The first batch of made-in-London armoured combat support vehicles (ACSVs) being donated to Ukraine by the Canadian government will soon be on the ground.
The federal government announced on Wednesday the first four of 50 state-of-the-art machines are being shipped to Europe. Members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) will be trained on how to use them this summer.
The armoured vehicles, the first ten of which will be of the ACVS ambulance variant, are being built at General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada's facility in east London.
London North Centre MP Peter Fragiskatos was on hand for the vehicles' send off on behalf of Defence Minister Bill Blair.
"Here in London, the hundreds of Canadian workers at General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada do incredible work to equip the Canadian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of Ukraine," said Fragiskatos. "Our community is proud to contribute these vehicles to Ukraine – and we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian troops fighting bravely to defend their sovereignty.”
The ambulance ACSVs are equipped with medical equipment and have an internal layout that allow for the treatment of a wide range of injuries. According to the federal government, they will allow Ukraine to safely get wounded troops out of combat zones. The remaining armoured combat support vehicles being donated can be used in a variety of ways on the battlefield including transporting troops, providing secure locations for command and control, and enabling medical evacuations.
This is the second fleet of armoured combat support vehicles Canada is donating to Ukraine to help in its fight against Russia. Thirty-nine others have already been delivered.
Canada has pledged more than $14 billion in assistance to Ukraine since February 2022.