In 2013, as a part of NSPA's ongoing effort to complement its life-cycle management support portfolio, NSPA established the Demilitarization, Dismantling and Disposal Support Partnership (D3 SP) as a NATO Smart Defence Initiative Project.
Since then, NSPA offers access to qualified industry and resale markets, as well as multiple sales channels for an optimized re-utilization wherever possible. The D3 SP is open to support requirements from member and non-member nations.
The goal is to reduce D3 costs through maximum generation of revenues from material resale and scrap value recovery. Purely customer funded, the D3 SP provides consolidated services after the retiring of defence equipment of all domains (air, land, sea) and for peculiar waste treatment.
Revenues generated are returned to the direct benefit of the tasking Nations. Equally, NSPA's contributed to the recovery of more than 40,000 tons of scrap (ferrous and non-ferrous metals), with the associated benefits of energy efficiency, reduction in emissions from subsequent processing of metals, and the preservation of non-renewable resources.
We believe in a significant future D3 demand with the advent of new weapon systems, more restrictive waste regulations and a growing sensitivity for environmental protection. NSPA can compensate for user nations' shortage of related expertise, strategic planning and capacity. We have successfully demonstrated multiple multinational D3 solutions for many complex projects. Consolidation, regulatory compliance, the cost-effective use of existing industrial capabilities and generating value are our main drivers for the development of tailored solutions.
NSPA has recently placed several contracts with specialized and globally operating companies for the management of hazardous materials (HAZMAT). This is a major milestone to offer rapidly useable services to all NATO and Partner nations that want to demilitarize, dismantle and dispose of (D3) surplus military equipment. Today's regulations on environmental protection demand a high level of scrutiny to identify and assess potentially dangerous components of any equipment. It is not uncommon that up-to-date information on contained HAZMAT is not available after many decades of operational use. NSPA fills this gap with experts that can identify, analyze and categorize all kinds of HAZMATs. This would then become the first step to developing a robust and compliant D3 strategy for equipment of all domains (air, land and sea).