Ukraine and Canada discuss strengthening air defence and long-range capabilities
Minister of Defence of Ukraine Evgeniy Khmara spoke with Canada’s Minister of National Defence David McGuinty. The parties discussed further support for Ukraine, including strengthening air defence and long-range capabilities, as well as supplies for F-16 aircraft.
Evgeniy Khmara thanked Canada for its contribution to the procurement of critically important PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems through the JUMPSTART mechanism. They will strengthen Ukraine’s protection against russian ballistic missile strikes.
Long-range capabilities and deep strike operations
The parties discussed further support for Ukraine. Particular attention was paid to the requirements for scaling up Defence Forces operations.
We are stepping up asymmetric actions against the enemy. We are intensifying our deep strike operations against facilities that support the war against Ukraine, including enterprises where russian weapons are produced.
20 mm ammunition for F-16 cannons
Another priority is the supply of ammunition for F-16 aircraft cannons.
The lion’s share of jet-powered drones are destroyed by our F-16s. 20 mm aircraft ammunition is a critical resource. It is important to receive deliveries as quickly as possible and to shorten timelines and procedures.
The ministers discussed steps to speed up the next delivery.
Support for Ukrainian unmanned systems
Evgeniy Khmara also briefed his Canadian counterpart on the battlefield situation, where Ukraine is building a drone advantage.
Drones are needed for a wide range of tasks, both combat and logistics. That is why Ukraine calls on partners to focus their support as much as possible on procuring effective Ukrainian drones for the Defence Forces.
