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http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?f=/stories/20020326/452436.html March 26, 2002 Former Eastern bloc flyers to train in Canada Hungarian fighter pilots will be raised to NATO standards Andrew Prinz The Canadian Press BUDAPEST - With the newest NATO members trying to develop smaller and more flexible military forces, Canada is looking to this region to cash in on its military expertise. Hungarian and Canadian military officials yesterday signed an agreement that makes Hungary, a NATO member since March, 1999, a partner in Canada's jet fighter pilot training program -- the NATO Flying Training in Canada Initiative. The agreement will have Hungary join in partnership with Canada's Department of Defence and Bombardier Aerospace to train the former Eastern bloc country's future jet fighter pilots in order to help bring Hungary's armed forces closer to NATO standards. "This is a proud moment for Canada's history," said General Raymond Henault, Canada's chief of defence staff, in Budapest yesterday, adding that the program exploits Canada's "good weather conditions and vast airspace availability." The training program, valued at $3.5-billion to $4-billion, began in 2000 and runs until 2020. It offers Canada's allies a fully integrated fighter pilot training program on a pay-as-you go basis. Denmark, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Italy are among countries whose pilots train alongside Canadian fighter pilots on a regular basis. The Hungarian government has set aside nearly $20-million for flight training in 2003 alone. In coming weeks, Canada will receive the first contingent of 20 Hungarian pilots at bases in Moose Jaw, Sask., and Cold Lake, Alta. They will join an international crew of fighter pilot trainees to learn Western tactics and modern aircraft systems. "This training program will provide a basis for the new generation of Hungarian fighter pilots," said Lajos Fodor, commander in chief of the Hungarian armed forces. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Movies - coverage of the 74th Academy Awards� http://movies.yahoo.com/ --------------------------- ANTI-NATO INFORMATION LIST ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: [email protected] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.a9617B Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
