Research & development

Shaping the future of aviation

Investment in research and development (R&D) plays a key role in maintaining the competitiveness of the European aeronautics and defence industries, and is the basis for technological innovations that help to fulfil our mission: reaching net zero aviation in Europe by 2050, and protecting Europe against internal and externals threats. In 2022 alone, the R&D expenditure on aeronautics and defence from both industry and governments was estimated at €23.2bn.

In aeronautics, ASD is involved in the two EU Joint Undertakings SESAR and Clean Aviation –research projects that aim for more efficient and digital air traffic management and support the decarbonisation of aviation. 

Research and development has always been and remains the cornerstone of our sector’s innovation capacity. However, we need to better tap the enormous potential that lays in European cooperation as it would set free synergies and spillovers across countries and sectors.

Jan Pie

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