441-02484 (Foreign affairs)

The conflict and crisis in Ukraine has exacerbated global tensions and threats to the rules-based international order. This has resulted in competition for limited supply, increases to lead time, costs, and challenges for governments all over the world to resupply their inventories. Particularly, the 155mm artillery shell is globally in demand, with Partners and Allies looking to invest in 155mm production capabilities.

Since February 2022, Canada has donated approximately 40,000 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition to Ukraine. Approximately 20,000 rounds were sourced from existing CAF inventory, and the remaining 20,000 from the United States Government. Additionally, in March 2024, Canada contributed over $53 million to the Czech-led ammunition initiative to source and deliver roughly 11,500 rounds of 155mm ammunition to Ukraine. The initial delivery of this donation to Ukraine is expected to take place this summer.

Regarding the NASAMS that Canada committed to donating to Ukraine in January 2023, the funds were transferred to the United States in March 2023. National Defence remains closely engaged with United States and Ukrainian officials on this donation. The NASAMS is expected to be delivered to Ukraine in early 2025.

National Defence has identified a need to update the production capability for 155mm ammunition and is working with Canadian suppliers under the Munitions Supply Program (MSP) to improve availability of two 155mm variants: the M107 and M795.

In 2023, National Defence provided $4.8 million (taxes included) for IMT Defence to ramp up their ability to produce M107 155mm projectile bodies from 3,000 to 5,000 a month. In addition, $19 million has been invested in MSP companies for definition work, which includes pre-engineering and the development of substantive proposals to support upgrades to the production facilities for both the M795 155mm projectiles and the associated propulsion mechanism, the Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS). Additional investment to support the production of the M795 and MACS will be determined upon review of the substantive proposals. 

In its Defence Policy – Our North, Strong and Free – the Government of Canada recognises the importance of industry in support of the CAF. To support the ability of Canadian industry to meet the ammunition demands of Canada and our closest allies, Canada will seek to accelerate the establishment of new artillery ammunition production capacity in Canada, which will enable greater production of modern variants of 155mm munitions. It is important that we continue to work with the defence industry to ensure that our partners have the support they need to manufacture the military equipment required to protect the rules-based international order.