Canada has suspended the export of certain drone technologies to Turkey following allegations that they are being used in the ongoing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
François-Philippe Champagne, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, on Monday announced that he has directed Global Affairs Canada to investigate the claims adding that he has suspended the relevant export permits to Turkey.
L3Harris WESCAM, the Canadian subsidiary of U.S. defence contractor L3Harris, is supplying its electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor systems to Turkey. Turkey is using this systems on its drones for target identification and designation. These drones were allegedly used against Armenia in the ongoing conflict.
Since 2017, Turkey has been buying gear from L3Harris Wescam, the Canadian subsidiary of U.S. defence contractor L3Harris.
Full Statement:
“Over the last several days, certain allegations have been made regarding Canadian technology being used in the military conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Upon learning of these allegations, I immediately directed Global Affairs Canada to investigate these claims.
In line with Canada’s robust export control regime and due to the ongoing hostilities, I have suspended the relevant export permits to Turkey, so as to allow time to further assess the situation. Canada continues to be concerned by the ongoing conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting in shelling of communities and civilian casualties.
We call for measures to be taken immediately to stabilize the situation on the ground and reiterate that there is no alternative to a peaceful, negotiated solution to this conflict.”
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement Tuesday accusing Canada of taking “a double-standard approach.”
“There’s no explanation for why Canada would block the export of defence materials to a NATO ally,” the statement said.
Photo: Wescam MX 8
Source: Defpost