DÉFENSE ZONE
As part of its support for Ukraine, the European Defence Agency (EDA) has strengthened its cooperation with European industry for the supply of 155mm ammunition.
On 5 September in Brussels, the EDA signed eight framework contracts for the joint supply of 155mm ammunition. The announcement was made during a visit by the ambassadors of the European Union’s Political and Security Committee (PSC).
High Representative Josep Borrell, who also heads the EDA, stressed the importance of this three-track ammunition initiative. He recalled the need for continued military support to Ukraine in the face of Russia’s persistent aggression. Jiří Šedivý, Chief Executive of the EDA, for his part highlighted the agency’s ability to quickly secure the best offers for EU Member States and Norway.
The EDA has already negotiated several framework contracts for the supply of 155mm ammunition, notably for the Panzerhaubitze 2000 howitzer system and projectile and fuze components for the Krab howitzer system. Other contracts are being prepared for other weapon systems.
The emphasis is on collaboration to reduce costs through economies of scale and interoperability. The ammunition is intended for the self-propelled howitzers most commonly sent by EU Member States to Ukraine, notably the French Caesar, the Polish Krab, the German Panzerhaubitze 2000 and the Slovak Zuzana.
These agreements come in the context of a three-track approach adopted by the Council of the EU in March 2023 to provide more artillery ammunition and missiles to Ukraine. The aim is to support Member States in delivering ammunition from their national stocks, to aggregate demand and jointly procure 155mm ammunition, and to increase the production capacity of the European defence industry.
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