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The reports from a two-phased study aimed at exploring ways to boost NATO-Russia collaboration in defence research and technology (R&T) as well as defence industrial cooperation were published in June.
The study was commissioned by the NATO-Russia Council (NRC) Working Group on Defence Reform and Cooperation - Reform of Defence Industries.
Phase 1 focused on how to enhance and to develop an institutional basis for defence R&T cooperation with Russia through NATO's Research and Technology Organization (RTO). Phase 2 explored ways to promote a more favourable environment for defence industrial cooperation between Russia, NATO member states and PfP Nation Switzerland.
Research and technology cooperation
Given its vast and highly developed R&T capabilities, Russia is potentially the most important cooperation Partner country for the RTO. Yet, opportunities for cooperation have not been fully exploited and have not reached the same level as with other technologically highly developed Partner countries. Hundreds of Russian scientists and engineers have participated in RTO activities since its formation in 1998. However, Russian participation to date has primarily been driven by initiatives taken by individual experts rather than by the involvement of Russian government entities.
The establishment of the NRC in 2002 led to increased political interest in developing cooperation in this area. Following exploratory talks, the Phase 1 Study on Defence R&T Cooperation was launched in January 2005. Its aim was to look at how to develop effective modes of institutional cooperation between the RTO and Russian entities, and how to achieve joint defence R&T programmes to meet NATO and Russian requirements, particularly in the field of defence against terrorism.
Lessons learned from past Russian participation in RTO activities have been evaluated and potential areas for cooperation were identified. Recommendations for improving NATO-Russian R&T cooperation include:
For the Russian Federation:
- to create an inter-ministerial and inter-agency body which would formulate and develop a defence R&T cooperation policy; and
- to nominate a national coordinator for defence R&T cooperation, who would coordinate internally among the relevant defence R&T stakeholders in Russia and externally with the RTO.
For the RTO:
- to provide well-informed guidance to its panels/groups about policies, priorities and practices for NATO-Russia defence R&T cooperation;
- to create means that will allow Russian authorities and experts better access to information about the RTO and its activities, for example by creating a Partner-oriented version (or part) of the RTO web site.
An informal body is to be set up to serve as a NATO-Russia working platform on defence R&T cooperation to take work forward. A first meeting is expected to take place in Russia in November 2007.
Defence industrial cooperation
A prerequisite for improving NATO-Russia defence industrial cooperation is to achieve mutual awareness and understanding of defence procurement procedures and processes on both sides. Launched in June 2005, the Phase 2 Study on Defence Industrial Cooperation aimed to provide proposals to facilitate the exchange of information and to provide practical suggestions for improving industrial cooperation.
The study's findings show that the defence industries of NATO member states, Switzerland and Russia are quite diverse, both in their core business and in terms of business practices and organizational structures. This is due to a number of factors including historical developments and different political structures. The defence industrial environment is influenced by specific political and economic climates, national strategies and competition policies, as well as being subject to confidentiality and legal regulations.
Despite these complexities, there is vast potential in combining the powerful scientific and technological capabilities of Russian and NATO member states' defence industries to more adequately address global threats and challenges. Combined efforts are more likely to produce cost-effective solutions for all, and would also foster mutual understanding and trust.
The study was clearly only the first step on a longer road to reach a comprehensive defence industrial cooperation process and more follow-on work will be needed. In addition to a complex "handbook" of useful documentation and information, the report includes a number of ideas on how to move forward. These are currently being refined for future consideration and decision by the NRC Working Group on Defence Reform and Cooperation - Reform of Defence Industries.