Leopard 2A6. Image: Finnish Defence Forces

Nordic Nations Unite to Harmonise Ammunition Certification

By
Share with your friends

Following the 2024 Nordic Defence Cooperation Agreement, Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are tightening their alliance with a technical pact to standardise ammunition certification. The goal is to simplify joint procurement and ensure seamless interoperability across the Nordic NATO members. Denmark has selected Nammo, a Norwegian-Finnish defence company, to recommence its ammunition production in Jutland.

This agreement to harmonise ammunition certification is part of broader efforts to deepen Nordic cooperation. A unified certification process will ensure that these nations have access to the same types of ammunition, facilitating joint procurement and improving the security of supply across the region.

By standardising ammunition certification, the Nordic countries aim to ensure compatibility in joint operations and training. This harmonisation is expected to lead to cost savings through bulk procurement and reduce reliance on individual national supplies, thereby mitigating the risk of supply disruptions during security crises.

Initial Joint Order in 2023

This agreement builds upon previous collaborative defence initiatives. In 2023, the four nations coordinated ammunition procurement to support Ukraine, placing an initial joint order for artillery ammunition valued at 604 million Swedish kronor. The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) led these negotiations, coordinating procurement through existing framework agreements. The recent harmonisation of ammunition certification processes further strengthens this collaboration, ensuring greater efficiency in future defence acquisitions. This development signifies a robust commitment to collective security and operational efficiency in the Nordic region, reflecting a strategic approach to modern defence challenges.​

Committed to collective defence in Northern Europe, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden ramped up military cooperation in late 2024. The effort led to a landmark defence pact, strengthening regional security and operational coordination.

The 2024 Nordic Defence Cooperation Agreement

  • Joint Defence Concept: The Nordic Chiefs of Defence formalized a unified defence concept, synchronizing defence strategies and facilitating joint military exercises, educational programs, and coordinated operations.
  • Vision 2030: The Defence Ministers unveiled a strategic vision outlining the development trajectory of Nordic defence cooperation up to 2030. This vision emphasizes enhanced interoperability, integrated defence planning, and a robust collective defence posture within the NATO framework.
  • Military Mobility: A Letter of Intent was signed to streamline military mobility across the Nordic region, ensuring rapid and efficient movement of forces during peacetime, crises, or conflicts. This initiative is pivotal for reinforcing NATO’s deterrence and defence capabilities in the area.

Nammo’s Role in Revitalizing Danish Ammunition Production

In a move to enhance defence readiness, Denmark selected Nammo, a Norwegian-Finnish defence company, to recommence ammunition production at the Elling plant in Jutland. This decision, announced in late February 2025, marks the revival of domestic ammunition manufacturing in Denmark after a 55-year hiatus.

Details of the Nammo Agreement

  • Production Scope: Nammo is set to produce various ammunition types at the Elling facility, including 155 mm and 120 mm shells, as well as 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm caliber cartridges. All these are NATO standard calibers, ensuring compatibility and interoperability within the alliance.
  • Strategic Significance: Reestablishing ammunition production domestically addresses critical supply chain vulnerabilities, ensuring that Denmark can meet its defence requirements independently and support NATO operations effectively.
Read More:

Must Read