Seven EU Member States order 155mm shells through EDA fast track joint procurement.

Seven European Union member states have utilized the European Defence Agency's expedited joint procurement program to secure orders for 155mm ammunition. Additional orders, possibly for national replenishment purposes, are anticipated in the coming weeks and months.
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The EDA's fast-track program for 155mm ammunition encompasses complete ammunition rounds and their components (such as fuses, projectiles, charges, and primers) for four different modern firing platforms designed and manufactured in Europe (France's Caesar, Poland's Krab, Germany's Panzerhaubitze 2000 (illustrated here), and Slovakia's Zuzana), which are frequently used by the Ukrainian armed forces (Picture source: KMW)

EU High Representative Josep Borrell, who also serves as the Head of the European Defence Agency, stated, "We have established an ambitious framework to facilitate the joint procurement of ammunition – to restock supplies and support Ukraine. The European Defence Agency has played a pivotal role in this endeavor. Multiple member states are jointly acquiring 155-mm artillery ammunition through contracts negotiated by the EDA with European defense industry partners, and more are expected to follow suit. This is essential not only for Ukraine but also for the European Union. Collaborative procurement is the most effective way to optimize our spending and enhance our collective efficiency. It marks a significant stride toward a more coordinated and capable European Union defense."

Jiří Šedivý, Chief Executive of the EDA, added, "This underscores the trust placed in the EDA and European defense collaboration. Joint procurement is the optimal choice to assist member states in acquiring ammunition to meet their national requirements or to support Ukraine. It also serves as a strong signal to the industry, demonstrating the EU's commitment to the European defense technological and industrial base (EDTIB)."

The EDA's fast-track program for 155mm ammunition encompasses complete ammunition rounds and their components (such as fuses, projectiles, charges, and primers) for four different modern firing platforms designed and manufactured in Europe (France's Caesar, Poland's Krab, Germany's Panzerhaubitze 2000, and Slovakia's Zuzana), which are frequently used by the Ukrainian armed forces.

Currently, nine framework contracts with industry partners are in place. The orders placed by the seven member states, encompassing both complete rounds and components, are eligible for reimbursement under the European Peace Facility. Detailed contractual information cannot be disclosed at this stage.

The EDA's expedited joint procurement process was established in record time, streamlining the tendering process and allowing for rapid contract finalization. Its purpose is to engage the entire EDTIB, including major companies and subcontractors, providing member states with flexible options and expediting deliveries.

The joint procurement approach is deemed the most effective means of achieving cost reduction through economies of scale and promoting interoperability. The overarching EDA project arrangement has been endorsed by 26 member states and Norway, and its flexibility allows all EDA member states to participate.

The EDA's joint procurement endeavors are part of a three-track strategy, as agreed upon by the Council of the EU in March 2023, aimed at supplying additional artillery ammunition and missiles to Ukraine. These tracks involve supporting member states in delivering artillery ammunition and missiles from their national stockpiles, aggregating demand and jointly procuring 155mm ammunition, and enhancing the production capacity of the European defense industry.

Defense News October 2023