International cooperation
AOBP is an active participant in several key international organisations dedicated to enhancing cooperation between industry and government institutions within the defence and security sector. These strategic international relationships support not only the exchange of information and technological innovation, but also the promotion of the Czech defence industry's interests on the global stage. AOBP’s most significant partnerships include:
1. NATO Industry Advisory Group (NIAG)
The NATO Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG) is an advisory body focused on providing industrial support to the Alliance. It serves as a bridge between NATO and the defence industry, helping to identify the Alliance’s needs in technological innovation, research, and development. NIAG offers Allied nations access to industrial know-how in strategic, business, and technological domains, and delivers expert studies that support the development of NATO capabilities. The Czech Republic is represented in NIAG by the Defence and Security Industry Association of the Czech Republic. The Group also provides industrial companies with the opportunity to contribute to the definition of system requirements and to engage with experts from Allied governments and industry.
2. NATO Science and Technology Organisation (STO)
Another key platform in which AOBP actively engages is the NATO Science and Technology Organisation (STO). The NATO STO promotes scientific and technological advancement in the field of defence through research projects, conferences, and specialised working groups. AOBP supports initiatives that enable Czech companies to participate in research activities critical to the development of emerging technologies—such as advanced materials, autonomous systems, cyber security, and other domains shaping the modern defence environment. Strengthening the link between Czech research capabilities and NATO delivers benefits not only to individual companies, but also to the broader technological advancement of the Czech defence and security sector.
3. European Defence Agency (EDA)
At the European level, AOBP cooperates with several key institutions, including the European Defence Agency (EDA)—a central body of the European Union focused on enhancing the interoperability and effectiveness of European defence capabilities. The EDA supports EU Member States in the areas of defence policy and industry, and plays a coordinating role in research and development activities. It actively contributes to initiatives that foster cooperation among European manufacturers and promote synergies that strengthen Europe’s defence autonomy. Close cooperation with the EDA enables Czech companies to participate in major European defence projects.
4. European Commission (DG DEFIS)
AOBP is also actively engaged in the work of the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS), the branch of the European Commission responsible for policy and the development of the European defence industry. DG DEFIS promotes competitiveness and innovation in the defence and space sectors, including through financial instruments such as grants and research and development programmes. AOBP supports the participation of its member companies in European initiatives, particularly in areas such as the development of emerging technologies, enhancing military mobility within the EU, and strengthening the defence capabilities of Member States.
5. NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA)
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) is the Alliance’s principal body for logistics, technical support, and centralised acquisition. It provides essential services to NATO Member States across maintenance, supply, infrastructure, and the modernisation of defence systems. NSPA serves as a key platform for companies in the defence and security sector to participate in international procurement. A video guide on how to navigate the NSPA system is available at the following link.
