On Wednesday 13 December, senior representatives from across the Alliance gathered at NATO Headquarters in Brussels to hold the first meeting of the Defence Industrial Production Board. The Board is a key part of stepping up efforts for defense production – both to increase national capabilities for deterrence and defense, and to replenish the stockpiles that have been depleted by their support to Ukraine. A robust and flexible defense industry contributes to strengthening the Alliance’s deterrence and defense.
Allied experts, joined by the NATO Industrial Advisory Group, discussed national and NATO perspectives on defense industrial capacity, including measures to boost defense production, develop recommendations to address supply chain security and engage more closely with defense industry. The Board will report to the Conference of National Armament Directors (CNAD), the committee that brings together the top national officials responsible for defense procurement in NATO member and partner countries.
At the 2023 Vilnius Summit, Allied Leaders agreed the Defence Production Action Plan to accelerate joint procurement, boost production capacity and enhance Allies’ interoperability. NATO Allies are committed to sustaining the defense industrial production capacity required in peacetime, crisis and conflict. NATO plays a key role as a convener and standard-setter, helping Allies harmonize their defense procurement demands and helping industry understand Allied requirements so that they can deliver a sustainable supply.