Over 1 million jobs in aerospace and defence

ASD has published its Facts & Figures 2024 report, revealing over 1 million direct jobs, €290.4 billion in turnover, and a 10.1% growth in the European aerospace and defence industry. The report underscores the critical role of Europe’s aerospace, security, and defence sectors in driving innovation, strategic autonomy, and economic resilience.

At a press conference on the report’s release, ASD President Guillaume Faury called for bold industrial policies to sustain Europe’s leadership in a challenging and dynamic global landscape.

Explore the Full Report

Highlights from the Civil Aeronautics Summit 2024

What does it take to achieve net-zero aviation by 2050? This question was at the heart of the European Civil Aeronautics Summit 2024, which brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators in Brussels to discuss the future of sustainable aviation. Co-organised by ASD, the summit showcased Europe’s determination to lead the green transition, guided by the European Green Deal and Clean Industrial Deal.

High-level speakers included Florian Guillermet, Executive Director of EASA; Christophe Grudler, Member of the European Parliament; Rosalinde Van Der Vlies, Director of the Clean Planet Directorate, DG RTD; Axel Krein, Executive Director of Clean Aviation; Andreas Boschen, Executive Director of SESAR-JU; and Beatriz Yordi, Director for Carbon Markets and Clean Mobility, DG CLIMA.

Watch the Highlights

Defence Commissioner Kubilius welcomes ASD’s contribution

Incoming Defence & Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius highlighted ASD’s input to the EU’s forthcoming White Paper on the Future of European Defence in a recent post on X. The White Paper, co-authored with High Representative Kaja Kallas, is set to be delivered within the first 100 days of their term. ASD’s recommendations for the White Paper emphasised the critical role of a competitive and resilient European defence industrial base in delivering full-spectrum capabilities and addressing high-intensity military contingencies.

Explore ASD’s Submission on the White Paper

?

Newsweek quotes ASD on finance barriers undermining Europe’s defence

This week, Newsweek quoted ASD Secretary General Jan Pie on how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are creating significant challenges for Europe’s defence industry. Jan Pie warned: “It’s a self-inflicted problem in Europe... ESG is benefiting Russia, with restrictions binding European defence industry at ‘the worst possible’ time.”

?Read more

PARTICIPATE

Closing today: survey on defence industry as an employer

Finding skilled talent is a major challenge for Europe’s defence industry as demand grows and production capacities expand. To address this, Verian is conducting a survey on behalf of the European Commission (DG DEFIS) to understand how employees perceive the defence sector as a workplace. The survey will identify key factors influencing career decisions in the sector, paving the way for actionable solutions.

Share your insights

ATTEND

Hellenic Shield: Greek defence capabilities & collaborative opportunities

Brussels, 16 January 2025

Join SEKPY, the Hellenic Manufacturers of Defence Materiel Association, for a showcase of Greek defence capabilities, collaborative opportunities and exclusive networking. This event brings together European and NATO institutions, Think Tanks, and defence industry leaders to explore Greece’s contributions to European security and innovation.

Find out more by contacting?[email protected]

WATCH

ASD’s Facts & Figures 2024 press conference

Key insights include €290.4 billion turnover in 2023, record R&D investment of €23.4 billion, and the industry’s pivotal role in Europe’s strategic autonomy and sustainability

Watch the highlights

?

READ

Challenges facing startups in the defence sector

The experience of Belgian startup Hiraiwa Defence Solutions highlights barriers for new entrants in Europe’s defence market. ASD advocates for policies to support startups with fair financial access, strategic investments, and agile procurement to foster innovation and competitiveness.

Read Hiraiwa’s story