Ukraine's Antonov design bureau builds ties with European defense industry allies

State Enterprise Antonov became a new individual member of one of the largest industrial lobby groups in Europe – the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), reported Bloomberg.

Antonov is the first representative of Ukraine in ASD. In total, the association includes 23 member companies, including Airbus, BAE Systems and Rheinmetall, and 23 member associations from 19 European countries.

"Membership in ASD is a new opportunity for us as a Ukrainian aviation company. This European association is a union of the main market players," commented Yevhen Havrylov, acting CEO of Antonov.

He added that the company will participate in industry events, sectional groups and discussions in specific areas: aviation, space, defense sector, etc.

"I warmly welcome Antonov as a new ASD member, an important step towards the integration of the Ukrainian aerospace industry in the European industrial ecosystem,," said ASD Secretary General Jan Pie.

Antonov's membership in ASD serves as another example of increasing industrial cooperation between European and Ukrainian manufacturers, according to Bloomberg.

European defense contractors recently signed agreements with Ukrainian companies to provide assistance in maintenance and production directly in Ukraine.

Also, German Rheinmetall and the state defense concern Ukroboronprom are creating a joint venture for the maintenance and repair of equipment that Berlin supplies to Kyiv, as well as for the production of weapons.