NATO approves $1.2 billion for artillery
by Clyde Hughes
Washington DC (UPI) Jan 23, 2024

With Russia's invasion of Ukraine raging on in Europe, NATO announced on Tuesday that it has purchased $1.2 billion of artillery in conjunction with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.

The contracts included about 220,000 155-millimeter artillery shells, NATO said in a statement.

NSPA has bought around $10 billion worth of ammunition since NATO signed its Defense Production Action Plan last July including $4 billion for 155-millimeter artillery, anti-tank guided missiles and tank ammunition.

It also includes $5.5 billion for 1,000 Patriot missiles acquired by NATO members Germany, Netherlands, Romania and Span announced on Jan. 3.

"This demonstrates that NATO's tried-and-tested structure for joint procurement is delivering," NATO's Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said during a news conference. "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."

Russia has pounded Ukraine with a flurry of artillery since the start of the year, including more than 90 drones in a wide range of cities. The Ukraine military, though, has reported a high rate of success in shooting down a vast majority of the drones, boosting its air defense systems.

"This week will also see the start of Exercise Steadfast Defender -- the largest NATO exercise in decades with approximately 90,000 forces from all 31 allies and Sweden," Stoltenberg said. "This Article 5 exercise is a clear demonstration of our transatlantic unity and strength and our determination to continue to do whatever is necessary to protect and defend each other."

Related Links
The latest in Military Technology for the 21st century at SpaceWar.com