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May 11 2020

NSPA continues to support Allied nations through key COVID-19 relief acquisition and transport: New deliveries for Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Romania and Greece

While supply chains for COVID-19 supplies are more disrupted than ever, the demand for personal protective equipment continues to increase and high transport restrictions remain, NSPA continues to support Allied nations through key COVID-19 relief acquisition and transport, while drawing on economies of scale. Last week, NSPA procured more than 18 tons of protective medical equipment for Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Romania and Greece as part of its efforts to help contain the spread of the virus. The supplies were airlifted by Cargolux from Shanghai to Luxembourg, and from there onwards to final destination. 

The shipment was organised into two flights. The first one arrived at Findel Airport on 6 May 2020, carrying protective medical equipment for Italy, France and Belgium. A second shipment arrived on Sunday morning (10 May 2020), with more than eleven tons of medical supplies for Spain, Romania, Greece and Belgium, as a continuation of the first shipment.

These supplies will help the nations in their fight against COVID-19 effects, especially protecting those working on the frontline. The cargo included millions of masks, thousands of goggles, isolations gowns and other personal protective items.

The six NATO nations requested the material through the NATO Logistics Stock Exchange (NLSE), a cooperative logistics tool developed by NSPA to assist nations and suppliers with item acquisition and management.

In total, ten NATO nations have benefited from the acquisition and transport assistance from NSPA, achieving logistics advantages and economies of scale. Future deliveries are scheduled in support to other NATO Allies.This is yet another effort, demonstrating the Agency's ability to be responsive, actively engage and support nations in this pandemic crisis.