NATO, Ukroboronprom jointly dispose of old ammunition

In 2014, Ukraine and NATO will continue the joint disposal of ammunition, thus implementing the second stage of trust fund project NATO "Partnership for Peace" (PFP). This is the second part of the program, previously, State Concern Ukroboronprom was paid by NATO 685,000 Euro to dispose of 2,740 tons of ammunition in 2014, the Information-Analytical Bulletin of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine informs.

In 2013, in the framework of "Partnership for Peace", Ukroboronprom disposed of 7,710 tons of shells. The project funding exceeded 1 million EUR.

According to government analysts, NATO/PFP project in Ukraine – to dispose of conventional ammunition, small arms, and light weapons (SALW) – includes demilitarization of 133,000 tons of shells and 1.5 million units of SALW (12 years, in four stages).

During the 1st stage in 2006-2011, 15,000 tons of ammunition, 400,000 units of light weapons and small arms, and 1,000 man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) have been recycled. Funding for the first stage of the program was 10.8 million EUR. USA made the major investment in the project – 10 million USD.

Experts remind that, in April 2012, NATO and Ministry of Defense of Ukraine signed a framework agreement to continue cooperation under the PFP program. During the 2nd stage (started in 2013), it is planned to dispose of 3 million antipersonnel landmines, 73,500 tons of conventional munitions, and 366,00 units of small arms in 3.5-4 years.