The European Defence Agency (EDA) has signed eight framework contracts supporting the joint procurement of 155-millimeter rounds for EU members.
It was done within the framework of the Collaborative Procurement program seeking ammunition to replenish EU member nations’ stockpiles and/or aid the Ukrainian government in defense against the Russian invasion.
26 countries are included in the initiative now. More state partners are going to join the arrangement in the future. EDA reports that a large part of rounds ordered in the latest framework contracts will refill supplies for self-propelled howitzers the EU members have sent to Ukraine. Josep Borrell, EDA Head, claimed:
“We are taking another step forward in our three-track ammunition initiative. Time is of essence. Putin does not show any sign of letting up in his aggression against the Ukrainian people. This is why our military support for Ukraine’s defence must continue”.
To comply with relevant legal obligations and to protect ongoing negotiations, details of industry partners and order values are not disclosed. EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý noted:
“The signing of these framework contracts between EDA and the European defence industry shows our capacity to swiftly secure the best deals possible for EU Member States and Norway. We are now offering viable opportunities for Member States to place orders with industry through EDA, either to support Ukraine or to replenish their own national stocks”.
