International Affairs – NIAG/ASD

International integration is key for the German industry as it is export-orientated. The international government institutions NATO ,EDA and EU-Commission have NIAG (NATO Industrial Advisory Group) and ASD (Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe) as their main industry counterparts.

The BDSV is a member of both the European umbrella association ASD and NIAG.

The ASD is an affiliation of (industry) associations from EU countries that form an umbrella association. The ASD focuses on the growing, competitive market position of both its aerospace industry and its corporate members from the defence technology sector, especially in relation to European security and defence policy.

The European umbrella association is also responsible for maintaining contacts with the European Commission and the EDA (European Defence Agency). The EDA was founded in 2004 to support the European Council and EU Member States in their efforts to improve the European Union’s defence capabilities in the field of crisis management and also assist the European Defence and Security Policy.

The ASD has different specialised working groups so that it can work on different issues in a structured manner.

The NIAG is a body made up of high-level industry representatives from NATO member countries. The NIAG works in consultation with the NATO Armaments Directors. The key objectives of this co-operation are the identification of present and future requirements, the impact on the development of system requirements and the creation of networks between NATO representatives and the industry in NATO countries.