Canada Delivers $59 Mln Weapons to Ukraine

Canada’s Defense Ministry announced the completion of the shipment of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine worth $59 million.

The ministry explained in a statement yesterday, Tuesday, that it is still working on how to contribute to training Ukrainian pilots on how to operate F-16 fighter aircraft.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced last June in Kyiv that Canada would participate in multilateral efforts to provide pilot training to Ukraine.

A month later, Canada signed an F-16 training agreement with Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal and Romania. Sweden and the United Kingdom.

The countries agreed to establish a joint coalition to train the Ukrainian Air Force in operating and maintaining F-16 fighter aircraft.

“These planning efforts are focused on training students with no prior experience to become pilots, technicians and support staff to safely and effectively operate the F-16,” said National Defence spokesperson Andrée-Anne Poulin.

“This type of initiative requires multiple training phases that are not necessarily tied to a specific platform, such as the F-16.”

She noted that Canada participated in discussions and planning to help develop a comprehensive training program.

Pauline said work is continuing to finalize the training curriculum, including specific contributions from Canada and other allies.