Kirill Budanov/Illustrative photo
In an interview with Global News, DIU Chief Kirill Budanov revealed Ukraine’s request to Canada for the transfer of tens of thousands of decommissioned CRV7 missiles awaiting destruction at a military base in Saskatchewan.
Budanov highlighted the potential benefits, emphasizing that this move could assist Ukraine in its fight against Russian troops and save Canadian taxpayers the expense of missile disposal.
«We hope it will be a win-win situation,» he expressed.
Currently, over 83,000 CRV7 surface-to-air missiles are stored at the Canadian Forces’ ammunition depot in Dundurn, south of Saskatoon. No longer needed by Canada, the missiles are slated for destruction by a private contractor.
Despite Canada’s considerations, Ukraine urgently requires these missiles as its ammunition supply for the Defense Forces is depleting.
Kyrylo Budanov explained that the missiles would be deployed in Ukrainian attack helicopters and ground launchers to counter Russian tanks and artillery.
While discussions have taken place, Ukraine awaits Canada’s decision. Canadian officials, however, caution about the safety of the CRV7s, which have been in storage for a decade. Nevertheless, Ukraine, facing a critical situation, is willing to take the risks, given its expertise in handling aged munitions like CRV7s.
It’s estimated that approximately 8,000 Canadian missiles are still in pristine condition, some with intact warheads. Non-functioning missiles will be disassembled for parts, contributing to Ukraine’s drone program.
While Canada historically used CRV7s on aircraft like the CF18, Budanov emphasized Ukraine’s ground-based launchers as the planned platform, intending to use the missiles as a form of field artillery.