Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have signed a technical agreement to harmonize ammunition certification for streamlined joint procurement.
The agreement intends for the Nordic countries, all members of NATO, to have access to the same type of ammunition, enhancing interoperability.
“The document is one of the efforts to further deepen Nordic cooperation,” a Finnish Ministry of Defense statement read.
“Interoperability and common procurement processes will improve the security of supply throughout the Nordic region.”
Common Certification
A standardized certification will result in compatible ammunition among the countries, ensuring interoperability in joint operations and training.
It will also allow the countries to place joint orders for ammunition, ensuring bulk procurement and cost savings.
Having common ammunition will reduce reliance on individual countries and risk of supply side disruptions, particularly in the event of a security crisis such as in Ukraine.
Broader Effort
The agreement is part of a larger effort to further deepen Nordic defense cooperation.
Earlier this month, Finnish Minister of Defense Antti Hakkanen signed a memorandum of understanding for defense cooperation with his Danish counterpart Troels Lund Poulsen.
The agreement calls for cooperation in NATO deterrence and defense implementation, maritime cooperation, and F-35 equipment and defense equipment procurement.
“Denmark is an important ally for Finland, whose role in securing the security of supply in the Baltic Sea and in military mobility is significant for Finland,” Hakkanen said.
Finland’s transfer to the same Norfolk joint operations command level in NATO with Denmark will further intensify our cooperation.
In addition, it offers new cooperation opportunities in developing NATO’s deterrence and defense.”
