National Armaments Directors focus on key capability requirements
National Armaments Directors from the 28 NATO member countries are meeting for the biannual Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD) at the Alliance’s Headquarters in Brussels on 29 and 30 April.
The CNAD is focusing on enhancing the development of key capabilities to address 21st century security threats. They will look at how to better support NATO operations and missions in Afghanistan, the Balkans, the Mediterranean Sea and off the Horn of Africa. The transformation of the CNAD structures and procedures is being pursued in the context of the Alliance’s new Strategic Concept and ongoing reform efforts within NATO Headquarters.
Key topics
The CNAD will explore the possibilities of current and future multinational projects in support of the Alliance’s operations, with particular consideration given to the budgetary effects of the economic crisis.
Moreover, the conference will consider input from various speakers with regard to the CNAD’s support for NATO operations and missions on the following topics: special operations forces, the Defence Against Terrorism Programme of Work, Counter Improvised Explosive Devices and Transatlantic Defence Industrial Co-operation.
Lastly, Armaments Directors will consider reports detailing the progress made in missile defence and the development of an Allied Ground Surveillance (AGS) capability. They will also take into account a report on the Alliance’s long-term capability requirements.