Canada steps up to supply Ukraine with advanced CRV7 rockets
The idea of supplying Ukraine with CRV7 rockets became public a few weeks ago, initially stirred by Canadian opposition politicians. The initiative received a nod of approval from the authorities, as recently confirmed by Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair.
The main problem currently facing the Canadians concerns technical issues, specifically how thousands of CRV7 rockets can be rapidly and safely delivered to Ukraine. A solution is expected to be presented within a few days.
Rocket for destroying hangars
CRV7 (Canadian Rocket Vehicle 7) is a Canadian upgraded variant of the American Hydra 70 rockets, developed during the Cold War. The CRV7 rockets were enhanced with a reinforced engine and warhead for air attacks on Warsaw Pact hangars compared to the original model.
The enhanced warhead was designed to penetrate hangar roofs, and tests showed that in the SAPHEI/HEISAP version, it is capable of penetrating a barrier consisting of approximately 4 metres of earth, about 1 metre of reinforced concrete, and a 2.5 cm layer of steel.
In practice, this means the weapon can be successfully used to destroy, for instance, field fortifications or vehicles - including armored ones - of the enemy. Although CRV7 is primarily an air-launched missile, frontline experience in Ukraine shows that similar weapons have also been launched from improvised ground launchers.
Furthermore, the Hydra 70 missile, the basis for the CRV7, has been adapted into a cost-effective guided variant named APKWS. This is accomplished by adding a control module to a standard missile, which allows for guidance via laser-reflected light.
Disposal of old weapons
During the Cold War, Canada produced over 80,000 CRV7 rockets. These weapons were retired from active service and stored, and their disposal began in 2021. According to current estimates, about 8,000 CRV7 rockets remain serviceable.
From many of the leftover ones, functional warheads can be salvaged, which – as per Ukrainian feedback – are suitable for use as improvised weapons, carried by drones.
