In a substantial step towards enhancing NATO’s defense and deterrence posture, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has announced the awarding of two multinational framework contracts totaling €1.1 billion. These contracts, aimed at procuring 155mm ammunition, have been awarded to Nexter Munitions (KNDS) and JUNGHANS Defence, marking a pivotal moment in supporting coalition nations and enhancing NATO’s readiness.
MECAR, a subdivision of Nexter KNDS produces a full range of ammunition including 155mm artillery shells. (Picture source Nexter KNDS)
The contracts are a direct result of the Defence Production Action Plan (DPAP) endorsed by the Heads of State and Government at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, in July 2023. The DPAP, devised by the Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD), aims to replenish NATO’s stockpiles and increase equipment commonality across the alliance through three strategic pillars: demand aggregation, defense industrial capacity expansion, and the improvement of interoperability and materiel standardization.
In alignment with the DPAP’s vision, the NSPA has taken a proactive role in consolidating the munition requirements of NATO nations into collective purchases. This approach was initially demonstrated on January 3, 2024, with the announcement of a contract for up to 1,000 Patriot™ Guidance Enhanced Missiles (GEM-T) to support a coalition of nations. The recent contracts for 155mm ammunition further this initiative, supporting the CAESAR and PzH 2000 howitzer platforms extensively used by NATO forces.