Ukrainian General Urges Canada to Provide 83,000 Decommissioned Rockets to Aid in Defense
In an exclusive interview with Global News, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Ukrainian defense ministry’s intelligence directorate, has appealed to the Canadian government to grant Ukraine access to over 83,000 decommissioned CRV7 rockets currently stored at the Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot Dundurn in Saskatchewan. The request comes as Ukraine desperately seeks to bolster its military arsenal amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
Ukraine aims to repurpose these rockets for use in attack helicopters and ground launchers to counter Russian tanks and artillery, addressing critical munitions shortages. Although discussions have taken place between Ukraine and Canada regarding this request, an official decision is still pending.
While Canada has chosen a private contractor to destroy these rockets due to their obsolescence, Ukraine believes they are suitable for its purposes and is willing to assume the associated risks. They argue that, being experienced in handling older munitions, they can safely manage these rockets.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has evolved into an artillery battle, with both sides vying for supplies. Ukraine estimates that around 8,000 of these rockets are in excellent condition, with some still equipped with warheads. Those that are no longer functional can be stripped for parts to support Ukraine’s drone program.
Canadian military authorities acknowledge the presence of 83,303 rockets, primarily tubes with rocket motors but no warheads, awaiting disposal by a contractor. Concerns about their safe transportation and stability have been raised, but experts suggest that if stored properly and free from moisture or contamination, the solid fuel CRV7 rockets may remain safe.
The issue has sparked political debate in Canada, with the Conservative Party urging the government to provide these weapons to Ukraine instead of incurring the cost of their disposal. Conversely, the Liberal Party has cautioned against hasty decisions and emphasized the need for safety testing before any potential donation. Ukrainian officials are eager to avoid the politicization of this issue and stress the urgency of their need for ammunition. They have requested swift action from Canada to provide these rockets. As Ukraine grapples with dwindling supplies and ongoing tensions, this request for decommissioned rockets from Canada reflects the evolving dynamics of the conflict in Eastern Europe. Canada’s decision will play a role in shaping the military capabilities of Ukraine in its ongoing defense against Russian forces.