UK and Italian Defence Industries Strengthen Cooperation with New ADS-AIAD Agreement

The UK and Italy have taken a new step toward strengthening defence-industrial cooperation following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ADS and AIAD, the leading aerospace, defence, and security industry associations of both countries.

Signed in Rome, the agreement aims to deepen collaboration between British and Italian companies through joint initiatives, trade missions, industrial engagement, and investment support across both markets.

A Strategic Partnership for Aerospace and Defence

The MoU reflects the growing alignment between the UK and Italian defence ecosystems, particularly as Europe seeks to reinforce industrial resilience and strategic autonomy in response to evolving geopolitical tensions.

Under the agreement, ADS and AIAD will:

• Support delegation visits and trade missions
• Coordinate participation in international defence events and forums
• Facilitate investment and export opportunities
• Establish a joint working group to identify future cooperation priorities

The signing took place during a UK Public Security Exhibition organised by ADS and the British Embassy in Rome.

Building on Existing Industrial Cooperation

The partnership builds on already strong industrial ties between the two countries across:

• Combat air systems
• Military helicopters
• Defence electronics
• Security technologies

One of the most significant examples is the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), the sixth-generation fighter programme developed jointly by the UK, Italy, and Japan.

The programme brings together BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to develop a next-generation combat aircraft expected to enter service from 2035.

Growing Defence Industrial Integration Across Europe

The agreement also comes as European countries increase defence investments and seek stronger cross-border industrial cooperation.

Leonardo’s growing footprint in the UK, including helicopter production and defence electronics, further illustrates the deepening relationship between both countries’ defence sectors.

The recent selection of the Leonardo AW149 helicopter for the UK’s New Medium Helicopter programme highlights the strategic importance of this collaboration and its industrial impact across Europe.

A Broader Push for European Defence Sovereignty

The ADS-AIAD agreement reflects a broader European trend toward reinforcing defence supply chains, increasing industrial coordination, and accelerating collaborative capability development across allied nations.

As defence priorities evolve, partnerships like this are expected to play a key role in shaping Europe’s future aerospace and defence landscape.