§ Lord Molloyasked Her Majesty's Government:
How defence equipment collaboration is promoted within NATO.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (The Earl of Arran)The NATO Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD) has responsibility within the Alliance structure for questions relating to the development and procurement of equipment. It provides a forum for the exchange of information necessary to harmonise requirements and facilitate collaborative programmes and research initiatives. It also addresses wider aspects of co-operation such as harmonisation of procurement practices, standardisation and interoperability. An advisory group of industry representatives from the NATO nations provides advice on industrial matters.
Outside the Alliance structure, collaboration among the European members of NATO (except Iceland) is promoted by the Independent European Programme Group (IEPG), which is working to create an open and competitive European market in defence equipment. The UK currently holds the chair. Again, it is supported by an advisory group of industry representatives from the IEPG nations. These formal structures are in addition to the range of contracts between NATO nations or a bi- or multi-lateral basis to discuss particular collaboration programmes and issues.