Defence contractors from across NATO member countries convened in Ankara on Tuesday for an industry forum held in conjunction with the alliance’s yearly summit, where a series of major defence deals were unveiled.
Here is a breakdown of the agreements announced:
SAAB
Swedish defence manufacturer Saab announced that NATO has entered into formal negotiations to acquire as many as 10 GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft. The company’s CEO, Micael Johansson, told reporters that deliveries could begin as early as 2030, with each aircraft expected to carry a price tag of roughly $400 million to $450 million.
LOCKHEED MARTIN AND RHEINMETALL
Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly manufacture ATACMS short-range ballistic missiles on German soil — a historic move that would mark the first time this type of missile has ever been produced outside the United States.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that alliance members have agreed to purchase up to five MQ-4C Triton high-altitude surveillance drones from Northrop Grumman. Norway, Finland, Germany, and Denmark each signed a letter of intent for the acquisition.
AIRBUS
Secretary General Rutte also announced that NATO will establish a new strategic airlift fleet using Airbus A400M transport aircraft, while also adding one more plane to its current fleet of A330 MRTT tanker and transport aircraft.
ISAR AEROSPACE
German aerospace firm Isar Aerospace inked a deal with Canada’s Maritime Launch Services to secure access to launch facilities and services at Spaceport Nova Scotia, a move NATO says is aimed at strengthening the company’s readiness for orbital launches.
