Ukrainian and Canadian defence ministers discuss air defence and F-16 ammo supplies
Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara has spoken by phone with Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty about further support for Ukraine. They discussed strengthening air defence and long-range strike capabilities, along with supplies for F-16 fighter jets.
Source: Ukraine's Ministry of Defence on Saturday, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Khmara thanked Canada for helping fund the purchase of urgently needed PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems through the JUMPSTART mechanism. The missiles will strengthen Ukraine's defences against Russian ballistic missile strikes.
The ministers focused particularly on what Ukraine's defence forces need to expand their operations.
They also discussed supplies of cannon ammunition for F-16 fighter jets.
Quote from Khmara: "The lion's share of jet-powered drones are destroyed by our F-16s. 20mm aircraft ammunition is a critical resource. It is important to receive deliveries as quickly as possible and to shorten timelines and procedures."
Details: The ministers discussed steps to speed up the next delivery.
Khmara also briefed his Canadian counterpart on the situation on the battlefield, where Ukraine is gaining an advantage in drone warfare.
Previously: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine needs to increase the number of F-16 fighter jets in the air at any one time to two and a half times the current level, as the aircraft frequently undergo maintenance.
Background:
- Earlier, Khmara discussed preparations for a new aid package with the UK defence secretary ahead of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting (also known as the Ramstein format).
- European Pravda previously reported that the UK and Germany will convene the next meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at NATO headquarters in Brussels on 17 November.
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