Ukraine is still awaiting the over two dozen renovated light armoured vehicles pledged by Canada to the country in September 2023, according to information obtained by CBC News. The vehicles are currently held up in administrative and corporate processes, 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 details of the restoration contract, initially publicized during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s prominent visit to Ottawa and estimated to be valued between $150 million and $250 million, are now veiled in secrecy. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously mentioned that, alongside providing new light armoured vehicles, his government was collaborating with Canadian industry to supply Ukraine with refurbished Canadian Armed Forces armoured vehicles. This initiative was part of Canada’s efforts to support Ukraine through various means, including partnerships with allied coalitions, working with Canadian industry, and utilizing its own military resources.
The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), a government agency managing international trade agreements, referenced the plan in its spring 2025 quarterly report under “defence vehicles” produced by a “Canadian exporter.” However, the contract with Armatec Survivability in Dorchester, Ont., as confirmed by CBC News, was omitted from the subsequent June 2025 quarterly report.
Both CCC and the Department of National Defence (DND) have declined to elaborate on the delay or provide updates on the contract despite repeated inquiries from CBC News. The federal government imposed a non-disclosure agreement on the company at the start of negotiations, leading Conservative defence critic James Bezan to believe that the deal has been terminated.
Bezan expressed bewilderment over the situation, questioning why the government would impose a gag order when it seems the contract is no longer in effect. Armatec had developed a demonstration vehicle for the Ukraine project featuring enhanced weaponry and protective measures for the crew, as highlighted by former defence minister Bill Blair in a previous statement.
Confidentiality constraints have hindered the disclosure of further details about the contract from both the commercial corporation and the Defence Department. The Defence Minister’s office emphasized Canada’s steadfast support for Ukraine and the commitment to providing timely military aid, citing ongoing commercial discussions as the reason for the lack of elaboration on the specific project.
Armatec, citing confidentiality reasons, redirected inquiries back to CCC while reaffirming its readiness to provide infantry fighting vehicle upgrades to allies. The company emphasized its Canadian roots, workforce, and dedication to advancing Canadian innovation and technology for improved military capabilities.
DND had acknowledged two years ago that it possessed a significant number of decommissioned LAV II Bisons and Coyote armoured reconnaissance vehicles, with plans to phase them out of service. The urgency for accessing these stocks and finalizing the Armatec contract was underscored by a Ukrainian parliamentarian during a meeting with Canadian defense officials. The head of Ukraine’s special parliamentary commission on arms and munitions expressed the country’s willingness to utilize any available resources to safeguard its soldiers.
The Ukrainian ambassador to Canada conveyed general apprehension regarding the contract’s status, emphasizing the crucial importance of fulfilling all military assistance commitments made by the Canadian government promptly.