DSEI UK 2025: ADS Group offers Ukraine membership

The ADS Group, the UK trade association for aerospace, defence, security, and space, is for the first time offering membership to defence companies headquartered in Ukraine. The initiative, announced at DSEI UK 2025, is intended to facilitate collaboration between the defence industries of both nations.

The launch of the membership offer coincided with a Taskforce KINDRED-led briefing that marked the UK/Ukraine 100-Year Partnership. Within 48 hours of the launch, approximately 10 Ukrainian companies had applied for ADS membership. The offer was developed by ADS after a series of in-country engagements aimed at increasing industrial collaboration within the defence and security sectors.

Kevin Craven, CEO of the ADS Group, stated: “The last three years have been a sobering reminder to us all that industrial collaboration, cooperation and engagement is critical for national resilience. The experience and welcome that ADS have received by our Ukrainian counterparts is truly unparalleled, and with Russian aggression showing no signs of abating, we are proud to formally extend our membership to support our Ukrainian friends and colleagues.”

He added: “Catalysing industrial production is paramount to our collective security, and through enhanced ties to the Ukrainian businesses powering the front line, we aim to deepen engagements. Both industries have much more to learn from one another.”

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP commented: “We are committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s illegal invasion. Its defence industries are driving innovation at the cutting edge of the new era of warfare, and we commend ADS’ offer of membership to Ukrainian businesses. Closer engagement between the British and Ukrainian defence sectors will ensure that we are collectively stronger when facing today’s threats.”

The new membership will provide Ukrainian companies with access to a dedicated business-to-business networking group, participation in ADS-led trade missions to Ukraine, online events, and the opportunity to engage with ADS’ wider membership. To be eligible, prospective members must operate in the defence sector, have their group headquarters in Ukraine, and hold a letter of recommendation from an approved partner.

Calibre comment

A range of Ukrainian defence companies are already exploring opportunities in the UK market, including Ukrspecsystems, which recently announced plans for a £200 million investment in the UK, and Skyperion, which has joined with Prevail Partners to bring its drone capabilities to the UK. Others, like Kara Dag, may also look to bring their systems in search of collaboration and potential contracts. Membership of the ADS Group will help integrate them into the UK ecosystem and provide opportunities to meet with other potential partners, which is a common route to market for the UK. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on September 11, 2025. Credit for the lead image is the ADS Group.