Canadian military forces in Eastern Europe are expected to remain in
the region until at least the end of the year, and could spend some time
in Ukraine, as NATO digs in against Russia.
On Tuesday, Canadian defence chief Gen. Tom Lawson and NATO’s top commander, Gen. Philip Breedlove, provided some answers about what Canada is doing in Europe as the latter wrapped up a two-day trip to Ottawa.
Breedlove said the NATO forces that assembled in response to Russian actions in Ukraine are to be sustained through Dec. 31, though that could change depending on what alliance leaders decide when they meet in September.
Canada has contributed six CF-18 fighter jets and a naval frigate plus about 600 military personnel in recent weeks as NATO has moved to reassure Eastern European allies worried about Russia’s broader intentions.
Questions have surrounded the deployments, including exactly how long the forces will remain overseas, what they will be doing, and even whether the fighter jets are armed.
Lawson revealed the CF-18s are not flying with weapons — they are training out of their airbase in Romania — and are not patrolling against Russian aircraft or other threats.
“The fighters are not armed,” he said. “They’re entirely in a training mode.”
For more: Canada’s military to remain in Eastern Europe all year, could go to Ukraine
On Tuesday, Canadian defence chief Gen. Tom Lawson and NATO’s top commander, Gen. Philip Breedlove, provided some answers about what Canada is doing in Europe as the latter wrapped up a two-day trip to Ottawa.
Breedlove said the NATO forces that assembled in response to Russian actions in Ukraine are to be sustained through Dec. 31, though that could change depending on what alliance leaders decide when they meet in September.
Canada has contributed six CF-18 fighter jets and a naval frigate plus about 600 military personnel in recent weeks as NATO has moved to reassure Eastern European allies worried about Russia’s broader intentions.
Questions have surrounded the deployments, including exactly how long the forces will remain overseas, what they will be doing, and even whether the fighter jets are armed.
Lawson revealed the CF-18s are not flying with weapons — they are training out of their airbase in Romania — and are not patrolling against Russian aircraft or other threats.
“The fighters are not armed,” he said. “They’re entirely in a training mode.”
For more: Canada’s military to remain in Eastern Europe all year, could go to Ukraine
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