General Atomics

Ukrainian defence industry to gain support via ADS membership offer

In a world first, ADS is offering defence companies headquartered in Ukraine the opportunity to gain unparalled support through becoming members of the UK trade association for aerospace, defence, security and space.



Image courtesy ADS  

This offer is designed to serve as a catalyst for Ukrainian industry to engage with the UK defence industrial ecosystem, develop relationships with potential partners and deepen collaboration.

The membership was formally launched during Taskforce KINDRED led briefing to celebrate the 100-year partnership. In the 48 hours since launch, around 10 Ukraine-headquartered companies have already applied for the ADS membership.
 
ADS has developed the offering following a series of in-country engagements, part of the defence and security sectors’ work to increase industrial collaboration.

Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS, commented: “The last three years have been a sobering reminder to us all that industrial collaboration, cooperation and engagement is critical for national resilience. The experience and welcome that ADS have received by our Ukrainian counterparts is truly unparallelled, and with Russian aggression showing no signs of abating, we are proud to formally extend our membership to support our Ukrainian friends and colleagues. 

“Catalysing industrial production is paramount to our collective security, and through enhanced ties to the Ukrainian businesses powering the front line, we aim to deepen engagements. Both industries have much more to learn from one another.”

Membership will consist of a dedicated group for Ukrainian companies to engage in business-to-business networking; engagement in ADS-led trade missions to Ukraine; access to online events; as well as the ability to engage with ADS’ wider membership. 

To be eligible, prospective members must operate in the defence sector, have a group headquarters in Ukraine, and hold a letter of recommendation from an approved partner.  

ADS is the UK’s trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, representing over 1,500 businesses. ADS holds dedicated offices in London, Farnborough, Northern Ireland, Scotland, as well as an international office in Toulouse. 

Farnborough International, the events business responsible for the Farnborough International Airshow, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the ADS Group. 

ADS is currently delivering the UK Pavilion at DSEI, hosting 180+ businesses. 

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