Canada has transferred 40,000 engines for CRV7 aircraft missiles to Ukraine, marking a significant step in military support for the country as it continues its fight against Russian aggression. The Canadian Armed Forces delivered the shipment separately from the combat warheads, a standard safety measure and also a reflection of the limited number of warheads available in comparison to the number of engines in storage.
The video of the transfer was published by the Canadian training mission UNIFIER on its X (formerly Twitter) account. It shows shipping containers being unloaded, likely in a European port, before being transferred to Ukrainian forces. Although the warheads were not included, many of the engines can be converted for use in drone technology or improvised rocket systems, according to Canada’s Ministry of Defence.
The CRV7 missile, developed by Bristol Aerospace in the 1970s, is a 70 mm unguided aircraft missile capable of being launched from both helicopters and aircraft. It can be fitted with a wide range of warheads, including high explosive, smoke, illumination, and anti-armour types. Some of its specialised versions include bunker busters, armour piercing incendiaries, and even cluster munitions.
Originally decommissioned in the early 2000s, Canada had over 83,000 CRV7 rockets in storage. A contract to destroy them was signed in 2021 but later paused. In early 2024, following a request from Ukraine and advocacy by the Conservative Party of Canada, discussions began about donating the rockets. The recent shipment of 40,000 engines represents a meaningful outcome of that request.
While the missiles themselves are not yet included, the transfer of these engines is a key move in enhancing Ukraine’s defensive capacity. Some of the CRV7 engine types can be paired with makeshift or domestically developed warheads, extending Ukraine’s flexibility in adapting to battlefield needs. The CRV7’s ability to destroy even tank armour from distance makes it a valuable component in resisting further Russian advances.
Отримано понад 40000 ракетних двигунів CVR-7 !Завдяки нашій логістичній підтримці, #ЗСУ буде краще оснащеними для захисту своєї країни. #Canada #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/uUcNlJYRWa
— CAF with Ukraine (@CAFwithUkraine) April 8, 2025
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Engines Transferred | 40,000 units |
| Origin | Canada (Bristol Aerospace) |
| Missile Type | CRV7, 70 mm unguided air-to-ground rocket |
| Notable Capability | Can pierce T-72 tank armour with tungsten-core warhead |
| Launch Platforms | Aircraft, Helicopters, Ground Launchers (RWCS, CRV7-PG) |
| Potential Uses | Drones, improvised rocket systems, anti-armour missions |
| Estimated Original Quantity in Storage | 83,000+ missiles (decommissioned stock) |
