NATO Buys Artillery Shells Worth $1.2 billion

NATO concluded contracts for another $1.2 billion in artillery ammunition.

The press service of NATO reported on this.

On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) concluded contracts for the purchase of around 220,000 155-millimeter artillery shells worth $1.2 billion.

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, emphasized that the procurement of ammunition is important for the defense of the Alliance’s territory, replenishment of its own stockpiles, and continued military support for Ukraine.

“This demonstrates that NATO’s tried and tested structures for joint procurement are delivering. Russia’s war in Ukraine has become a battle for ammunition, so it is important that Allies refill their own stocks, as we continue to support Ukraine,” he said.

According to General Manager of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) Stacy Cummings, the expected delivery time for the ordered shells is 24-36 months.

The organization recalled that since Allied leaders agreed to NATO’s Defence Production Action Plan in July 2023, the NSPA has agreed to contracts for around 10 billion dollars’ worth of ammunition.

Recent NSPA purchases include a $5.5 billion contract for 1,000 Patriot missiles as part of a joint order from Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Spain, members of the European Sky Shield initiative.

NATO orders also include 155 mm artillery shells, anti-tank guided missiles, and tank ammunition worth $4 billion.

In November 2023, NATO’s procurement agency also opted to buy six E-7A Wedgetail aircraft, with a contract to be signed in 2024.

In December 2023, the U.S. State Department approved a possible sale of 940 new missiles for the FIM-92K Stinger Block I MANPADS to three European NATO countries.

The estimated total cost of the supply of anti-aircraft missiles, related equipment, and other elements of technical assistance and logistics is $780 million.