What does ASCA mean in UNCLASSIFIED

ASCA is an international cooperation program intended to foster collaboration and cooperation between nations in the development and production of artillery systems. It was established in 2010 by a group of countries that included United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Israel and Australia.

Membership in ASCA is open to countries with an interest in developing and producing advanced artillery systems. The group currently includes 14 nations from Europe and North America.

Projects carried out under the umbrella of the Artillery Systems Cooperation Activities (ASCA) are aimed at increasing knowledge sharing and developing common standards for artillery technology and best practices related to its acquisition and production. This includes research on design concepts, component integration technologies as well as test procedures. Current projects also include collaborative development of ammunition and launch systems.

Yes. Participating members are able to access a dedicated budget allocated by each individual country for research activities taking place within the framework of ASCA programs.

No participation fees or dues are required from member countries participating in the Artillery Systems Cooperation Activities (ASCA). The only financial obligations agreed upon by all members are concerning the costs associated with attending official meetings conducted within the framework of this program.

Official meeting conducted under the umbrella of the Artillery Systems Cooperation Activities (ASCA) occur two times per year at a location chosen by all members collectively prior to each meeting's commencement date. During these meetings, members discuss current developments within their own organization as well as exchange information on areas where cooperation might be beneficial for either side.

To become a member of Artillery Systems Cooperation Activities (ASCA), interested countries must submit an official request through their Embassy or Ambassador directly to one of the current members who have been involved since its establishment in 2010. Once approved by consensus among all existing members during one of their bi-annual meetings, the new country simply has to sign up and agree to abide by all rules established by existing participants.

Yes - All documents shared between parties as part of official meeting conducted under the umbrella of Artillery Systems Cooperation Activities (ASCA) is automatically subject to “confidentiality requirements” which mean that it cannot be shared nor used for commercial purposes with any third party outside this forum without written consent previously obtained from all original parties involved.