Canada turned down the "invitation" to participate in NATO's largest exercise in history for one reason.

On June 15, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) said it refused to participate in a show of military strength by 25 allied countries in Europe because it was focusing on upgrading its aging fleet.

Efforts to modernize an aging fleet have caused Canada to ignore an invitation to conduct air exercises with Germany. Illustration photo. (Source: headtopic)

“We have a real problem right now with being able to do anything beyond continental defence,” said Canadian Defence Department spokesman Daniel Le Bouthillier. “We don’t have enough aircraft or pilots.”

Joint exercises with the US military are a more attractive option for Canada because training with fighter jets in North America is much more cost-effective and efficient, he said. It is a strategic decision because many of the country's aircraft and personnel are currently committed to modernization. The air force is focusing on projects to extend the life of its older aircraft.

The Globe and Mail reports that the exercise, called Air Defence 2023 and “the largest air force deployment exercise in NATO history,” began in Germany this week.

The exercise involves 250 aircraft and 10,000 personnel, mainly from the United States and Germany. Countries such as Slovenia, Romania and the Baltic states also participate. Japan and Sweden participate despite not being NATO members.

According to officials from the host country, Germany, the exercise was planned five years ago after Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014. The exercise is not intended to be a show of force against Russia.

Observers say Ottawa's refusal to participate by sending even a few fighter jets shows that the Canadian air force is in dire straits.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/canada-bo-qua-loi-moi-moc-tham-gia-dien-tap-lon-nhat-lich-su-nato-vi-mot-ly-do-231127.html