The NASAMS air defense complex purchased by Canada for Ukraine cannot be transferred due to funding issues from the United States, Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair announced.

The $406 million order was placed over a year ago and has yet to be fulfilled.

"The Americans must provide funding to complete the contracts with manufacturer Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace," Blair stated.

According to Canada's defense minister, acquiring NASAMS through the normal procurement process would take years without a joint agreement.

"We attempted to expedite the process. Unfortunately, the Americans encountered financing difficulties," Blair emphasized.