secrecy. The Canadian government had committed to supplying brand-new light armored vehicles while also collaborating with Canadian industry to refurbish Canadian Armed Forces armored vehicles for Ukraine.
The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), a federal agency responsible for international trade agreements, included the plan in its quarterly report for spring 2025, categorizing it under “defence vehicles” produced by a “Canadian exporter.” However, the contract, confirmed to be with Armatec Survivability in Dorchester, Ont., was mysteriously omitted from the subsequent quarterly report.
Both CCC and the Department of National Defence (DND) have declined to provide explanations for the delay or clarify the status of the contract when contacted by CBC News multiple times. There are speculations within the defense community that the project may have been terminated, raising doubts about Ukraine receiving the refurbished vehicles as promised.
The federal government imposed a non-disclosure agreement on the company at the start of negotiations, prompting concerns from Conservative defense critic James Bezan, who believes the deal may have fallen through. Armatec, the company tasked with refurbishing the vehicles, has not provided details on the delay and redirected inquiries to CCC, citing confidentiality constraints.
Despite the lack of transparency surrounding the contract, the Canadian government reiterated its support for Ukraine and its commitment to timely military aid. Efforts are underway to expedite other contracts through the Canadian Commercial Corporation to equip Ukrainian forces with effective capabilities promptly.
The fate of the Armatec contract and the delivery of refurbished vehicles to Ukraine remain uncertain, sparking apprehension among Ukrainian officials and raising questions about Canada’s military assistance commitments to the country.