NATO has entered into a 1.1 billion Euro contract to procure artillery ammunition, particularly 155 mm shells, as part of its response to the heightened demand for munitions due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While the European Union had committed to delivering a substantial quantity of shells to Ukraine, there has been a shortfall in the actual deliveries. The newly signed contract aims to address the ammunition shortage, but deliveries will take considerable time, raising questions about the immediate support to Ukraine and the impact on NATO members’ own defense capabilities.
- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has signed a contract worth 1.1 billion Euros for artillery ammunition.
- The contract is focused on the supply of 155 mm shells, which are critical for Western guns used in Ukraine.
- The European Union promised to deliver a million shells to Ukraine by March, but only 300,000 have been delivered.
- There’s a pressing ammunition shortage in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia.
- Delivery of the contracted ammunition could take between a year to a year and a half.
- NATO coordinates the deal but does not decide where the ammunition will ultimately go; individual purchasing countries will make those decisions.
- The focus on the 155 mm artillery ammunition comes from its widespread use amongst NATO allies.
- NATO allies are expected to refill their own stockpiles, which have been depleted due to support provided to Ukraine.
- Standardization of munitions is a goal for NATO to facilitate joint procurement and cost-effective decisions.
- NATO is concerned about potential threats to alliance members, particularly if Ukraine’s defense fails.
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