Ukraine will be able to purchase weapons and military equipment through NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), while Ukrainian defence companies will be able to take part in tenders and supply products to other countries. The Defence Ministry reported this.
By participating in the Security Cooperation Support Partnership (SCSP), Ukraine could potentially make use of the opportunities offered by 45 NSPA partnerships, which cover various weapons systems and provide for their procurement, maintenance and support throughout their entire life cycle.
The agreement provides for faster procurement and more favourable supply terms, the Defence Ministry said. Ukrainian requests will be able to be processed through existing NSPA contracts or via new tenders. A procurement mechanism for emergency response is also предусмотрений to ensure the Defence Forces’ needs are met promptly.
If a new contract is signed for a purchase, the NSPA will be able to announce a tender in line with Ukraine’s needs. Both foreign and Ukrainian companies will be able to take part.
Another option is to combine Ukrainian orders with the needs of other countries. According to the Defence Ministry, consolidating procurement will strengthen negotiating positions and help secure more favourable pricing. In addition, the agency will be able to adapt standard procedures to Ukraine’s needs in order to speed up procurement and deliveries.
Procurement can be financed from several sources: Ukraine’s state budget, funds from international partners, or through joint financing.
The agreement also opens up new opportunities for Ukrainian arms manufacturers. They will be able to register in the NSPA supplier database, submit commercial offers, take part in tenders on an equal footing with foreign companies and sign contracts with the agency. The relevant mechanism is рассчитаний for five years, starting in April 2025.
“For Ukraine’s defence industry, this is an opportunity to attract new orders, expand production and gradually integrate into international defence supply chains,” the Defence Ministry concluded.
Earlier, the Financial Times reported that NATO would allow Ukraine to purchase weapons, ammunition and military equipment through its centralised procurement agency.
According to the newspaper, last week the NSPA organised an industry event in Kyiv attended by around 150 Ukrainian companies. During the meeting, manufacturers were shown how to register as potential suppliers and take part in tenders.