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Although Canada’s CF-18s are joining NATO units in what the Conservative government says is a show of force over the crisis in Ukraine, defence officials can’t yet say whether the warplanes are going to be armed.

Clarity on Canada’s role in the crisis didn’t improve Wednesday with the announcement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper that a Canadian frigate in the Arabian Sea will join NATO maritime forces responding to the situation in eastern Europe.

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Department of National Defence officials couldn’t provide details such as where the ship is headed and when it might arrive. They said planning is still underway.

NATO has sent naval ships to the Black Sea.

Canadian military officers hope to get a better understanding of the specific actions they are to take part in when they meet Monday in Ottawa with NATO’s top commander, U.S. General Philip Breedlove.

On Wednesday, Harper announced that HMCS Regina was being sent to join NATO Standing Maritime Forces, as part of “NATO’s reassurance package” for Ukraine. “Canada remains committed to working with our NATO allies to promote the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” Harper said in a statement.