Canada Delivers First Batch of ACVS Armored Vehicles to Ukraine.

Canada has begun the delivery of the first four armored combat vehicles to Ukraine, as part of a larger shipment of 50 vehicles. These initial units will first be sent to Europe, where Ukrainian military personnel will receive training on their operation. This information was shared on June 13, 2024, via the X account of Bill Blair, Canada’s Minister of National Defence.
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Ceremony to hand over the first 4 vehicles to Ukraine (Picture source: X account of Bill Blair)

Bill Blair announced that the first four of 50 new armored combat vehicles, built by Canadian workers, are en route to Europe this summer. Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel will undergo training on these vehicles upon their arrival. The initial shipment of 10 vehicles includes ACVS (Armored Combat Support Vehicle) ambulances, which are being transported from London, Ontario, to Europe.

During a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on September 22, 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that Canada is investing CAD 650 million over three years to supply Ukraine with these 50 armored combat vehicles.

These advanced armored combat vehicles are designed for various battlefield roles, such as troop transport, secure command and control, and medical evacuation. Used by the Canadian army, they offer high maneuverability and robust protection for both crew and cargo.

The Armored Combat Support Vehicle (ACSV) is a modern armored vehicle developed by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada. Based on the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) 6.0 chassis, it is designed to provide a wide range of tactical supports on the battlefield. The ACSV model includes several variants, each adapted to specific roles, such as troop transport, ambulance, command post, engineering support, vehicle recovery, mobile repair, and electronic warfare.

These vehicles are characterized by high mobility and robust protection, enabling them to operate effectively in high-risk environments. They are equipped with advanced communication systems and state-of-the-art ballistic protection, offering maximum security for the crew and transported equipment. For example, the ambulance variants are equipped with medical equipment to treat a wide range of injuries on the field, ensuring immediate medical care for wounded soldiers.

The troop transport version (TCV) can carry a full section of soldiers while providing protection against ballistic threats and improvised explosive devices. The mobile repair and recovery version is equipped to perform on-field repairs and recover damaged vehicles, ensuring the continuity of military operations.

The ambulance version of the ACVS is equipped with medical equipment and configured to treat a wide range of injuries. The first 10 vehicles will arrive in Ukraine by autumn, enhancing the Ukrainian Armed Forces' capacity to safely evacuate injured personnel from combat zones.

This delivery is part of Canada’s comprehensive CAD 14 billion assistance package to Ukraine since February 2022, with CAD 4 billion specifically allocated for military aid. Previous Canadian support to Ukraine includes Leopard 2 battle tanks, anti-tank weapons, M777 howitzers, artillery ammunition, and winter clothing.