NATO stockpiles are evidently depleted as the allies send equipment to Ukraine and the North Atlantic alliance rushes to replenish stockpiles with high-spending deals.

In Brussels, a contract for the supply of 220,000 155 mm artillery shells worth 1.3 billion euros was signed by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) with Jens Stoltenberg verbally attacking Moscow.

NATO estimates speak of 4,000-7,000 artillery firings from the Ukrainian side on a daily basis, while the same estimates for the Russian side speak of 20,000.

Deliveries to NATO countries will not be completed sooner than a timeframe of 24-36 months.

Since Allied leaders agreed to NATO’s Defence Production Action Plan in July 2023, NSPA has agreed contracts for munitions worth approximately $10 billion.

Recent NSPA purchases include a $5.5 billion contract for 1,000 Patriot missiles and $4 billion for 155 mm artillery, anti-tank guided missiles, and tank ammunition. In November 2023, the NATO procurement agency also opted to buy six E-7A Wedgetail aircraft under a contract to be signed in 2024.

These record contracts demonstrate the ability of the transatlantic defence industry to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence and support Ukraine.

Also read: NATO | Contract signed for 1000 missiles for the Patriot system