ASD and Ukrainian Ministry of Strategic Industries sign agreement on defence industry cooperation

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

The purpose of the MoU is to jointly promote the common interests of Ukrainian industries and ASD members. To this end, the Ukrainian Ministry and ASD agreed to foster cooperation and partnerships between Ukrainian defence companies and ASD members, and to facilitate the involvement of Ukrainian companies in industrial consortia under relevant EU programmes such as the European Defence Fund or Horizon Europe. As one of the first deliverables under the agreement, ASD has launched an online B2B platform (‘ASD Connect’) which aims, among others, to enable matchmaking between Ukrainian and other European defence companies. The MoU is in effect for a period of three years, with possibility for renewal.

Herman Smetanin, Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, said: 

“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 for ASD’s 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, ASD Secretary General, said: 

“Against the background of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and its population, the European defence industry plays a key role to back up the declared commitments by EU and NATO members to support Ukraine as long as it takes in its fight for territorial integrity and self-determination. With today’s Memorandum of Understanding, ASD - as the voice of the European defence industry - reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and our will to support its efforts to develop its defence industry and to integrate it into the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. I am convinced that our cooperation will be mutually beneficial and contribute to the security of Ukraine and Europe as a whole.”