BRUSSELS, June 14 (UPI) -- A government-to-government online marketplace for surplus defense equipment and services has been started by the European Defense Agency.
Through e-Quip, the 13 member states of the EDA can exchange information on land, air, naval and space equipment available for sale or transfer, including ammunition, vehicles, transport aircraft, space systems and sub-surface vessels, as well as logistics, maintenance and training services.
"With national armed forces across Europe undergoing changes, a surplus of in-service or new military equipment is expected," EDA said. "This trend might increase as European nations gradually withdraw from operations around the globe over the coming years."
The system was first proposed by EDA last year and was developed by the organization and experts from member states.
"E-Quip is a concrete and practical tool to foster cooperation among member states," said Giampaolo Lillo, armaments director of the European Defense Agency. "It will help member states not only to get best value for money, but also to maintain and develop military capabilities in an environment of shrinking defense budgets."
