ZAGREB, April 10, 2019 – The Adriatic Sea Defence & Aerospace Conference, or ASDA 2019, opened in the Spaladium Arena in the southern coastal city of Split on Wednesday, featuring 185 exhibitors from 26 countries which will present their defence industry products over the next three days.
Defence Minister Damir Krstičević said that the fifth edition of the exhibition was the largest yet in terms of the number of exhibitors, participating countries and delegations.
“ASDA has established itself as a first-rate business event – a meeting place with new products and technologies,” Krstičević said in his opening remarks, adding that the exhibition was an opportunity to develop and promote cooperation with partner countries and companies.
He said that Croatia has been a NATO member for ten years and that the membership has considerably increased the security of citizens.
“However, the world is changing fast, new centres of military and political power are developing which, while aggressively promoting their own interests, could affect us and our way of life. That’s why we must not let down our guard but must engage our full potential, unleash innovations and develop new solutions to stay ahead of those who are developing potential to threaten us,” Krstičević said.
He said that ASDA was an excellent opportunity for the further international promotion of Croatian arms and military equipment manufacturers.
The exhibition is taking place under the patronage of the government, and has been organised by the US company TNT Productions Inc., which specialises in organising such shows. Its CEO Justin Webb said in his address that this year’s ASDA was the biggest yet, attracting delegations from 34 countries of Southeastern Europe, Western Europe, Eurasia, North Africa, the Middle East and the United States. He thanked the Croatian government and local authorities for helping organise the event.
After the opening ceremony, Krstičević, Webb and US Ambassador Robert Kohorst signed a protocol under which ASDA would continue to be held in Split in the future.
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