Ukraine gains access to military equipment procurement through NATO’s NSPA for the first time
For the first time, Ukraine will be able to procure military equipment through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). This will also open up opportunities for the Ukrainian defence industry to both receive and provide services through the Agency.
The Agreement on Cooperation between the Government of Ukraine and the NATO Support and Procurement Organisation (NSPO) concerning the Security Cooperation Support Partnership (SCSP) provides for this.
On 13 August 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the draft Agreement, and on 14 October 2026, Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Evgeniy Khmara, signed the Agreement.
NSPA procurement system opens to Ukraine as a partner
The Partnership was created to ensure stable, long-term support for Ukraine. It will make it possible to pool requests for assistance from Ukraine, capability coalitions and other NATO structures, and to use the Agency’s existing procurement and supply mechanisms. The Agreement was developed so that Ukraine can join the Partnership, communicate its needs and carry out defence procurement.
Ukraine is developing its cooperation with NATO in the field of procurement, and participation in this Partnership offers a unique opportunity to access all the services and capabilities of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency to meet our needs. Ukraine is the first and only country (and not even a NATO member) for which a separate Partnership has been created as a single entry point for working with the Agency, and Ukrainian industry has also been given broad access to the Agency’s tenders.
The Deputy Minister of Defence noted that this expands Ukraine’s access to NATO markets with verified suppliers.
What the agreement on Ukraine’s participation in NATO procurement provides
Through participation in the SCSP, Ukraine will potentially be able to use the capabilities of NSPA’s 45 partnerships, which cover various weapons systems and include their procurement, maintenance, and support throughout their entire life cycle.
The Agreement provides for:
- Faster procurement for the needs of the Defence Forces. Ukraine’s requests can be processed through existing NSPA contracts or by concluding new ones. This will make it possible to meet Ukraine’s needs more quickly through an emergency response procurement mechanism.
- To conclude a new contract, NSPA may announce a tender in line with Ukraine’s needs, in which both foreign and Ukrainian companies will participate simultaneously.
- More favourable procurement terms. NSPA will be able to combine Ukraine’s needs with those of other countries. Consolidated orders strengthen negotiating positions and make it possible to obtain better prices.
- More flexible procedures. To speed up procurement and delivery within the partnership, the Agency will be able to adapt standard mechanisms to Ukraine’s needs.
In addition, procurement will have several funding sources. It may be financed from Ukraine’s state budget, by international partners, or through joint financing.
Ukrainian defence industry gains access to NSPA tenders
Another important area is the involvement of Ukrainian defence companies in NSPA procurement.
The Ukrainian defence industry is developing rapidly, increasing its production capacity and creating new solutions. We want our partners to access this experience and these technologies, and for Ukrainian manufacturers to gain new opportunities for cooperation. This is a partnership from which both sides will benefit.
Manufacturers will be able to register in the Agency’s supplier database, submit proposals, take part in tenders on an equal footing with foreign companies, and conclude contracts with NSPA. The mechanism will be in place for five years starting in April 2025.
For the Ukrainian defence industry, this is an opportunity to secure new orders, expand production and gradually integrate into international defence supply chains.
Practical consultations for manufacturers at the NSPA Industry Outreach Event
The signing of the Agreement was announced on 14 October during the NSPA Industry Outreach Event, which the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine organised jointly with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.
The event brought together around 150 representatives of Ukrainian defence industry enterprises.
During the meeting, manufacturers received information on registering in the NSPA system, preparing and submitting proposals, navigating tender procedures, and requirements for potential suppliers. NSPA brings together capabilities in acquisition, logistics, medical and infrastructure support, and provides operational and systems support and services to NATO nations, NATO Military Authorities and partner nations.
This partnership will help deepen the integration of Ukrainian industry and create opportunities for growth, while enabling Allies and partners to draw on Ukraine’s experience with battle-tested innovations and its operational experience. Our goal is to continue strengthening Ukraine’s industrial base and apply this experience to capability delivery and sustainment.
The Ministry of Defence continues to work on developing cooperation with NATO and expanding Ukraine’s access to the resources needed by the Security and Defence Forces of Ukraine to fight the enemy. It is also working to expand Ukrainian manufacturers’ participation in international procurement mechanisms, help them secure new orders, and scale up production to meet the needs of the Defence Forces of Ukraine.
As previously reported, the Ministry of Defence presented to NATO partners its approaches to defence industry innovation and transparent procurement.
