Another initiative covers Army Tactical Missile System production tied to Lockheed Martin-Rheinmetall. The documents describe this as a photo opportunity, not a signing, but note that Washington sees room for a declaration during the summit. The ATACMS, with a range of 300 kilometers, has played a crucial role in the war in Ukraine.
The raft of announcements underscores the effort by allies to rapidly rebuild missile defense stocks, which were severely depleted during the U.S. war with Iran and are also desperately needed by Ukraine.
The missile package sits alongside a broader U.S.-led initiative called Procurement Coalitions, also expected at Tuesday’s industry forum. The summit schedule lists Belgium, Canada, Germany, Spain, Estonia, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the U.S., with defense companies Kongsberg, Raytheon and Boeing also named.
A separate assessment of that initiative obtained by POLITICO says Washington is using the project to position itself as a key partner in Europe’s defense market “in the shadow” of multiple EU initiatives. Brussels is playing a growing role in defense financing, and American companies are worried about “Buy European” provisions that could limit their access to the market.