Ministry of Strategic Industries signs cooperation agreement in defence industry

Today, at the Second EU-Ukraine Defence Industries Forum (DFNC2: EU Edition) in Brussels, Ukraine’s Minister of Strategic Industries, Herman Smetanin, and Jan Pie, Secretary General of the ASD Europe, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the defence industry.

The Memorandum aims to advance the shared interests of Ukrainian industry and ASD members. To this end, the Ministry of Strategic Industries and ASD agreed to foster collaboration and partnerships between Ukrainian defence companies and ASD members, as well as to facilitate the inclusion of Ukrainian companies in industrial consortia under relevant EU programmes. One of the first steps under the agreement is the creation of the ASD Connect B2B online platform, which, among other objectives, seeks to promote partner searches between Ukrainian and other European defence companies.

The Memorandum of Understanding is valid for three years, with the possibility of extension.

“We see interest from European companies and associations in Ukraine’s defence industry, and this interest is mutual. We are keen on mutually beneficial cooperation, as we can strengthen our partners with our experience, expertise, ability to quickly adapt to frontline needs, and rapidly implement innovations. I thank ASD for their active support of Ukraine’s defence industry and for organising the second Defence Industries Forum. This Memorandum is a roadmap for action, and we are ready to move forward – together with ASD and all European arms manufacturers,” said Herman Smetanin, Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine.

Jan Pie, Secretary General of ASD, stated that amid russia’s ongoing aggressive war against Ukraine and its people, the European defence industry plays a crucial role in supporting the commitments of EU and NATO members to stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary in its fight for territorial integrity and self-determination. He emphasised that, with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, ASD, as the representative of the European defence industry, reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and its readiness to assist in the development of Ukraine’s defence industry and its integration into the European defence technological and industrial base. He expressed confidence that this cooperation would be mutually beneficial and contribute to the security of both Ukraine and Europe as a whole.

ASD represents the European aerospace, security, and defence industry – a sector that unites and protects. Based in Brussels, the association brings together over 4,000 companies, accounting for 98% of the industry’s total turnover and 93% of its total employment in Europe. ASD actively supports the competitive development of its sectors in Europe and globally, advocating shared positions and providing technical expertise to public institutions and member companies.