Working bodies
Collaborating for a stronger European industry
The day-to-day work of ASD is done by working bodies made up of around 800 industry experts, supported by the ASD secretariat.
These working bodies are the engine room for convening the industry to coordinate on common positions, promoting industry interests at European and global levels. Strategically located in the heart of Brussels, the ASD team is responsible for policy and communications work, and maintaining close links with European institutions and international organisations.
ASD’s work is organised into three sector-focused business units (Civil Aviation, Defence, Security), representing the highest decisional working groups for these sectors. And there are four commissions (Environment; Economic, Legal & Trade; Services; and External Affairs) that support the business units on transversal issues.
Business Units
DefenceASD's Defence Business Unit (DBU) works to ensure that the voice of the European defence industry is represented at the EU level. Through ongoing monitoring of EU defence policies, the DBU advocates for sector priorities, including tracking the implementa...
SecurityThe Security Business Unit (SBU) covers a wide range of security sectors issues, including border security, critical infrastructure protection, and cyber security. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, protection against hybrid threats has become...
Civil AviationASD's Civil Aviation Business Unit (CABU) focuses on shaping policies and strategies that enhance the competitive position of the European aerospace industry. CABU identifies key civil aviation issues, develops unified positions, and advocates on these to...
Commissions
EnvironmentThe Environment Commission develops and promotes ASD positions on EU environmental initiatives affecting aerospace, space, and defence. Key focus areas include climate change, sustainable fuels, chemicals, emissions, noise, and air quality. The Commission...
External AffairsThe EAC coordinates and promotes ASD's positions and priorities on key issues affecting the aerospace and defence sectors. By fostering strategic relationships and facilitating dialogue, the committee works to ensure that the interests of the industry are...
Economic, Legal and TradeThe Economic, Legal and Trade (ELT) Commission develops common industry positions on economic, contractual, legal, regulatory, and trade matters. It informs members of significant developments, identifies potential challenges from EU legislation and trade...
Services CommissionThe Commission focuses on vital services such as maintenance, logistics, and training, which account for a significant portion of lifecycle costs and revenue for companies.