Ukraine is in dire need of artillery, air defenses, and fresh infantry for their combat brigades. Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) are needed to protect troops from gunfire and artillery fragments while moving between fighting positions. The frustration over Canada’s slow transfer of Bison APCs to Ukraine highlights the urgency of the situation. Canada pledged 89 Bisons, with the first batch arriving quickly, equipping one battalion. However, the second batch of 50 new Bisons is taking a long time to reach the front lines, causing concern.
The delay in the delivery of APCs is a challenge for Ukraine as they continue to face losses in their current fleet. Ukraine has received support from various countries like the US, Germany, and Poland, resulting in around 2,000 personnel carriers and fighting vehicles being donated. Despite this, with the doubling of Ukraine’s armed forces since 2022, there is still a shortfall of around 1,000 vehicles. Ukrainian commanders emphasize the urgent need for Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) to enhance their capabilities on the battlefield.
The Canadian government’s decision to wait a year to produce and ship 50 new Bisons has been met with criticism, as there were options to provide immediate support to Ukraine. Canada could have donated older armored vehicles that were being replaced as part of a modernization drive. The decision to scrap these vehicles instead of donating them to Ukraine caused controversy, with concerns about the vehicles’ condition. Despite offers to refurbish and update the vehicles by companies like Armatec Survivability, the Canadian government chose to proceed with the initial plan to send new APCs to Ukraine.
The delay in providing APCs to Ukraine underscores the urgent need for these vehicles in the country’s ongoing conflict with Russia. The discrepancy between the number of donated vehicles and the losses suffered by Ukrainian forces highlights the challenges they face in maintaining their military capabilities. With ongoing support from allies, Ukraine continues to face obstacles in meeting its military equipment needs amidst a growing armed forces.
Efforts to address the shortage of APCs in Ukraine are ongoing, with the Canadian government working towards delivering the promised Bisons. Despite delays in the process, Ukraine remains hopeful that the additional APCs will enhance their defensive capabilities against Russian aggression. The ongoing conflict underscores the importance of timely support from allies in providing crucial military equipment to Ukraine to strengthen their position on the battlefield.
