Ukraine is still waiting for the promised batch of over two dozen refurbished light armoured vehicles from Canada, according to recent findings by CBC News. Despite the Department of National Defence delivering the decommissioned vehicles to a company in Ontario for reconstruction nearly two years ago, the vehicles are currently caught in administrative and corporate delays.
The fate of the restoration contract, which was publicly acknowledged during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Ottawa and estimated to be valued between $150 million and $250 million, is now veiled in secrecy. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously mentioned that, in addition to providing new light armoured vehicles, his government was collaborating with Canadian industry to supply Ukraine with refurbished Canadian Armed Forces armoured vehicles.
The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), responsible for international trade deals, listed the initiative in its spring 2025 quarterly report under “defence vehicles” produced by a Canadian exporter. However, the contract with Armatec Survivability in Dorchester, Ont., was mysteriously removed from the subsequent quarterly report.
Both CCC and the Department of National Defence have declined to clarify the delay or the current status of the contract despite multiple inquiries from CBC News. Speculations within the defence community suggest that the project might have been terminated, casting doubts on Ukraine receiving the rebuilt vehicles as pledged.
The federal government imposed a non-disclosure agreement on the company at the beginning of negotiations, prompting concerns from Conservative defence critic James Bezan, who believes the deal has been abandoned. Bezan expressed bewilderment over the government’s decision to silence the company, especially if the contract is no longer in effect.
Armatec had constructed a demonstration vehicle for the Ukraine project featuring enhanced weaponry and crew protection systems. The company’s innovative restoration process has garnered praise, making the delay and potential cancellation of the deal perplexing to Bezan, who criticized the government for not upholding its commitments to support Ukraine and boost Canada’s defence industry, as promised.
Confidentiality constraints have hindered transparency regarding the contract’s status, with both the commercial corporation and the Defence Department declining to provide explanations. However, they assured continued support for Ukraine and emphasized the delivery of armoured combat support vehicles to the country.
Armatec, citing confidentiality, redirected inquiries to CCC but reiterated its readiness to supply infantry fighting vehicle upgrades to allies in support of defence efforts. The company emphasized its commitment to advancing Canadian innovation and technology for the deployment of superior infantry fighting vehicles.
Despite ongoing uncertainties surrounding the contract, the Ukrainian government remains hopeful for the timely delivery of military aid pledged by Canada. The fate of the refurbished light armoured vehicles and their potential impact on Ukraine’s defence capabilities continue to be a matter of concern for both nations.
