Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD)

Europe’s aviation industry – including airlines, airports, and manufacturers – has outlined seven critical measures to boost Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production and tackle the challenges facing the European SAF sector. The recommendations, detailed in a new report by global advisory firm ICF, call for a dedicated EU SAF industrial strategy. The European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal and Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) present ideal opportunities to implement these measures. Currently, Europe’s SAF production projections fall short of ambitions, exacerbated by industrial strategies like the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Chinese investments, creating an uneven global market. Without action, Europe risks relying on SAF imports, undermining energy independence, increasing consumer costs, and losing competitiveness as jobs shift abroad. However, the report emphasises that a strong policy push can reverse this trend. Key recommendations include: ➡️Introducing risk-sharing mechanisms, such as Contracts for Difference, to unlock private investments and reduce consumer costs. ➡️Enhancing financial support for advanced SAF facilities, including capital grants and loan guarantees. ➡️Prioritising access to feedstocks and renewable electricity to ensure sustainable and competitive production. ➡️Refining existing mechanisms, such as adding increased flexibilities to the ReFuelEU Aviation mandate and ETS allowances, to improve market efficiency and reduce volatility. Read the Report: https://lnkd.in/erpdGBfq ACI EUROPE Airport Regions Council European Regions Airline Association General Aviation Manufacturers Association Airlines for Europe (A4E)

How can industry and defence work together to secure Europe's future? ASD Secretary General, Jan Pie, explored this crucial question at the SecD-Day Conference & Exhibition in Finland, where yesterday he moderated a high-level panel on the vital partnership between defence and industry. The Conference is organised by PIA - Finnish Defence and Aerospace Industries. The panel, titled "There is no defence without industry", brought together voices from NATO, the European Commission, Finnish defence, and leading industry experts: • Tarja Jaakkola, Assistant Secretary General, Defence Investment, NATO • Timo Pesonen, Director-General for Defence Industry and Space, European Commission • Esa Rautalinko, CEO, Patria and Chairman of the Board, PIA • Olli Ruutu, Finnish National Armaments Director, Ministry of Defence • LTG Jari Mikkonen, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics and Armaments, Joint Command The discussion addressed the evolving security landscape and the indispensable role of industry in ensuring defence readiness. Jan Pie highlighted the urgency of a strong, unified response to Europe's security challenges, emphasising Finland's pivotal role given its NATO border with Russia, and said: “Europe must respond decisively and without further delay to the dramatically deteriorating security landscape. I am confident the conference highlighted both Finland’s and Finnish defence industry’s crucial role in this context.” ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eGJm7FUp

We’re thrilled to announce the release of ASD-STE100 Issue 9, a landmark update to the global standard for Simplified Technical English (STE)! This latest issue introduces modernised terminology, refined rules, and updated dictionary entries – ensuring clearer, safer, and more effective technical communication across industries. What’s New? ✅ Updated terminology aligned with ISO 1087-1:2019 ✅ Revised wording for 31 rules and 555 dictionary entries ✅ Enhanced collaboration with global STE community feedback A huge thank you to the ASD STEMG (ASD Simplified Technical English Management Group) and all the STE users worldwide who contributed their expertise and feedback in developing this issue. Their input shaped this release into a powerful tool for simplifying complex documentation and improving global understanding. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/e7C2z7Wx

ASD Secretary General Jan Pie participated last week at the RUSI Europe and RUSI’s Defence, Industries & Society team’s high-level roundtable in Brussels titled “Bridging the Channel – The Future of UK-EU Defence Industry Ties”. Against the backdrop of efforts to reset relations between the EU and the UK, representatives from industry, governments, and international bodies came together to explore the challenges and opportunities for UK–EU defence industry collaboration.   Read more about the European defence industry and the work of ASD: https://lnkd.in/ek-tZPKX

This week, ASD Secretary General Jan Pie joined key stakeholders at the European Defence Agency’s Annual Conference in Brussels to discuss how industry can bolster Europe’s defence supply chains and build long-term resilience. During the panel “Securing European supply chains – how can industry complement national efforts and develop European resilience?”, Jan Pie highlighted the critical role of a robust industrial base in achieving defence readiness. “There is no magic here,” he said, “you get the industrial basis you invest in.” Key takeaways: ➡️ European self-reliance is essential – half of defence procurement still comes from non-European companies.  ➡️ Access to finance is critical – while the EIB’s updated lending policy for dual-use projects is a step forward, the exclusion of pure defence projects sends the wrong signal to private banks.  ➡️ Collaboration is key – public institutions and private industry must work together to ramp up production, improve accessibility, and strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities. Thank you to the European Defence Agency for hosting this important dialogue, and to fellow panelists Robert de Groot (EIB), Timo Pesonen (European Commission), and Arkadiusz Bąk (PGZ) for their insights. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eSeRtzeY Photos: ©European Defence Agency

Dive in to this month's newsletter! Featuring: 🔹 ASD’s meeting with the European Commissioner for Defence and Space on strengthening European defence capabilities. 🔹 ASD’s Secretary General, Jan Pie, takes the helm as Chair of the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA). 🔹 Sustainable Aviation: EASA’s Hydrogen Certification Roadmap and the 2025 European Aviation Environmental Report. 🔹 The European Defence Network Youth Seminar & Conference in February on the future of European defence. 🔹Read about Tekever, an SME developing Unmanned Aerial Systems, and calls for the EU to streamline regulations, and enhance support for research.

Yesterday, ASD President & Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury and ASD Vice-Chaiman of the Board & Saab CEO Johansson Micael met with Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence & Space to discuss EU defence initiatives and how to bolster European defence industrial capacities. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e8us2grE

ASD’s Jan Pie has been appointed Chair of ICCAIA - International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations. This marks the return of ICCAIA leadership to Europe, following the tradition of alternating between ASD and the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA). Under Jan Pie’s leadership, ICCAIA will continue its focus on global aviation cooperation, with key priorities including sustainability, safety, and workforce development. Read more about how ICCAIA is shaping the future of aviation https://lnkd.in/esK9d4ek

What role will you play in the future of EU defence? Explore ideas and make your voice heard at the upcoming EDN - European Defence Network (EDN) Youth Seminar and Conference! ASD is pleased to sponsor the European Defence Network (EDN) Youth Seminar and Conference, a two-day event bringing together young professionals, students, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore the future of European defence. Taking place on 24-25 February in Brussels, highlights Include: ➡️ Discussions with Members of the European Parliament and EU decision-makers. ➡️ An evening conference featuring high-profile speakers such as Dr. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, General Christophe Gomart, and Andrius Kubilius. ➡️ Insights from ASD, NATO, and the European Defence Agency on industrial and policy perspectives. Who is this for? EU citizens and neighbours aged 18–35 with an interest in defence and security. 🔗Register today https://lnkd.in/etYzaeGS

What role does the defence industry play in ensuring Europe’s security and future prosperity? On Wednesday, ASD's Defence and Security Manager, Vassilis Theodosopoulos, spoke at the European Economic and Social Committee’s High-Level Debate on Defence Funding, sharing perspectives on the vital role of Europe’s defence industry. He emphasised that sufficient long-term investment is crucial for sustaining a resilient and competitive European defence industry. A robust European defence industry ensures our armed forces' security of supply, freedom of action, and technological superiority. Moreover, adequate investment in our defence industry is not only crucial for protecting our societies and economies, but also plays a significant role in driving innovation and creating skilled jobs. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/ek-tZPKX