Defence deals at new agency reach €600m

Member states have advertised contracts to supply defence equipment worth more than €600 million less than a month after the European Defence Agency (EDA) opened the market to competition.

Nick Witney, chief executive of the EDA, called the volume of contracts posted a "very good start".

On 1 July, the EDA launched an initiative to promote free competition in the European defence market by allowing member states to post contracts on its website.

Since then, seven of the 22 states which have agreed to publicise all contracts for defence equipment over €1m have advertised on the EDA's website. Spain, Hungary and Denmark are not participating in the scheme.

Finland is the biggest customer so far, having advertised six contracts worth €532m. It is looking for nuclear, biological and chemical reconnaissance vehicles, anti-tank mine fuses, communications and radar jamming systems, anti-personnel mines and medium-range air defence missile systems.

Germany is the second largest confirmed buyer, looking for €15.5m worth of equipment. Berlin's needs range from computer hardware for a technical analysis centre in Hof, modifications to bow sonar consoles and to 155mm howitzers and devices for aerial target practice.

The Netherlands has advertised one contract worth up to €18m for a targeting sight. The UK has advertised a €14.5m contract to supply unmanned underwater vehicles. Portugal has posted one contract for a tactical trainer worth €4.7m.

The total value of the defence equipment market covered by the initiative is estimated at €35 billion.

Member states have advertised contracts to supply defence equipment worth more than €600 million less than a month after the European Defence Agency (EDA) opened the market to competition.

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