During the DSEI 2025 exhibition in London, the British industry association ADS Group, which unites enterprises in the aerospace, defense, security and space sectors, officially opened the possibility of joining for the first time to Ukrainian defense companies. The announcement coincided with a briefing organized by Taskforce KINDRED, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the partnership between the UK and Ukraine.
According to Calibre Defence, within the first 48 hours of the program's launch, about ten Ukrainian companies applied for membership. ADS Group CEO Kevin Craven noted that the decision is aimed at strengthening industrial ties in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. He stressed the importance of industrial cooperation for national resilience and the intention to deepen interaction with Ukrainian manufacturers who provide the needs of the front.
The UK Minister for Preparedness and Defence Industry, Luke Pollard, supported the initiative, emphasizing the innovative nature of the Ukrainian defence sector and the importance of closer cooperation between the two countries.
The new membership program provides Ukrainian companies with access to a specialized business network, participation in ADS trade missions to Ukraine, online events, and interaction with all members of the association. To join, you must work in the defense sector, have a headquarters in Ukraine, and a letter of recommendation from an approved partner.
Some Ukrainian companies have already begun to integrate into the British defense market. In particular, Ukrspecsystems has announced plans to invest £200 million in the UK, and Skyeton is already collaborating with Prevail Partners in the field of unmanned technologies.
ADS Group sees membership of Ukrainian manufacturers as a path to broader integration into the UK defense ecosystem, opening up access to partnerships, supply channels, and joint developments.