Ukrainian manufacturers will be able to take part in NATO tenders and sign contracts with NSPA

Ukraine has become a partner of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara signed the agreement with NSPA on 14 October, the Ministry of Defence reported.

The agreement allows Ukraine to participate in the Security Cooperation Support Partnership (SCSP) and procure weapons, ammunition, and military equipment through NSPA. In addition, Ukrainian defence companies can take part in NATO tenders.

According to Deputy Defence Minister Mstyslav Banik, Ukraine became the first non-NATO country to establish a separate partnership with NSPA as a single point of contact.

Opportunities for Ukrainian manufacturers

Ukrainian companies will be able to register in NSPA’s supplier database, submit proposals, participate in tenders on equal terms with foreign companies and sign contracts with the agency. For Ukraine, this also provides an opportunity to secure new orders, expand production and integrate into international defence supply chains.

The mechanism for manufacturers’ participation is envisaged for five years, starting from April 2025. Through the SCSP, Ukraine could potentially use the capabilities of 45 NSPA partnerships to procure various weapons systems, as well as their maintenance and life-cycle support.

How procurement through NSPA will work

The agreement provides for:

• Faster delivery of equipment to the Defence Forces. Ukraine’s requests may be fulfilled through existing NSPA contracts or new procurements. To accelerate the process, the agency will be able to use its emergency procurement mechanism.
• Tenders tailored to Ukraine’s needs. To conclude a new contract, NSPA will be able to announce a tender in which Ukrainian and foreign companies participate simultaneously.
• Pooling requests and requirements. The partnership will enable requests for assistance from Ukraine, capability coalitions and other NATO structures to be combined, using NSPA’s existing procurement and supply mechanisms. The agency will also be able to combine Ukraine’s requirements with those of other countries, strengthening negotiating positions and helping secure better prices.
• More flexible procedures. NSPA will be able to adapt standard mechanisms to Ukraine’s needs in order to speed up procurement and delivery.

Ukraine may fund procurement from its state budget, international partners, or through co-financing.

Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Hvozdiar stressed that the partnership will give foreign partners access to the experience and technologies of Ukraine’s defence industrial complex, while Ukrainian manufacturers will gain new cooperation opportunities. “This is a partnership from which both sides benefit,” she said.

NSPA handles procurement, logistics, medical and infrastructure support, and provides operational and systems support to NATO countries, Alliance military commands, and partner countries.