NATO Signs 1.6 Trillion Won Contract for 155mm Shells to Support Ukraine

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has signed a contract to purchase 1.2 billion dollars (approximately 1.6 trillion won) worth of 155mm artillery shells to support the war in Ukraine, major foreign media reported on the 23rd (local time).

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, announced the shell contract at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, saying, "The war in Ukraine has become a war of ammunition," and "It is absolutely necessary to increase production to continue supporting Ukraine."

NATO has signed contracts for hundreds of thousands of shells on behalf of its member countries. These shells are expected to be used to support Ukraine or to replenish depleted stockpiles.

Foreign media reported that with this contract, NATO can purchase approximately 220,000 155mm shells, and the initial batch is expected to be supplied in 2025. Stoltenberg also stated, "There is no imminent military threat from Russia to the allies."

The European Union (EU) pledged in March last year to supply 1 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine over about a year. So far, about 300,000 rounds have been supplied. Thierry Breton, EU Commissioner, said on the 19th, "We will continue to strengthen production capacity," and "By the end of the year, about 1.3 to 1.4 million rounds will be possible."

NATO will conduct the 'Steadfast Defender 2024' exercise by May to prepare for a Russian invasion. Approximately 90,000 personnel from 31 member countries and Sweden will participate.