ASD and Ukrainian Ministry sign agreement on defence industry cooperation

At the EU-Ukraine Defence Industry Forum in Brussels, Herman Smetanin, the Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, and Jan Pie, the Secretary General of the Aerospace, Security, and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding cooperation in the defence industry.

The purpose of the MoU is to jointly promote the common interests of Ukrainian industries and ASD members. To achieve this, the Ukrainian Ministry and ASD agreed to foster cooperation and partnerships between Ukrainian defence companies and ASD members, as well as facilitate the involvement of Ukrainian companies in industrial consortia under relevant EU programs, such as the European Defence Fund and Horizon Europe.

As one of the first deliverables under the agreement, ASD has launched an online B2B platform called ‘ASD Connect,’ which aims to facilitate matchmaking between Ukrainian and other European defence companies. The MoU is effective for a period of three years, with the possibility of renewal.

Herman Smetanin stated, “We see strong interest from European companies and associations in the Ukrainian defence industry, and this interest is mutual. We aim to develop partnerships that benefit both sides. After all, we can strengthen our partners with our experience, expertise, and our ability to adapt quickly to the needs of the front and implement innovations at lightning speed. I am grateful to ASD for its active role in supporting the Ukrainian defence industry. Special thanks go to ASD for its involvement in organising the Second EU-Ukraine Defence Industry Forum. This Memorandum serves as a roadmap for action, and we are ready to move forward—together with ASD and all European defence companies.”

Jan Pie stated, “In light of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and its population, the European defence industry plays a crucial role in supporting the commitments declared by EU and NATO members to support Ukraine in its fight for territorial integrity and self-determination. With today’s Memorandum of Understanding, ASD—representing the voice of the European defence industry—reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and commits to supporting its efforts to develop its defence industry and integrate it into the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. I believe our cooperation will be mutually beneficial and contribute to the security of both Ukraine and Europe as a whole.”