July 2025 | NAPMA Annual Industrial Benefits Advisory Group Meeting 2025
NAPMA Annual Industrial Benefits Advisory Group Meeting 2025 - enhanced Industrial Returns cooperation in NAEW&C Programme
The annual meeting of the Industrial Benefits Advisory Group (IBAG), organized by the NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control (NAEW&C) Programme Management Agency (NAPMA) was held in Lisbon on 04 and 05 June 2025. The meeting brought together 10 out of 16 national representatives from the Nations participating in the NAEW&C Programme, (Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Türkiye), alongside prime contractors The Boeing Company and the International Aerospace Management Company (IAMCO), and representatives from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).
In December 1978, upon signature of the Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MMOU) the NAEW&C Programme was established. NAPMA was identified as the entity responsible for monitoring the management of Industrial Returns. The aim was to ensure that each participating Nation is able to achieve its agreed fair share in terms of Industrial Returns (IR goals), guaranteeing that every Nation's IR goals are eventually met.
Industrial Returns can be delivered through two mechanisms: direct work, which involves activities directly related to the E3-A fleet, or indirect work, otherwise known as Offsets. Indirect work encompasses other activities, not directly related to the NAEW&C Programme, but provided to the Nations' national industries as compensation for insufficient direct work allocation. This approach ensures that all Nations are able to achieve their agreed IR goals, regardless of the direct work distribution.
The IBAG meeting serves as a vital forum bringing together key stakeholders to ensure effective coordination between participating Nations and prime contractors. The IBAG's primary mission focuses on advising and monitoring the implementation of the IR policies, ensuring that National focal points remain fully informed about prime contractors' strategic approaches and policies. Through regular dialogue and collaborative assessment, the group evaluates implementation challenges and develops solutions to overcome obstacles in achieving IR goals. By seeking consensus on work opportunities and facilitating indirect work transactions including offset arrangements, the IBAG ensures that participating Nations can maximize the economic benefits derived from their National industries' involvements in the NAEW&C Programme.
For the first time in the role of IBAG Chair, Brigadier General Stefan Neumann presided over the meeting proceedings, bringing his extensive operational experience as former E3-A Component Commander serving in Geilenkirchen Airbase. The Chair praised the forum's frank discussions and acknowledged the Programme's complexity while considering it a success.
The next annual IBAG meeting has been scheduled for June 2026, confirming the continued commitment of member Nations to maintain and develop NATO NAEW&C capabilities.
Anyone seeking additional information about the IBAG or the Industrial Returns Programme is invited to e-mail NAPMA Industrial Returns at [email protected]
IBAG/20 Meeting participants: national Industrial Returns Focal Points, members from NAPMA and NSPA, IAMCO and Boeing. The meeting, chaired by the NAPMA GM, was held in Lisbon on 4 and 5 June 2025
© 2025 - Photo by: NATO