Defence
ASD'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 implementation of the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) and evaluating the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), which is designed to strengthen Europe’s defence industrial and technological base.
The Defence Business Unit will continue to advocate for increased EDF funding in its mid-term review and a more substantial budget allocation in the next Multiannual Financial Framework. Engaging with the new EU leadership will be a priority as the DBU seeks to advance these goals, aiming to strengthen Europe’s defence resilience in the 2028–34 budget.
Together with likeminded industries we have a stronger voice in advocating our needs and specificities as well as to explain our raison d'être and the importance of our main mission in keeping society and people safe.
Defence Research Committee
The Defence Research Committee (DRC) advocate for the interests of ASD's members and the wider European industry in the realm of defence research and technology.
The Committee engages with the European Defence Agency, European Commission, European Parliament, NATO, and national bodies. Beyond policy engagement, the DRC functions as a knowledge hub for its members, providing early warnings on emerging trends, and facilitating the exchange of vital information.
European Naval Industry Group
Since its establishment in 2018, ENIG has worked to advocate for the interests of Europe’s naval sector. ENIG’s efforts centre on representing the broad technological needs of the naval industry, acknowledging the interconnected nature of naval technology and the complexities of system integration. ENIG closely monitors European defence initiatives, including the European Defence Fund (EDF) and R&D programmes.
Export Control Committee
The Export Control Committee (ECC) develops unified industry positions on export control regulations, and monitors international export control regimes. As an information hub, it keeps members informed of trends and best practices, acting as an “early warning system” for upcoming changes.
Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) working group
The ASD Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) working group coordinates to be the voice of the European industry in enhancing the future of unmanned aircraft capabilities across defence, security, and civil applications. The UAS group develops coordinated industrial perspectives to support a robust European industrial base for UAS development.
European Land Defence Industry Group
The European Land Defence Industry Group (ELDIG) brings together industry to shape coordinated positions on policies that enhance land defence capabilities and strengthen the European industrial base.
ELDIG advocates for the sector’s interests with key stakeholders, aiming to boost competitiveness through new investments, industry skills development, and collaborative R&D initiatives.
Military Air Domain Industrial Group
ASD’s Military Air Domain Industrial Group (MADIG) works to enhance Europe's military air domain industry. MADIG focuses on contributing to a favourable policy and regulatory landscape by engaging with key institutions like the European Defence Agency, European Commission, NATO, and national ministries of defence. It develops unified positions on EU policies, monitoring critical developments, and addressing challenges facing the military air sector.
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Stories
DefSecIntel's new frontiers with the EDFEstonia's DefSecIntel exemplifies the adaptability and innovation needed to meet Europe’s defence challenges through collaboration, speed, and resilience.
Navigating Europe’s defence landscape: SKA Polska’s journey with the EDFSKA Polska, founded in 2003, evolved from optics and simulations to cutting-edge defence solutions through key collaborations, including with ASD
Cranfield Aerospace: innovation, SMEs and the path to net-zero aviationCranfield Aerospace Solutions aims to develop the world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger aircraft, navigating the complexities of certification and funding to advance green aviation technology
Hiraiwa: a startup perspective on European defenceHiraiwa, a Belgian startup specialising in ultra-portable, tactical defence systems designed for front-line deployment, identifies several key challenges facing new entrants in the European defence market:
S-Series specifications enhance support for Italy's U212 NFS submarineThe implementation of S1000D and S-Series specifications in the U212 NFS submarine programme and the benefits for in-service support and lifecycle management.