– It is an extensive effort that has now made it possible to sign cooperation agreements and place a first joint order for artillery ammunition. We have now established a model that can be used for other types of ammunition and anti-tank weapons, which significantly reduces lead times when we place new joint orders. The model can also be utilised with other suppliers, says FMV's Director General Göran Mårtensson in the press release.
The agency writes that Sweden and FMV have led negotiations to coordinate the procurement of ammunition and utilise the countries' existing framework agreements with ammunition manufacturers. The technical arrangement allows for the coordination of joint procurements of various types of ammunition products from the Nordic defence industry. Initially, the agreement is signed by Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway. However, the agreement is open for like-minded nations to participate on a case-by-case basis.
– The need and consumption of artillery ammunition in Ukraine are very high. In line with the goal of donating through a coordinated Nordic procurement, we wanted to join forces with Sweden and Denmark in procurement to increase and streamline donations to Ukraine while also contributing to strengthening the Nordic industrial base and supply security, says the Norwegian Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram in a press release from the Norwegian government on 11 October.
Sweden, Denmark, and Norway have now placed an initial order for 155 mm artillery ammunition, using an existing framework agreement between Norway and the ammunition manufacturer Nammo AS. The order totals 604 million kronor with approximately 300 million kronor in an initial call-off, with an option for an additional approximately 300 million kronor. Production will commence after the turn of the year, according to FMV.
– The three countries are contributing together with approximately 600 million Norwegian kroner, and Ukraine will receive the ammunition in 2024. NAMMO's production of ammunition for Ukraine will not affect ongoing deliveries to Norway, says the Norwegian Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram.
– If we are to continue supporting Ukraine and replenish our own defence stocks, it is crucial that we also strengthen our production and supply chains of defence materiel in the north, says the Danish Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen in a press release from the Danish Ministry of Defence on 11 October.