Canada sends AIM missiles to Ukraine for air defense

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense said Canada has begun transferring AIM missiles to Ukraine to strengthen the country’s air defense and improve its ability to counter cruise missile threats, with the weapons already in the process of delivery.

The announcement followed a meeting between Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty, during which the two sides discussed continued military support and broader defense cooperation.

According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, the AIM missiles are intended to reinforce Ukraine’s layered air defense network at a time of sustained Russian aerial attacks. The ministry did not specify the exact variant or quantity of missiles being transferred, citing security considerations.

The Ukrainian side expressed appreciation for Canada’s continued military assistance, describing it as consistent and effective support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Officials said the missile transfer reflects Canada’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.

The talks also addressed Canada’s contribution to the PURL air defense initiative, which Ukrainian officials said has played a key role in countering recent large-scale aerial attacks. The Ministry of Defense noted that the latest contributions under the program were decisive in repelling mass strikes and said Ukraine expects continued Canadian participation in PURL throughout the current year.

Beyond missile deliveries, the two defense ministers discussed prospects for industrial cooperation, including agreements to support the production of unmanned systems. Ukrainian officials said there is strong potential for cooperation between Ukrainian and Canadian governments and defense companies, particularly in drone command-and-control technologies.

Training and force protection were also highlighted as priority areas. According to the Ministry of Defense, discussions focused on transforming Ukraine’s military training system with an emphasis on preserving soldiers’ lives. This includes adopting a model in which highly experienced personnel train other units and relocating training centers underground to reduce vulnerability to missile and drone strikes.

The ministry said Canada remains an important partner in the training of Ukrainian service members, particularly in areas related to survivability, operational effectiveness, and modern combat conditions shaped by extensive drone and missile use.