A much better idea would be for Canada to commit to supply Ukraine from its inventory of Leopard tanks, except most are unfit for service.
It is the kind of narrative this government loves. The company employs 80 Ukrainians who have arrived in Canada and are now building vehicles for Ukrainian troops that will be used to defend their homeland, the minister said in her speech.The NP Comment newsletter from columnist Colby Cosh and NP Comment editors tackles the important topics with boldness, verve and wit. Get NP Platformed delivered to your inbox weekdays by 4 p.m. ET.
But military experts point out that Ukraine benefits most when aid is rendered at scale, since it justifies the logistical challenges involved with putting equipment into service and keeping it there. Ukrainian officials have said they need several hundred NATO-standard heavy tanks to evict Russia from their territory.
“Yet” seems to be the operative word. A request is likely to come and it may prove an embarrassment for a government that has neglected the military since it came to office. A cynic might even suggest that the Roshel contribution is designed to take the pressure off when it comes to requests from the Ukrainians for Leopards.
The other 20 Leopard 2A6 tanks have been modified with additional armour and longer gun barrels. With some upgrades, they could be sent for use in Ukraine. That is perhaps where Canada’s resources would be best directed.
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