Canada has not yet transferred the promised NASAMS air defense system to Ukraine because it lacks funds from the United States. The deal is in a suspended state.

This was reported by the Edmonton Journal.

During a visit to Edmonton this week, Minister of National Defense Bill Blair stated that the issue related to NASAMS for Ukraine is rooted at the state level.

Last year, Canada allocated funds to purchase the system under a contract with the United States. However, the coalition purchase is still in a suspended state.

Blair noted that the Americans should provide funding to complete the contracts. According to him, without an agreement on the purchase, it would take years for the regular procurement process.

"We’ve tried to expedite that,” Blair said. “Unfortunately the Americans ran into some challenges in their own funding envelope."

He added that all parties understand the importance of this project and have a "strong sense of urgency."